Course summary
Enhance your career opportunities considerably with this accelerated double degree.
The Bachelor of Podiatry, Bachelor of Pedorthics equips you with the skills to become both a podiatrist and a pedorthist, extending your possibilities in the design and manufacture of footwear and orthotics to treat foot and lower limb conditions.
You will complete subjects from both disciplines that will encourage the development of a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge. These include extensive studies in anatomy with a focus on lower limbs and feet, psychology, orthoses, biomechanics, pharmacology, risk, clinical accountability and clinical reasoning.
High-tech laboratories and manufacturing facilities on campus provide contemporary learning environments, complemented by significant blocks of workplace experience.
Graduates have an array of career opportunities in both fields and in careers that combine both disciplines.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
5F/10P
Completion in four years requires study in all three sessions. | Gold Coast | 1, 2, 3 |
International snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
5F
Completion in four years requires study in all three sessions. | Gold Coast | 1 |
The Bachelor of Podiatry enables students to develop an understanding of the theoretical and practical components of podiatry, with a focus on both general and specialist knowledge and skills. This includes broad subject areas including anatomy, patho-physiology, pharmacology, psychology and communication. As students move through the course, they study more specialised content including biomechanics, rehabilitation, dermatology, rheumatology and paediatrics.
In the Bachelor of Pedorthics, students are introduced to foot care as a requirement for living independently and being mobile. Studies include learning about health problems associated with feet and footwear design and production.
Clinical skills are gained through a gradual process of preclinical stimulation, internal University clinics and external clinical practice placements.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Apply critical analysis, prudent judgement and the use of research/evidence to inform clinical/professional practice. |
| Creativity | Develop an entrepreneurial and sustainable approach to clinical/professional practice utilising appropriate leadership and management skills. Demonstrate knowledge, skill and empathy as ethical, innovative and creative professional eligible to enter clinical/professional practice. |
| Ethical practice | Establish clinical/professional practice based on ethical decision-making and evidence-based practice. Demonstrate accountability and responsibility within clinical/professional practice. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Function in accordance with all relevant legislation, registration requirements, guidelines and standards affecting clinical/professional practice. Assess, plan, provide and evaluate safe and effective clinical practice with a range of client groups across the lifespan. |
| Lifelong learning | Identify and reflect on the generalist and specialist skills of practice required for continuing professional development and professional practice. |
| Communication and social skills | Work collaboratively in a range of health care teams with an understanding of best practice and the evidence base that supports it. Communicate and collaborate effectively with clients, families, significant others and professional colleagues in ways that are appropriate to the scholarly, professional and/or social setting. |
| Cultural competence | Demonstrate cultural safety in clinical/professional practice and leadership. Demonstrate an understanding of health inequalities and indigenous health (worldwide). |
A variety of assessment methods is used in this course including multiple choice examinations, short answer examinations, essay examinations, case studies, tutorial and workshop presentations, debates, written assignments, simulations and clinical skills testing.
In the clinical settings, clinical e-portfolios, reflective exercises and clinical competency appraisal are required.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, simulations, clinical practice, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit. Students will be expected to undertake clinical placements external to the University campuses.
This double degree is ideal for careers in both disciplines, and particularly for podiatrists who can extend their practice into the manufacture of medical-grade footwear and other orthotic devices, such as ankle foot orthoses.
Students complete approximately 2,000 hours of professional placement in various settings during the course.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain prerequisites prior to attending placement. Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
The Bachelor of Pedorthics is accredited by the Pedorthic Association of Australia. Suitably qualified members of the Association are registered with the Australian Pedorthists Registration Board and appear on the Board's website.
The Bachelor of Podiatry is accredited with the Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council. Graduates can seek national registration as podiatry practitioners with the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Please note: In order to register to practise as a podiatrist, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency standards for English language must be met.