306946 v.1 Doctor of Clinical Physiotherapy

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 Masters 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's degree and completed a Postgraduate Diploma or its equivalent with a course-weighted average of not less than seventy five percent within the University AND 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 vis 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 Divisional 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

A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Master of Sports Physiotherapy, Master of Manipulative Therapy and Master of 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

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 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. 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/graduate.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. Curtin's 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 of the front of this Handbook. A candidate shall comply with these Regulations as from time to time amended or remade except that, 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.

Availability

Availability Information has not been provided by the respective School or Area. Prospective/current students should contact the School or Area listed above for further information.