303047 v.4 Master of Physiotherapy

Introduction

This Graduate Entry Master (GEM) of Physiotherapy 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 bachelor degree or equivalent and completion of units in musculoskeletal anatomy, human biology or physiology and psychology at tertiary level. Desirable units include physics, research methods or evidence based practice and statistics.

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 criminal record screening and 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 severely 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 and Clearance section of this publication.

Duration and Availability

This course is of two and one third calendar years and is offered only on a full-time basis.

Course Organisation

In this graduate entry masters degree, a series of coursework units provide students with foundation knowledge in a range of specialist and practical areas. Students complete case studies and clinical practice that helps them integrate their knowledge into well-informed clinical decision making. Studies emphasise evidence-based practice and encourage students to think critically when making decisions. Note: Participation is obligatory in laboratory classes which require appropriate disrobing when acting as clients in the peer group, and physically manipulating patients including lifting and supporting people with disabilities.

Professional Recognition

The Physiotherapists Act of the State of Western Australia requires that all practising physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia. This course has been accredited by the Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulating Authorities. Graduates are eligible for physiotherapy registration in any state or territory of Australia. Registration in New Zealand is available under the terms of the Trans-Tasman agreement. 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.

Career Opportunities

The Physiotherapists Act 2005 requires that all practising physiotherapists must be registered with the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia.

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 essential study materials.

Special Note

Essential learning strategies demand that all students have the ability to 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 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.

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.