Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)

The Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy) at University of Melbourne aims to further enhance physiotherapists' knowledge of epidemiology, health issues related to incontinence, and the anatomy, applied anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant for the assessment and treatment of incontinence.

The course covers diagnostic techniques involving prevention and intervention strategies including exercise, electrotherapy, biofeedback and continence devices. Course content will include specific issues related to adult female and male continence, anorectal continence, incontinence in children and in the older population.

The course will require active participation by student in physical assessment and supervised clinical practice.

Participants will also develop skills in the use of outcomes measures, the design of single case design studies, and critical review of the literature pertaining to problems of continence.

On completion of this course, graduates will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

• Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology applied to pelvic floor physiotherapy
• Advanced understanding of the recent knowledge base, skills and techniques applicable to pelvic floor physiotherapy
• An ability to promote evidence-based practice in pelvic floor physiotherapy

More information available on the Department of Physiotherapy website.

Course description

A practical component of the subjects PHTY90002 The Pelvic Floor: Function & Dysfunction and PHTY90003 Advanced Practice in Pelvic Floor Physio includes internal examination of the pelvic floor, pelvic floor muscle assessment, and application of internal and external adjunctive therapy in which students act as subjects for each other.

The Graduate Certificate of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor) is a pathway to the Master of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health). Students successfully completing this qualification can use core subjects as advanced standing towards the Masters Program.

Applicants must have qualified to practise as physiotherapists and should normally have at least two years clinical experience with one of the two years preferably being in the area of course specialisation. Both academic achievement and clinical experience will be considered by the Selection Committee.

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.