Students commencing in July will study part-time
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
There is a growing demand for osteopaths as more people seek the kind of holistic and preventative approaches that are integral to this system of diagnosis and manual therapy, used to treat musculoskeletal and other functional disorders of the body.
The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is designed to develop a critical evaluation of the theory and practice of osteopathy, as well as to produce primary care health practitioners who are able to meet complex challenges and think rigorously and independently.
As a student, you will undertake substantial clinical practice under the supervision of an experienced practitioner at Southern Cross University’s state-of-the-art Health Clinic. Graduates will be eligible to register as practitioners of osteopathic medicine.
There is a growing demand for osteopaths as more people seek the kind of holistic and preventative approaches that are integral to this system of diagnosis and manual therapy, used to treat musculoskeletal and other functional disorders of the body.
The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is designed to develop a critical evaluation of the theory and practice of osteopathy, as well as to produce primary care health practitioners who are able to meet complex challenges and think rigorously and independently.
As a student, you will undertake substantial clinical practice under the supervision of an experienced practitioner at Southern Cross University’s state-of-the-art Health Clinic. Graduates will be eligible to register as practitioners of osteopathic medicine.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Applicants shall have:
Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.
Applicants with a completed award from another institution and applicants with an award completed more than twelve months previously will be required to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the profession in an interview.
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 7.0 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
Students undertake studies in osteopathic medicine, including advanced diagnosis and management of complex problems; complete clinical practice under supervision in internal and external health facilities; and engage in a research project.
Domestic students
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Summer Term, Term 1 |
| Lismore | Summer Term, Term 1 |
Undergraduate education in Osteopathy is required prior to admission; i.e. Southern Cross University Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), or an equivalent award from another institution.
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Summer Term, Term 1 | $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) | 098206J |
| Lismore | Summer Term, Term 1 | $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) | 098206J |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Undergraduate education in Osteopathy is required prior to admission, enrolment in the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), or an equivalent award from another Australian institution provides a direct entry pathway.
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Master of Osteopathic Medicine, students must complete the equivalent of 12 units (144 credit points), comprising all core units.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Disability Services website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Disability Services website for further information and contact details.
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSTP6007 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6 | ||||
| NATM5001 | Practice-Based Health Research | ||||
| OSTP5003 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 1 | ||||
| OSTP5004 | Paediatric Management in Osteopathic Practice | ||||
| HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport | ||||
| OSTP5005 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 2 | ||||
| NATM6003 | Health Research Project A | ||||
| OSTP6008 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7 | ||||
| OSTP6011 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 3 | ||||
| NATM6004 | Health Research Project B | ||||
| OSTP6010 | Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice | ||||
| NATM5007 | Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care | ||||
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Notes | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the award | ||||||||||||||||||
| The progression listed below is for students who have completed their SCU Bachelor of Clinical Science (Osteopathic Studies) in 2022, and are commencing the Master in 2023. | ||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6005 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6007 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6 | Term1 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| NATM5007 | Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care | Term2,5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport | Term3,5 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6008 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7 | Term3 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6010 | Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice | Term4 | ||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6004 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | Double weighted unit |
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
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.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in osteopathy consistent with global, national and regional health priorities Develop advanced clinical reasoning and clinical reflection skills to integrate complex information and to contribute to continuous enhancement of professional practice |
Demonstrate translation of research into practice drawing upon innovative and creative responses between knowledge and research generation |
Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and an understanding of the legal, professional, ethical standards, codes and guidelines of osteopathic practice and health care in Australia |
Apply knowledge and skills appropriately in professional practice reflecting osteopathic scope of practice and the wise use of healthcare resources Demonstrate person-oriented care and communication, across the lifespan within the context of osteopathic practice |
Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to osteopathy and its professional practice |
Communicate concisely and appropriately in an academic and professional context to develop inter-professional and intra-professional relationships within a diverse healthcare community |
Apply and integrate an understanding of social and cultural diversity, cultural safety and respect for the identity and dignity of all persons Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the biopsychosocial influences on health and disease within the applied scope of practice of osteopathy in a safe, respectful, specific and effective manner |
Students complete a wide variety of assessments including written exams, written assignments and clinical exams such as observed long case exams and viva voces.
The osteopathic medicine units use a student-centred curriculum. Problem-based activities and studies, as well as case discussion, engender independent and team-based learning.
Clinical practice is a mentored learning experience in both real and simulated patient encounters. The research component is self-directed and supervised and aims to develop critical thinkers and readers of research. Reflective practitioner skills are integrated into the curriculum to develop interpersonal and lifelong learning characteristics.
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 Southern Cross University's Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), or an equivalent award from another institution.
Southern Cross University is seeking to increase the number of graduate osteopaths in order to meet community demand. Osteopathy Australia estimates a national shortage of osteopaths that will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.
The Master of Osteopathic Medicine includes substantial supervised clinical practicums at the Southern Cross University Health Clinic (Gold Coast or Lismore campuses) and in external health clinics and services. External placements provide opportunities to experience a range of community practices and to start to build professional networks that help establish future careers.
Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, it is important that you understand what these requirements are, as they include immunisation compliance.
The Master of Osteopathic Medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. Graduates may apply to become a registered osteopath.
Graduates of the course are eligible for professional membership with Osteopathy Australia (OA).
Osteopathic services are recognised under all state government statutory workers compensation schemes and motor vehicle accident compensation schemes; under Medicare's Chronic Disease Management Plan items; Departments of Veterans Affairs rebates and most private health insurance schemes.
As an osteopathy student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the Osteopathy Board of Australia (OBA). See the details on the OBA website.
Students enrolled in the Master of Osteopathic Medicine will be registered by Southern Cross University with the Osteopathy Board of Australia as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study. Please see the AHPRA website for more details.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.