306946 v.2 Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

DClinPhysio(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 055615C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 3 Years

Introduction

This inaugural coursework doctorate has been developed to provide graduates with the opportunity to continue their professional development as a lifelong learner. It provides advanced theoretical knowledge, contemporary clinical practice and clinical research opportunities. It aims to support professional development of physiotherapists from the point where they are new graduates commencing practice to the point where they become expert clinicians with specialist clinical and professional expertise. The primary aim is to support the emergence of clinical expertise based on a solid foundation of evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning and diagnostic skills. It is anticipated that graduates will be expert consumers of research and evaluators of available research evidence and that as they progress through the program they will become expert in conducting clinical research. Students will also have the opportunity to acquire expertise in areas related to clinical practice to further enhance their professional development. Examples include the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to small business management for those individuals engaged in private practice.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

For admission as a candidate in this doctoral coursework program an applicant shall satisfy the Divisional Graduate Studies Committee (DGSC) that at least ONE of the following eligibility criteria has been met (all in Physiotherapy) - graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Master within the University OR graduated with or qualified for the award of the degree of Bachelor with First Class or Upper Second Class Honours within the University OR Graduated with a Bachelor degree and completed a Postgraduate Diploma or its equivalent with a course-weighted average of not less than seventy five per cent within the University OR obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to, or a satisfactory substitute for, any of the qualifications prescribed in the points above. Applicants may be considered, on a case by case basis, if they hold a first degree with good results in a relevant field and also have at least six years' professional experience, or three years at a level that enables full membership of a relevant professional body. Refer to University Higher Degree by Coursework Regulations for Doctoral Degrees.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Successful applicants may apply for recognition of prior learning to a maximum of 100 credits based on previous study at an advanced level or based on 24 months of full time relevant clinical experience. Documentation and evidence must be submitted detailing the hours and caseload.

Duration and Availability

A domestic candidate may enrol in the coursework Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy either full-time or part-time. International students may, due to legislative and visa restrictions, be required to enrol on a full-time basis. Enrolment shall be continuous with the exception of periods of leave of absence as approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee. The minimum course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time, and the maximum course duration is four years full-time or equivalent part-time. Only fee-paying places are available. The time limits shall be adjusted for approved periods of leave of absence.

Intermediate Awards 1

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:

Intermediate Awards II

Master of Sports Physiotherapy, Master of Manipulative Therapy and Master of Clinical Physiotherapy.

Course Organisation

In preparation for the thesis, students must complete Clinical Research 751 and Clinical Research Project 752.

Professional Recognition

Students are required to be registered with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia if they undertake a unit involving clinical practice within Australia. Students completing units involving clinical practice outside Western Australia must comply with local legislative requirements and are responsible for any associated fees. Eligibility for temporary registration with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia is a prerequisite for acceptance into the course. Certification of fitness to undergo manipulative procedures is a requirement for acceptance into the course.

Additional Course Expenses

Thesis preparation and binding, and other costs as normally covered by doctoral students. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Costs associated with successful completion of an approved course in first aid (CPR).

Further Information

Further information concerning doctoral research can be obtained at http://www.research.curtin.edu.au/ and for research graduate studies http://www.research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/index.html at Curtin University.

Special Note

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. Curtins Higher Degree by Coursework Regulations for Doctoral Degrees will apply in respect of enrolment, candidacy, the program committee and the examination process. For further information please refer to the General Information section at the front of this Handbook. A candidate shall comply with these regulations as from time to time amended or remade, except where the University Graduate Studies Committee is of the opinion that any candidate has been or may be adversely affected by a change in the regulations since initial enrolment. The candidate may be permitted to continue under such regulation or regulations in force at any time during the period of candidature and on conditions the Committee may prescribe.

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
306947	v.1	Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 751	4.0	25.0
310027	v.1	Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 752	2.0	25.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
306950	v.1	Physiotherapy Clinical Practice 754	8.0	50.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
307456	v.1	Evidence Based Practice 750	5.0	25.0
307464	v.1	Clinical Research 751	6.0	25.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		50.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
307469	v.1	Physiotherapy Research Project 752	4.0	25.0
		SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:		75.0
				100.0
Year 3
308118	v.1 *	Doctoral Coursework Thesis - Physiotherapy
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified)			Hrs/Wk	Credit
13054	v.2	Clinical Management 651	12.0	25.0
13057	v.2	Clinical Management 652	12.0	25.0
13060	v.3	Professional Project 650	10.0	50.0
13061	v.2	Professional Practice 651	4.0	25.0
13062	v.2	Professional Practice 652	2.0	12.5
13063	v.2	Professional Practice 653	2.0	12.5
13064	v.2	Exercise Physiology 652	3.0	12.5
13066	v.2	Physiology of Pain 652	2.0	12.5
307457	v.1	Clinical Practice 751	11.0	37.5
307458	v.1	Clinical Practice 752	16.0	37.5
307460	v.1	Sports Clinic 752	22.0	37.5
307466	v.1	Functional Rehabilitation 752	3.0	12.5
307467	v.1	Professional Practice 752	3.0	12.5
307470	v.1	Physiology of Pain 655	2.0	12.5
307471	v.1	Functional and Applied Anatomy 655	3.0	25.0
307472	v.1	Pathology and Diagnosis 655	2.0	12.5
308272	v.1	Clinical Anatomy, Pathology and Diagnosis 752	4.0	25.0
308273	v.1	Sports Clinical Practice 750	5.0	12.5
308275	v.1	Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice 750	6.0	12.5
308276	v.1	Musculoskeletal Practice 751	6.0	25.0
308278	v.1	Research Physiotherapy Project 752	2.0	12.5
309437	v.1	Women Through Life Stages 650	4.0	25.0
309438	v.1	Human Continence 650	4.0	25.0
309439	v.1	Pelvic Floor Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation 650	4.0	25.0
309932	v.1	Advanced Pharmacology for Physiotherapists 750	4.0	25.0
5698	v.5	Organisational Behaviour 550	3.0	25.0
5955	v.2	Functional and Applied Anatomy 551	4.0	25.0
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

*		This thesis is normally undertaken over a calendar year (equivalent to 200 credits) and may with approval commence earlier.
NB		Elective units must be of doctoral level (700), and selected in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Availability

Year	Location	Period	All*	Internal	Partially Online Internal^	External	Fully Online#
2009	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.