Prosthetics And Orthotics (Master)
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics
Length
2 years
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Prosthetist-orthotists are responsible for the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations, and orthoses (supportive devices) to people with musculoskeletal disabilities. Their responsibilities include client assessment, design, fabrication, fitting and alignment of prostheses and orthoses, and monitoring and review of devices used by clients. Prosthetist-orthotists are integral members of healthcare teams, with a clinical, technical, advisory and educational role. They aim to maximise client function and comfort by providing the most appropriate prosthetic or orthotic treatment.
Download our Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 184KB) document for more details.
Course structure
In first year students develop skills in foot and ankle orthotics, upper-limb orthotics, trans-tibial prosthetics, upper-limb prosthetics, and clinically applied research. This is followed by 12 months of clinical theory and practice, with a focus on trans-femoral prosthetics and above-knee orthotics, during which students are primarily located in a clinical environment.
Please note: clinical practice and theory may extend outside of normal university semester times.
Contact hours
Approx 20 contact hours + around 30 hours of independent study and clinical professional education placements.
Subject details
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
26 480
Scholarships
A variety of scholarships and prizes are available for postgraduate students at La Trobe. Visit the postgraduate scholarships webpage for details http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/postgraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Approximate costs include: A$600 for tool kit, A$40 for uniform, A$10 for name tag, and A$200 for student notes and manuals. Students can buy books, uniforms and equipment from any supplier; these remain the students' personal property. Student notes are also available free of charge online. Prior to commencing clinical or community placements, students must provide proof of immunisation. National Police Check - A$15, immunisations - approximately A$500, Working with Children Check (no cost). Accommodation for any clinical placements may vary according to the venue and location. Students without a background in prosthetics and orthotics fabrication skills will be required to complete the bridging course in P&O Fabrication skills and Occupational Health & Safety. The cost for the course is A$900 (2011 fee, subject to change).
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (75%) PG2a) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of at least 7 with no individual band score less than 7; or TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 250 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 96 with no individual score less than 24; or Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree completed within the past seven years. Highly-recommended prerequisites are completion of tertiary-level subjects in anatomy and physiology - these subjects should include regional muskulo-skeletal anatomy. Desirable prerequisites include some of the following: biomechanics, clinical assessment, psychology, pathology, materials technology, evidence-based practice, research methods or statistics, human movement.
Extra requirements
This course has a clinical component. For further information, please visit the: Health Sciences website for important information.
All students are required to obtain a National Police Check (A$15) and Working with Children check (no cost) before undertaking a clinical professional placement. Note the quoted costs are approximate only and subject to change.
Applicants for this course must also complete Supplementary Application Form from the website
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Career opportunities
The prosthetist/orthotist consults with other health care professionals as a member of a clinical team, in examining patients, advising on the types and effectiveness of prosthetic and orthotic devices, pre-surgical planning, and the evaluation of the end result of prosthetic/orthotic treatment. Graduates have a range of career opportunities in major hospitals and private commercial companies. Good employment opportunities are generally available both within Australia and overseas, in developed and developing countries.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the course are eligible for membership to the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.