Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy
Course Code: GC-PAEDOP (N63)
Course Introduction
The Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy is designed for senior physiotherapists with experience in paediatrics or musculoskeletal practice.
The course provides an opportunity for the physiotherapist to develop a comprehensive knowledge and skills base to facilitate practice in the paediatric orthopaedic outpatient setting. Participants will have the opportunity to develop competencies associated with advanced physiotherapy practice in the paediatric outpatient setting. Skills learned during the course will enable them to begin functioning in an advanced clinical role in paediatric orthopaedics (with the support of a paediatric orthopaedic consultant as needed).
Course Objectives
The course aims to enable participants to:
- acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for the development of the advanced physiotherapist role in the paediatric orthopaedics outpatient setting;
- understand and apply advanced clinical reasoning skills and an evidence-based approach to decision making;
- develop a high level of oral and written communication skills;
- gain an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
- facilitate the development, implementation and undertaking of new and innovative practices within legislative and professional boundaries;
- develop an appreciation of the leadership and team work required for successful advanced practitioners in an outpatient environment.
Course Structure
To satisfy the requirements of the Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, students must successfully complete both subjects, a total of 25 points of study.
The subjects offered are:
- Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy 1 (12.5 points)
- Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy 2 (12.5 points)
Course Delivery Dates
2012
POP 1 - Semester 2, 2012
8 - 26 October 2012 (3 week intensive block)
POP 2 - February or March 2013 (Clinical placement - dates to be negotiated with clinical supervisors)
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements of this course are:
- A Bachelor of Physiotherapy or equivalent;
- Registration with the Physiotherapists Registration Board in a state or territory of Australia; and
- At least 4 years of documented postgraduate experience in a paediatric or musculoskeletal setting.
Due to limited places in this course and in the event that there insufficient places for all applicants, a Selection Committee, chaired by the Academic Coordinator, will evaluate all applications for this course before making an offer to successful applicants. This evaluation will be based on the entry requirements, plus the applicant's demonstrated clinical experience in paediatrics, relevance of the course to their current employment and academic performance.
Note: Prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain, and pay for, a Victorian Working With Children (WWC) check and a police check prior to commencing the course. See Useful Links for more information.
Course Fee
The total cost of the course in 2012 is $6,800.00 (GST exempt).
Fee-Help
Fee-Help is available to Australian Citizens only. For information regarding Fee-Help, please visit the government website http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
Academic Coordinator
Alicia Spittle aspittle@unimelb.edu.au
Application Process
2012
New Applications are managed by Student Services.
The following documents must be submitted with the Application Form:
i. Curriculum vitae outlining your tertiary education and relevant professional experience
ii. Certified copies or original academic transcripts
iii. Letter of support from your Manager. The letter should be on your organisations letterhead and address:
o Suitability of applicant to undertake the specialist certificate; and
o Health service/organisation commitment to releasing the applicant for all the days of the coursework.
iv. Personal statement outlining reasons for applying. Include relevance of the course to your current employment / health service need and your career goals. Please limit statement to 500 words and provide your name at the top of the page.
Please submit applications to:
Student Services
Melbourne Consulting and Custom Programs
The University of Melbourne
442 Auburn Road
Hawthorn VIC 3166
Applications for entry in 2012 close: 4th April 2012
Useful Links
Victoria Police (for "Police Checks in Australia" information)
Victorian Department of Justice (for "Working with Children Check")
Fee Help Information
Further Enquiries
Kathy Griffiths
Tel: +61 3 9810 3174
Fax: +61 3 9810 3149
Email: scipop@commercial.unimelb.edu.au
Student Services can assist with queries about online enrolment, invoicing, change of address and withdrawal or enrolment in a subject.
Student ServicesTel: +61 3 9810 3245
Fax: +61 3 9810 3149
Email: postgrad@commercial.unimelb.edu.au