Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy)

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Justify their professional, ethical and legal position as an osteopath within the scope of practice of an osteopath and the broader Australian healthcare system;
2. Critically appraise scholarly healthcare literature to integrate the best available evidence into practice to continually improve practice;
3. Design a patient-centred, culturally safe and evidence-informed management plan based on sound clinical reasoning, appropriate use of medicine, scientific evidence and patient/client preferences to inform decision-making;
4. Exemplify relevant leadership, ethical behaviour, prioritisation of resources, and appropriate communication on all aspects of the care process within a collaborative clinical setting including peers, inter-professional colleagues, supervisors, and a diverse range of patients;
5. Implement inclusive, culturally safe, patient-centred care for a diverse range of patient populations across the lifespan, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;
6. Advocate for patients and the community by promoting health through effective communication, collaborative practice, inter-professional practice, health education and evidence-based management;
7. Evaluate patient progress using standardised outcome measures, and document and appropriately communicate information about patient care;
8. Design and undertake a scholarly piece of work related to the osteopathic profession; and
9. Critically reflect on theoretical concepts, professional capabilities, self-care, personal and clinical experiences, and embrace lifelong learning to inform and continually improve practice.

During your Master of Health Science (Osteopathy), you’ll get extensive hands-on experience treating real patients in VU’s Osteopathy Clinic at our state-of-the-art City Tower at our City Campus, as well as in a range of community-based clinics.

Working on a rotational basis both during and in-between semesters, you’ll gain real-world experience working with paying clients under the supervision of expert accredited osteopaths. Treatments you may assist with include:

• soft tissue techniques
• joint manipulation
• joint mobilisation
• exercise rehabilitation
• general health care advice.

Your clinical work may also involve assisting with ergonomics, general health advice, rehabilitation, referral and resources.

With this dual qualification in osteopathy, you’ll have the qualifications needed for registration as an osteopath with the Osteopathy Board of Australia and membership with Osteopathy Australia.

You’ll be able to register and practise as an osteopath in all Australian states and in New Zealand.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
A study score of at least 20 in one of Biology, Chemistry, any Mathematics or Physics.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of the course.

You should carefully consider the inherent requirement statement as a:

• guide for your learning during the course
• way for you to identify challenges you may have in studying this course.

Learn more about inherent requirements

Additional information

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A current First Aid certificate (HLTAID011) or Level 11 First Aid Certificate must be obtained prior to HBS3004 and clinical placement. Students must maintain a current certificate until graduation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OSTEOPATHY BOARD AUSTRALIA (AHPRA) ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS REGISTRATION STANDARDS

All applicants must be able to provide the information required by the AHPRA English Language Skills Registration Standard for admission to the course.

This requirement applies to both domestic and international students.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate to Victoria University that they meet the Osteopathy Board of Australia AHPRA English Language Skills Registration Standard. Applicants can obtain further information about how to demonstrate the Standard at: https://www.osteopathyboard.gov.au/registration-standards.aspx
As part of this standard, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have evidence of completing:
• At least 6 years (full time equivalent) continuous education taught and assessed solely in English, in any of the recognised countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of America, Canada, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom). Education includes tertiary qualifications in the relevant professional discipline, which you are relying on to support your eligibility for registration under the National Law.
OR
• IELTS with a minimum IELTS (academic module) overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking).
OR
• TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing, and 23 for speaking.

The Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) is registered with AHPRA. Students who complete this course are eligible to apply to practice in Osteopathy in Australia. Students in AHPRA registered courses must meet and maintain certain standards referred to as a student’s “Fitness to Practice”.

On commencement and throughout their studies at Victoria University, students in AHPRA registered courses are required to acknowledge and provide information about their fitness to practice as set out in this form. Part of a student’s “Fitness to Practice” is being ready to undertake compulsory clinical placements. Clinical venues require Victoria University to confirm that all students have met the compulsory immunisations and clearances. These are referred to as pre-placement requirements.

Once studies have commenced, students will be advised of the deadlines to complete both the Fitness to Practice form acknowledgement and pre-placement requirements. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in students being delayed in their progress and/or not being able to complete their course.