Online Courses Handbook 2003

306921 v.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Physiotherapy

Introduction
This course provides graduates with the opportunity to continue their professional development as a life long learner. Advanced clinically orientated units to enhance clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills, assessment, management and rehabilitation related to different clinical impairments and disabilities.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification in physiotherapy is required from a recognised tertiary institution including a minimum of one year's relevant clinical experience at a postgraduate level. These applicants must either be registered physiotherapists in Western Australia or be eligible for termporary registration from the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia.

Specific Requirements
Students are required to be registered with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia if they undertake a unit involving clinical practice with Australia. Evidence of successful completion an approved course in (CPR) first aid is required before an award is granted. Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where practical skills and topics are presented. Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately to act as subjects for their peer group.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis. Successful applicants may apply for recognition of prior learning of up to two full units based on twelve (12) months of full-time relevant clinical experience.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is one year full-time or equivalent part-time study and is also available externally.

Intermediate Awards
A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the 'Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy' may apply under exceptional circumstance provisions for graduation in that award subject to approval of the Head of School/Department. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under the General Information section in the Curtin Courses Handbook.

Course Organisation
Two compulsory units are Evidence Based Practice 650 and Clinical Reasoning 650 which must be completed. However, students may apply for recognition of prior learning of these units if they have completed them in the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

306922 v.1 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 651 4.0 25.0

306928 v.1 Clinical Reasoning 650 4.0 25.0

306929 v.1 Evidence Based Practice 650 4.0 25.0

SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: 25.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

306923 v.1 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 652 4.0 25.0

SELECT 3 OPTIONS 75.0

100.0

Optional Units to Select From in Year 1 Hrs/Wk Credits

6055 v.6 Clinical Practice 551 15.0 50.0

6056 v.7 Physiology of Pain 552 2.0 12.5

6057 v.7 Pathology and Diagnosis 551 2.0 12.5

11470 v.2 Clinical Management 551 10.0 25.0

11474 v.2 Clinical Management 552 10.0 25.0

13054 v.2 Clinical Management 651 12.0 25.0

13056 v.2 Clinical Research 651 6.0 25.0

13057 v.2 Clinical Management 652 12.0 25.0

13073 v.2 Professional Practice 654 3.0 12.5

13077 v.2 Functional Rehabilitation 652 2.0 12.5

305729 v.1 Advanced Physiotherapy Science 551 4.0 25.0

305730 v.1 Advanced Physiotherapy Science 552 4.0 25.0

306924 v.1 Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 653 8.0 50.0

306926 v.1 Pulmonary Rehabilitation 651 2.0 25.0

306927 v.1 Physiotherapy Professional Development 651 4.0 25.0