| YEAR |
| 2009 |
| |
| AWARD |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Clinical Prosthetics and Orthotics |
| |
| LENGTH |
| 4 years |
| |
| CAMPUSES |
| MELBOURNE (BUNDOORA) |
| |
| COURSE DESCRIPTION |
Prosthetics and orthotics is the clinical discipline related to the provision of prostheses (artificial limbs) to people with amputations and orthoses (supportive devices) to people with musculoskeletal weakness or neurological disorders. This course gives students theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing, which is enhanced by strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques.
Clinical placements at prosthetic and orthotic facilities from second year onwards are a key feature of the course.
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 skills specific to the discipline and further explore the underpinning human biosciences and public health.
Third year: Students expand on their theoretical knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and prosthetic and orthotic manufacturing. Learning will be enhanced by strong practical skills in research methodology, clinical assessment, and the application of prosthetic and orthotic techniques.
Fourth year: Students apply their knowledge and practical skills to the management of disorders across the life span using case-based learning techniques. |
| |
| MAJOR AREAS OF STUDY |
| Prosthetics, orthotics, anatomy, physiology. |
| |
| OVERSEAS STUDY OPPORTUNITIES |
| Overseas study opportunities are available. |
| |
| TUITION FEE ($AUD) |
| Fees are indexed and may increase by up to 7% per year |
| 20,850 |
| |
| SCHOLARSHIPS |
| Scholarships are available for high achieving students, please ask for further information. |
| |
| ADDITIONAL COSTS ($AUD) |
Approximate costs include: tool kit - A$550, uniform - A$60, name tag - A$7, recommended immunisation - A$250-470.
Accommodation costs for clinical placement will vary according to the venue. |
| |
| 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) - 78
International Baccalaureate - 30
Cambridge A Levels/STPM - 13
Sri Lankan A Levels - ABB
MICSS (UEC) - 3EX Yr 12 FSP
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 85
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4.9
Sweden Slutbetyg - VG/MVG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 85
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
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. |
| |
| Workplace experience 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 |
| 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. |
| |
| PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION |
| Graduates of the course are eligible for membership to the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. |
