The Specialised Major in Paediatric Physiotherapy

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Strict application closing dates for Semester 1, 2010.
Please note that the closing date for domestic student applications for Semester 1 2010 will be 30 October 2009. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Another study option is to consider enrolling in the Master of Health Sciences generic degree. A significant feature of this programs is its flexibility. It allows health care professionals to design an entire program that meets individual professional interests and learning needs.

The Specialised Major in Paediatric Physiotherapy offers physiotherapists the opportunity to engage in graduate study in the field of paediatric physiotherapy. It aims to produce a body of graduates with advanced academic and clinical skills in the specialist area of paediatric physiotherapy that promote a scientific approach to evaluation and practice, and who will foster and develop the specialist role of paediatric physiotherapy in health care.

The course focuses on the development of clinical knowledge and skills in paediatric physiotherapy at a higher level than the undergraduate course. The educational approach will be that of providing advanced knowledge in physiology, anatomy and biomechanics applicable to paediatric physiotherapy, as well as enhancing the student's skills in critical evaluation and practical techniques. The clinical component of the course will provide the opportunity for exposure to a range of complex cases enabling application of advanced skills in paediatric physiotherapy.

This course will also enable physiotherapists to gain credit towards the clinical specialisation process of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

Mode of offer
Flexible delivery mode (on campus block teaching and/or off campus distance education).

Duration
Prospective applicants should contact the course coordinator to discuss their proposed study plan. Typically, students undertake this course part-time.

Course structure and example of a part-time study plan

48 credit points
Units of study will be offered subject to minimum student requirement.

The award will consist of 8 units of study each valued at 6 credit points. Five units of study will be common to other Master of Health Science (Physiotherapy) specialist majors and 3 units of study will be specific to this major. The 5 core units of study are Advanced Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Evidence-Based Decision Making, Theoretical Basis of Clinical Practice, Clinical Practice A and Clinical Practice B. The delivery and assessment of Clinical Practice A and B will have a paediatric physiotherapy focus. There will be 3 specialist academic units of study.

Students may be permitted to seek enrolment in relevant units of study offered by other institutions via inter-institutional agreements.