Master of Osteopathic MedicineInformation for students commencing 2013

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About this Course

Osteopathy is a holistic system of diagnosis and manual therapy used to treat musculo-skeletal problems and other functional disorders of the body. In Australia, Osteopaths are registered primary care practitioners.

The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is designed to develop a critical evaluation of the theory and practice of osteopathy and produce primary care health practitioners who are able to solve complex problems, think rigorously and independently. The program is built on a contemporary professional model that integrates the principles of evidence-based practice with a holistic paradigm of patient-centred health care.

The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is the second stage of a professional entry-level program that aims to produce graduates who are eligible to register as practitioners of osteopathic medicine. The first stage is the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (with a double major — Osteopathic Studies/Human Structure and Function) at Southern Cross University, (or equivalent).

Career Opportunities

The Master of Osteopathic Medicine aims to produce graduates who are eligible to register as practitioners of osteopathic medicine.

The Australian Osteopathic Association, which is the peak professional body, is seeking to increase the number of graduate osteopaths in order to meet community demand.

Osteopathic services are recognised under all private health insurance schemes and have been added to Medicare under the Enhanced Primary Care scheme.

Professional Recognition

To graduate from a course of study as a registered osteopath, the course must be accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. Osteopaths are currently recognised as allied health professionals under Medicare.

Professional Placement

The Master of Osteopathic Medicine includes substantial supervised clinical practicum in both internal university health care clinics under supervision and in external health clinics and services. Relationships with community practitioners are developed during the course giving graduates opportunities to establish their career.

Major Areas of Study

Course Structure and Units (Subjects)

Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.

To qualify for the Master of Osteopathic Medicine a total of 192 credit points (usually 16 units) must be completed.

Please note that some majors and units may not be available at each location. Unit availabilities are published for each study period and vary from year to year. Please contact the School for further information.

For course rules and a full list of units, please refer to the Specific Award Rules below.

Course Summary

Locations
Distance Education Unavailable
Lismore Session 1
Coffs Harbour Unavailable
Gold Coast
Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga
Unavailable
Course Duration 2 years full-time; 4 years part-time.
Fees and Charges Domestic fees (Commonwealth supported places are available)
International fees
Additional fee information
School School of Health & Human Sciences
Admission, Enrolment and General Enquiries scu.edu.au/enquiries
Further Information Domestic applicants: Ph: 1800 626 481
International applicants: Ph: +61 2 6620 3876; E: intoff@scu.edu.au
Total Units: Award Abbreviation: 2013 ATAR equivalent/OP:
16 MOstMed N/A
UAC Course Code QTAC Course Code CRICOS Course Code
N/A N/A 069872D — Lismore
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Teaching Methods

The osteopathic medicine units use a student-centred curriculum in which problem-based learning and electronic case-based reasoning engenders both independent and team-based learning. Clinical practice is a mentored learning experience in both real and simulated patient encounters, and the research component is self-directed and supervised to achieve the outcome of critical readers of research. Reflective practitioner skills are integrated into the curriculum to develop interpersonal and lifelong learning characteristics.

Learning Resources

MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.

The web-based program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.

The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.

Assessment Methods

Students complete a wide variety of assessments including written exams, academic writing, clinical and in person practical exams.

Equipment and Facilities

SCU provides students with modern well-equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audio-visual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.

Osteopathy students access clinical facilities which include fully equipped electronic resources, medical technology, motion analysis laboratories, and anatomy laboratories. The SCU Health Clinic provides facilities for students to undertake clinical placement under the supervision and guidance of academic staff.

How to Apply

Pre-Requisites: Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (with a Major in Osteopathic Studies and a Major in Human Structure and Function) (or equivalent).

Direct Applications

Apply Online

The following applications to study can be made online, directly to SCU:

Online applications for the Master of Osteopathic Medicine involve four key steps:

  1. Register your details to create an account or login to access your applications
  2. Select the exact course you want to apply for
  3. Answer the questions and submit documents
  4. Submit your application

Once registered you can exit and return to your application at any time.

International Applicants

Please refer to the International Office website.

International Applicants

Advanced Standing

At Southern Cross University your previous study or work experience may help you cut time off your degree.

We recommend that you apply for advance standing at the same time as you apply for admission into this course, because the amount and type of credit awarded will determine your study plan.

For more details and how to apply please visit the Advanced Standing website.

Bachelor of Clinical Sciences
Master of Public Health

Specific Award Rules

Important - Please contact the University for confirmation of the course structure prior to acting on this information. The University accepts no liability for any loss suffered by reason of reliance on this information.

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

4.1 Admission to candidature

Applicants for admission to candidature shall:

  1. have completed the Bachelor of Clinical Science, majoring in Osteopathic Studies, Human Structure and Function at Southern Cross University, or

    shall have completed an award at another institution deemed by the School Board to be equivalent to the above;
    and
  2. have demonstrated in an interview, commitment to and an understanding of the profession.
4.2 Requirements for an Award

To be eligible for the award of Master of Osteopathic Medicine a candidate shall successfully complete the equivalent of sixteen (16) units comprising:

  1. all units listed in the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules.
4.3 Advanced Standing

Candidates may be awarded advanced standing in accordance with Rule 2 Section 4 of the University’s Rules Relating to Awards.

Schedule of Units

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