Overview

Overview

> Take a holistic approach to clinical care with a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University (VU).

> Get qualified for a rewarding career building ongoing relationships with clients, alleviating pain, optimising mobility and function, emphasising preventative care and promoting healthy lifestyle changes.

> VU’s unique degree is the only course in Victoria that allows you to become an osteopath accredited with the Australiasian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC) in just 4.5 years and at a masters level.

During your degree, which covers both undergraduate and postgraduate subjects, you’ll study:

*anatomy*

*osteopathic principles and techniques

*physiology

*pathology

*population health

*evidence-based practice.

*Anatomy includes studying cadaver specimens at our St Albans Campus anatomy lab.

You'll also benefit from extensive work experience, with hands-on practice at our professional clinics.

Once you graduate, you’ll be eligible for accreditation to practise as an osteopath, with the skills to:

*assess and diagnose a range of conditions

*develop safe treatment programs

*perform soft-tissue techniques

*perform joint mobilisation and manipulative techniques

*provide exercise rehabilitation programs. 

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

*Justify their professional, ethical and legal position as an osteopath within the scope of practice of an osteopath and the broader Australian healthcare system;

*Critically appraise scholarly healthcare literature to integrate the best available evidence into practice to continually improve practice;

*Design a patient-centred, culturally safe and evidence-informed management plan based on sound clinical reasoning, appropriate use of medicine, scientific evidence and patient/client preferences to inform decision-making;

*Exemplify relevant leadership, ethical behaviour, prioritisation of resources, and appropriate communication on all aspects of the care process within a collaborative clinical setting including peers, inter-professional colleagues, supervisors, and a diverse range of patients;

*Implement inclusive, culturally safe, patient-centred care for a diverse range of patient populations across the lifespan, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples;

*Advocate for patients and the community by promoting health through effective communication, collaborative practice, inter-professional practice, health education and evidence-based management;

*Evaluate patient progress using standardised outcome measures, and document and appropriately communicate information about patient care;

*Design and undertake a scholarly piece of work related to the osteopathic profession; and

*Critically reflect on theoretical concepts, professional capabilities, self-care, personal and clinical experiences, and embrace lifelong learning to inform and continually improve practice.

Course structure

To attain the double award of Bachelor of Health Science (Osteopathy) / Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) students will be required to complete:

*432 credit points of core studies

Careers

As a highly-skilled osteopath, you can enjoy the independence of running your own private practice, or choose to provide healthcare in settings such as:

*private clinics

*multidisciplinary health clinics

*sporting groups

*community organisations.