125011 v.2 Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy

Introduction

This course provides an alternative model of postgraduate education for qualified physiotherapists from Australia and overseas countries who wish to improve clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. It has been developed in cooperation with clinical facilities and practicing clinicians and will be delivered in modules which may be presented either as short intensive courses in the School of Physiotherapy or in the appropriate clinical facility.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A degree or diploma, entitling them to be registered to practice as a physiotherapist. Applicants must either be registered physiotherapists in Western Australia or be eligible to gain temporary registration from the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia for short courses studied in Perth.

Specific Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately and act as subjects for their peer group.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Graduates may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning if proceeding to the Master of Advanced Physiotherapy Sciences.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course is offered over four semesters part-time in a mixed internal or external study mode. Options for external studies are currently being developed using the Internet and TeleHealth facilities. Prospective applicants are advised that the program may require full participation in laboratory classes where manual skills and topics such as surface anatomy are presented.

Course Organisation

This course consists of four units developed as a series of modules in conjunction with various clinical facilities and practising clinicians. These units are designed to assist new graduates to work towards developing the competencies expected of beginning practitioners who intend to enter a particular field of specialised practice. Units are offered in a variety of different forms consistent with the encouragement of lifelong learning, reflective practice and inquiry and may be taken as standalone professional development or can be studied in a sequence to fulfill the requirements of this course.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

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.