| YEAR |
| 2009 |
| |
| AWARD |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics |
| |
| LENGTH |
| 4 years |
| |
| CAMPUSES |
| MELBOURNE (BUNDOORA) |
| |
| COURSE DESCRIPTION |
This course prepares graduates to provide specialist clinical investigation and management of disorders of the eye and the visual system. Students acquire clinical competency in diagnosis, clinical management and/or rehabilitation appropriate to eye disease. In addition to orthoptic theory and practice, they undertake studies in health psychology, sociology, anatomy, physiology, neurology and pathology.
First year: An interdisciplinary common year in which students undertake units alongside peers from across the Faculty of Health Sciences. The focus is on basic human biosciences and factors influencing health and on developing an understanding of the roles of health professionals in the health and welfare sectors.
Second year: Students develop orthoptic skills and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health.
Third year: Students further develop their orthoptic and ophthalmic skills.
Fourth year: Students apply their knowledge and practical skills to the management of disorders across the life span using case-based learning techniques. Students will attend clinical placement in hospitals and other clinical settings under the supervision of a clinician during the final two years of the course. |
| |
| MAJOR AREAS OF STUDY |
| Orthoptics, ophthalmic sciences, vision rehabilitation and vision sciences. |
| |
| OVERSEAS STUDY OPPORTUNITIES |
| Overseas study opportunities are available. |
| |
| TUITION FEE ($AUD) |
| Fees are indexed and may increase by up to 7% per year |
| 17,650 |
| |
| SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarships are available for high achieving students, please ask for further information. |
| |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS ($AUD) |
Approximate costs include recommended immunisation - A$250-470, police check - A$14.
Accommodation costs for clinical placement will vary according to the venue and not all students will incur the same cost. |
| |
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS |
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe University Language Centre; or
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or
or
Approved equivalent. |
| |
| ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS |
LTU Foundation Studies - 80 and at least an A in English
Aust. Yr 12 (ENTER) 2008 (indicative only) - 70.3
International Baccalaureate - 28
Cambridge A Levels/STPM - 12
Sri Lankan A Levels - ABB
MICSS (UEC) - Ex Yer 12 FSP
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8
National (China) Gao Kao - Faculty assessed
Shanghai (China) Gao Kao - Faculty assessed
Guangzhou (China) Gao Kao - Faculty assessed
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.0
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. |
| |
| SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS |
This course has a clinical component.
All students are required to obtain a police check and Working With Children (WWC) check before undertaking a clinical professional placement. |
| |
| SUBJECT PREREQUISITES |
| Two of Biology, Chemistry, Year 12 Mathematics or Physics. |
| |
| SEMESTER STARTS |
| Semester 1 (March) |
| |
| INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE |
| The following types of industry experience are available in this course. |
| |
| Industry project (university-based, for academic credit) |
| |
| If the industry experience program is not a registered part of their course a student will need to hold work rights on their visa, this permits the student to work up to 20 hours per week when their course is in session and unlimited hours outside these times. However, if a student has completed their course and their student visa is expiring they will need to apply for another visa with work rights rather than renewing their student visa based on undertaking industry experience. |
| |
| CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |
| Orthoptists work in a variety of settings, including hospital outpatient clinics, private practice, teaching and research areas, and visual rehabilitation centres. |
| |
| PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION |
| Graduates are eligible for registration with the Australian Orthoptic Board and for membership of the Orthoptic Association of Australia, and the International Orthoptic Association. |
