Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 2 years (6 semesters)
Required Subjects
Students must complete the following two hundred and forty credit points (240CP) of subjects.
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PHTY71-401: Foundations of Physiotherapy (20CP)
This subject will establish the foundation for the remaining subjects in the program. Historical and contemporary healthcare and health workforce issues will be discussed with reference to individual, local, national, and international perspectives. Professional standards and ethics and medico-legal responsibilities of physiotherapists will be explored. Students will develop an understanding of the generic physiotherapy approaches to preventative care and management of clients in order to maximise outcomes. Communication skills relevant to health practitioners will be developed and practised, and a client-centred approach to practice will be emphasised whilst students develop an awareness of cultural differences. An evidence based approach to physiotherapy practice will be introduced, and skills relevant to locating, evaluating, and applying pertinent clinical evidence to client assessment and management will be developed. Students will review and advance their anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to physiotherapy clients and the role of pharmacology in patient management. Clinical areas of workplace health and safety, manual handling, infection control, and clinical record keeping will be discussed, and appropriate clinical skills developed. The role of the physiotherapist in primary health care and future challenges of extended-scope practice will be explored. There will be an emphasis throughout this subject on physiotherapy management across the lifespan encouraging respect for individuality and diversity.
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PHTY71-402: Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 1 (20CP)
In this subject students will integrate and extend their knowledge of clinically related musculoskeletal anatomy and tissue response to disease and trauma. The physiotherapist’s role in enhancing normal tissue healing and repair will be introduced. The impact of different conditions (rheumatological, degenerative, acute and repetitive trauma) upon the upper and lower limb and vertebral column will be explored. Students will develop their ability to assess clients encountered in the inpatient orthopaedic and outpatient settings. Using sound clinical reasoning and evidence based approaches students will construct, evaluate and modify treatment to meet short- and long-term client goals.
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PHTY71-403: Physiotherapy: Cardiorespiratory (15CP)
This subject will provide the background medical and surgical knowledge for the physiotherapist to effectively manage the patient with common cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Indications, mechanisms of action, delivery methods and adverse effects of pharmacological agents used in cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular conditions will be critically discussed. Students will analyse and appraise the role of the physiotherapist and relevant interprofessional team members in the management of patients with cardiorespiratory and/or cardiovascular disorders, whilst utilising leadership and collaborative team building skills. Students will apply their knowledge of anatomy and physiology/pathophysiology to demonstrate an understanding of patient presentation and progression of respiratory, cardiac, vascular, renal, endocrine, lymphatic and neurological conditions across the lifespan, including end of life and palliative care where appropriate. An evidence based, problem-solving approach will form the basis for this subject. Resource sessions, problem-based learning, simulation and case-based scenarios will provide opportunities for the students to critically apply and synthesise knowledge in order to select, plan, explain, demonstrate and evaluate appropriate assessment and treatment techniques for uncomplicated and/or complex patient/client presentations across the lifespan. Students will develop and revise methods of record keeping and consider the psycho-socioeconomic and cultural needs when developing client-centred goals. By the end of the subject, students will be able to transition into the clinical setting through acquisition of competencies in performing a subjective and physical examination, clinical reasoning, selection /execution of cardiorespiratory and cardiovascular physiotherapy interventions, exercise prescription, health promotion and maintenance, documentation and discharge planning.
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PHTY71-404: Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 2 (10CP)
This subject builds upon the knowledge and skills attained in Physiotherapy: Musculoskeletal 1. Students will gain proficiency in the assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of clients with an emphasis on musculoskeletal conditions of the vertebral system. The impact of different conditions across the lifespan will be considered wherever appropriate. Students will continue to develop their client interview, physical examination, and differential diagnostic skills to enable accurate and efficient assessment and treatment in an outpatient setting. The appropriate involvement of the healthcare team will be considered. An evidence based approach will form the basis for this subject.
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PHTY71-405: Physiotherapy: Neurological and Rehabilitation (15CP)
This subject will introduce the student to neurological physiotherapy. Students will review and build upon their anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to the central and peripheral nervous system. Application of medical and surgical management procedures are investigated as a basis for the physiotherapy management of clients with acute and chronic neurological disorders, including relevant pharmacological and diagnostic imaging considerations. Students will acquire knowledge and skills related to the assessment and management of clients with neurological disorders, vestibular deficits and activity limitations related to ageing. In addition to this, students will acquire knowledge and skills related to the assessment and management of amputee and ortho-geriatric clients within a rehabilitation environment. An evidence based approach will form the basis for this subject.
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PHTY71-406: Transition to Professional Practice (5CP)
This subject sets the foundation for future clinical practice by requiring students to integrate and consolidate knowledge, skills and attitudes developed in preceding subjects. The subject will emphasise the development of skills and behaviours that are essential for learning in a clinical practice environment. Students will demonstrate that they have appropriate clinical judgement, utilise decision making skills and display professional behaviours appropriate for clinical practice settings. This subject focuses on ensuring that students are able to successfully transition from coursework to supervised professional practice and will be delivered across a two-week intensive learning period.
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PHTY71-407: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 1 (10CP)
This is the first clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic, client-centred approach to the management of clients. Clinical educators will facilitate students' learning about the practical clinical environment: how to work effectively in a health care team, how to examine, diagnose, plan and deliver the treatment and management of clients, and how to manage the various roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist in the clinical practice environment. The emphasis of the clinical experience will be on one or a combination of: Inpatient or outpatient clients with relatively straightforward cardiorespiratory disorders; inpatient or outpatient clients with relatively straightforward orthopaedic and musculoskeletal disorders of all regions; or inpatient or outpatient clients with neurological or age-related disorders. An evidence-based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY71-408: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 2 (10CP)
This is the second clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic, client-centred approach to the management of clients. Clinical educators will facilitate students' learning about the practical clinical environment: how to work effectively in a health care team, how to examine, diagnose, plan and deliver the treatment and management of clients, and how to manage the various roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist in the clinical practice environment. The emphasis of the clinical experience will be on one or a combination of: Inpatient or outpatient clients with cardiorespiratory disorders; inpatient or outpatient clients with orthopaedic and musculoskeletal disorders of all regions; or inpatient or outpatient clients with neurological or age-related disorders. An evidence-based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY71-409: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 3 (10CP)
This is the third clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic, client-centred approach to the management of clients. Clinical educators will facilitate students' learning about the practical clinical environment: how to work effectively in a health care team, how to examine, diagnose, plan and deliver the treatment and management of clients, and how to manage the various roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist in the clinical practice environment. The emphasis of the clinical experience will be on one or a combination of: Inpatient or outpatient clients with cardiorespiratory disorders; inpatient or outpatient clients with orthopaedic and musculoskeletal disorders of all regions; or inpatient or outpatient clients with neurological or age-related disorders. An evidence-based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY72-412: Community Physiotherapy Across the Lifespan (15CP)
The concepts of health and disease will be reviewed, and definitions and issues related to impairments, disability, and chronic disease will be discussed using client and family-centred models of care. Chronic conditions involving the musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurological systems will be discussed across the lifespan, and appropriate practical skills acquired. Additionally, this subject will allow students to appreciate the complex multi-system nature of chronic disease and disability, including the behavioural and sociological sequelae for clients in community environments. Methods to minimise disuse and promote health, function, and self-efficacy will be presented with an emphasis on infancy through to maturity. An evidence based, biopsychosocial approach will form the basis of this subject. This subject requires students to utilise knowledge from their undergraduate degree to clinically reason appropriate treatment plans related to physiotherapy clients across the lifespan.
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PHTY72-413: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 4 (10CP)
This is the fourth clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic and client-centred approach in the management of clients. Clients across the lifespan will be considered wherever appropriate. Clinical educators will facilitate the students' learning about the practical clinical environment: how to work effectively in a health care team and how to examine, diagnose and plan treatment and management. The emphasis of the clinical experience will be one of the following: inpatient or outpatient clients with neurological, orthopaedic or age-related disorders requiring rehabilitation; Inpatient or outpatient clients with orthopaedic or musculoskeletal disorders of all regions; inpatient or outpatient clients with cardiorespiratory disorders; adult or geriatric clients requiring physiotherapy care in community or disability services, aged care, or private practice settings; and any combination of the above. An evidence based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with extensive opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY72-414: Maximising Human Potential and Performance (10CP)
The theme of this subject is maximising human potential with an emphasis on the physiotherapy knowledge and skills required to holistically manage specific populations. The subject will apply and extend prior learning, knowledge and skills focused on achieving optimal outcomes for clients in work, leisure and sporting activities. The focus will be on the physical and mental health issues that clients face across varying life stages, the impact of overuse injuries associated with sport at varying levels, special needs of the clients/patients when injured or impaired and maximising return to work/ modified work/ leisure and sport.
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PHTY72-416: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 5 (10CP)
This is the fifth clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic and client-centered approach in the management of clients and their extended networks. Clinical educators will facilitate students' learning about the practical clinical environment: how to work effectively in a health care team, how to examine, diagnose, plan and deliver the treatment and management of clients including preventative care, and how to manage the various roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist in the clinical practice environment. The emphasis of the clinical experiences will be paediatric, adult or ageing clients requiring physiotherapy service in the following settings: Hospital inpatient; hospital outpatient; community and/or disability services; aged care; private practice; education settings; non-government or not-for-profit organisations; and any combination of the above. An evidence based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with extensive opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY72-417: Physiotherapy: Clinical Practice Unit 6 (10CP)
This is the sixth clinical practice unit in a series of six sequential clinical practice units. This is a five-week full-time (38-40 hours per week) clinical practice subject designed to provide opportunities for students to develop effective communication skills and an empathic and client-centered approach in the management of clients and their extended networks. Clinical educators will facilitate students' learning about the practical clinical environment: Students will learn how to work effectively in a health care team, how to examine, diagnose, plan and deliver the treatment and management of clients including preventative care, and how to manage the various roles and responsibilities of a physiotherapist in the clinical practice environment. The emphasis of the clinical experiences will be paediatric, adult or ageing clients requiring physiotherapy service in the following settings: Hospital inpatient; hospital outpatient; community and/or disability services; aged care; private practice; education settings; non-government or not-for-profit organisations; and any combination of the above. An evidence based approach will form the basis for this subject. Students will be provided with extensive opportunities to reflect on their clinical learning and their ability to integrate knowledge and skills from previous subjects into this clinical practice subject.
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PHTY72-418: Leadership, Management and Advocacy in Healthcare (15CP)
This subject is designed to develop students’ skills in leadership, business management, public health, and advocacy, in order to enhance health outcomes and career opportunities. It provides the necessary knowledge and skills to enable strategic development and management of a physiotherapy practice, encompassing human resources (clinical and administrative staff), marketing, finances, and governance. Students work in small groups to successfully develop and submit a business plan. Students will also be introduced to the importance of public health, advocacy for community groups, and undertake a needs analysis to inform a public health submission while working in small groups. Students will also explore the science and application of leadership and apply critical self-reflection to their experience. The subject will draw upon evidence from the field of leadership, management, and behavioural sciences, as well as real-life examples and reports.
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PHTY72-419: Physiotherapy: Evidence Based Practice Research - Part 1 (20CP)
In this practical research subject and its companion subject, students will learn how to undertake research to inform evidence-based physiotherapy practice. They will learn by engaging in the planning, conduct and reporting of a collaborative program of research relevant to physiotherapy practice. This collaborative program of research will encompass a comprehensive and rigorous review of relevant literature and an applied research project. The outputs from these research activities will reflect the range of research outputs commonly required of practitioner-researchers and evidence-based practitioners. Project concepts and ongoing support and guidance will be provided by supervisors with combined expertise and experience in research and in the respective area of physiotherapy practice. Emphasis will be on identification and critical synthesis of available evidence, ethical conduct of rigorous research, professional teamwork and collaboration, and high-quality reporting and dissemination of research findings, to inform physiotherapy practice.
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PHTY73-420: Physiotherapy: Clinical Internship (10CP)
This subject is designed to enable the graduate to be “work ready” at the completion of the Doctor of Physiotherapy Program. Students will be located in a clinical facility for the equivalent of 6 weeks full time (38-40 hours per week). Students will aim to achieve a greater level of autonomy in clinical decision making and holistic care of clients, with opportunities to communicate effectively with clients, their families and carers, and the broader healthcare team. Students must display high standards of professional, legal and ethical conduct. Students will have the opportunity to work with clients with more complex presentations across the lifespan as appropriate. This clinical practice experience marks a transitional stage for the physiotherapy student and ensures a high level of preparation and work readiness upon graduation as a physiotherapist.
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PHTY73-423: Physiotherapy: Evidence Based Practice Research - Part 2 (20CP)
In this practical research subject and its preceding companion subject, students will learn how to undertake research to inform evidence based physiotherapy practice. They will learn by engaging in the planning, conduct and reporting of a collaborative program of research relevant to physiotherapy practice. This collaborative program of research will encompass a comprehensive and rigorous review of relevant literature and an applied research project. The outputs from these research activities will reflect the range of research outputs commonly required of practitioner-researchers and evidence based practitioners. Project concepts and ongoing support and guidance will be provided by supervisors with combined expertise and experience in research and in the respective area of physiotherapy practice. Emphasis will be on identification and critical synthesis of the available evidence, ethical conduct of rigorous research, professional teamwork and collaboration, and high-quality reporting and dissemination of research findings, to inform physiotherapy practice. Students will have opportunities to co-author research papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and to prepare research presentations and abstracts for submission to a professional conference.
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PHTY73-424: Physiotherapist: Work Ready (5CP)
This subject is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop skills and knowledge directly relevant to obtaining employment attributes and developing their careers as physiotherapists. Utilising reflective practice, students will develop a career plan and professional portfolio, which will prepare them for the workforce and provide the opportunity to consolidate preexisting themes and topics explored throughout the Doctor of Physiotherapy Program.
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Study plan
Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.
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