303047 v.2 Master of Physiotherapy

MPhysio(Curtin)

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Introduction
This course provides a fast track learning experience for talented students with a degree to gain the knowledge skills, attitudes and behaviours expected of an entry level physiotherapist. The course has a hybrid structure using curriculum to efficiently learn foundation knowledge, together with case studies and clinical practice to integrate knowledge into clinical decision making. It emphasises evidence based practice and encourages students in critical thinking. Course quality is under constant review with students participating in this review.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A relevant bachelors degree or equivalent and have a history of above average grades. Successful applicants without foundation in health sciences may be required to undertake bridging units. Admission is competitive and applicants are required to complete a personal information form which is available from the School of Physiotherapy and may be required to attend an interview.

Specific Requirements
Students are required to have a current Senior First Aid Certificate or equivalent and swimming qualifications (Bronze medal, Teachers Rescue Award, as per Royal lifesaving awards or equivalent) and police clearance before entering the course. Prospective applicants are advised that the program requires full participation in laboratory classes where manual skills, including the ability to lift and support severly disabled patients independently, and topics such as surface anatomy are presented. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of two calendar years duration and is offered only on a full-time basis.

Course Organisation
Students complete a summer semester in addition to the two usual semesters each year. Students are required to have passed all units in a semester before being allowed to proceed to the next semester.

Professional Recognition
The Physiotherapists Act of the State of Western Australia requires that all practising physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia. Students should note that the course accreditation process includes a site visit and professional accreditation to the University and students. Advice of full accreditation is not anticipated until 2003. Accordingly, this course is in the process of being accredited by the Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulating Authorities to be recognised by the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia and the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Under the terms of mutual recognition, registration is available in all Australian states and in New Zealand. Graduates applying for licensure in the USA, UK or Canada will be required to provide details of their program of studies to the relevant bodies and sit a licensing examination.

Additional Course Expenses
Students are required to purchase a laboratory coat and an approved clinical uniform. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. They may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Special Note
Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately, have the ability to participate fully and are willing to act as subjects for their peer group and as mock patients for other students.

Course Structure				Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Summer Period
303198	v.2		Physiotherapy Clinics 553	30.0	75.0
303199	v.2		Physiotherapy Management 553	2.0	12.5
303200	v.2		Physiotherapy Practice 553	2.0	12.5
					100.0
Year 1 Semester 1
303048	v.2		Anatomy and Pathology 551	5.0	25.0
303183	v.2		Lifespan Health Issues 551	5.0	25.0
303184	v.2		Movement Science 551	5.0	25.0
303185	v.2		Musculoskeletal Science 551	2.0	12.5
303186	v.2		Physiotherapy Practice 551	2.0	12.5
					100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
303187	v.2		Anatomy and Pathology 552	5.0	25.0
303188	v.2		Clinical Physiology 552	5.0	25.0
303194	v.2		Movement Science 552	2.0	12.5
303196	v.2		Musculoskeletal Science 552	4.0	25.0
303197	v.2		Physiotherapy Practice 552	2.0	12.5
					100.0
Year 2 Summer Period
303222	v.2		Physiotherapy Clinics 653	20.0	50.0
303225	v.2		Physiotherapy Research 653	2.0	25.0
303255	v.2		Physiotherapy Clinics 655	10.0	25.0
					100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
303201	v.2		Cardiopulmonary Science 651	5.0	25.0
303202	v.2		Electrophysical Agents 651	2.0	12.5
303204	v.2		Musculoskeletal Science 651	7.0	25.0
303205	v.2		Neuroscience 651	4.0	25.0
303207	v.2		Physiotherapy Practice 651	2.0	12.5
					100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
303209	v.2		Cardiopulmonary Science 652	4.0	12.5
303211	v.2		Physiotherapy Practice 652	4.0	25.0
303215	v.2		Neuroscience 652	4.0	25.0
303219	v.2		Physiotherapy Specialisation 652	4.0	25.0
303221	v.2		Physiotherapy Research 652	2.0	12.5
					100.0