303047 v.4 Master of Physiotherapy

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 a history of above average grades. 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 a swimming qualification (Bronze medal, Aquatic Rescue Award, as per Royal lifesaving awards or equivalent) and police clearance before entering the course. Level 1 Sports Trainer certification is required before entry to Semester two of first year. 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 and one quarter calendar years 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 are expected to purchase a number of textbooks, guides, 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.

Availability

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.