Course summary

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) has a strong clinical focus and provides students with a comprehensive grounding in biomedical science and health. During the course, students gain the knowledge and skills required to continue postgraduate studies in osteopathic medicine. 

To become a registered osteopath, successful completion of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine is required.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) who commence the course from 2017 onwards, will receive four units of advanced standing into the Master of Osteopathic Studies. Total full-time duration for both courses (undergraduate and Master) is four years.

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) has a strong clinical focus and provides students with a comprehensive grounding in biomedical science and health. During the course, students gain the knowledge and skills required to continue postgraduate studies in osteopathic medicine. 

To become a registered osteopath, successful completion of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine is required.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) who commence the course from 2017 onwards, will receive four units of advanced standing into the Master of Osteopathic Studies. Total full-time duration for both courses (undergraduate and Master) is four years.

Students are introduced to the philosophical and biological underpinnings of the osteopathic concept of health. They develop foundational skills in diagnosis and technique that are utilised in osteopathic clinical practice. The course includes the study of advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, particularly the structure and function of the muscular and nervous systems.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking and reasoning and problem solving skills in health-related settings

Creativity

Demonstrate innovative and creative responses and solutions to challenges in health-related settings

Ethical practice

Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, social responsibility, ethics and human rights in health-related settings

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and integrated body of knowledge of the concepts of human health and disease

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physical, social, political, ecological or cultural influences that impact health and health-related settings

Lifelong learning

Integrate responsibility for independent, self-directed learning and reflective practice

Manage personal responsibility for maintaining or advancing information and literacy skills for scholarly and professional practice

Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely and appropriately in an oral and written form in an academic and professional context in health-related settings

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of teamwork in health care

Cultural competence

Apply and integrate an understanding of social, indigenous and cultural diversity, a local and international perspective, and respect for the identity of all persons

Professional placements provide students with about 800 hours of experience in the practice of safe and effective manual therapy and the application of a wide range of treatment and management plans. Students have opportunities to work with a diverse range of patients in areas including injury and illness prevention and management, rehabilitation and health promotion. Clinical practice-based learning is also undertaken at the SCU Health Clinic, at the Lismore campus.

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Prior to applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.

In Australia, entry level training in osteopathic medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia and this revised course is currently undergoing the accreditation process which is due to be completed late 2016. Registration in Australia gives mobility across all states and territories and New Zealand.


Course overview

Course code

3007162

Course abbreviation

BClinSc(OstSt)

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

24

Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Duration

3 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 335115 055111

Fee information

Commonwealth supported


International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Lismore Session 1 $24,080 ($3,010 per unit) 091528C

Course requirements

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

To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) comprising all units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules.

A candidate who, while enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), has successfully completed not less than sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising any 16 units from the units listed in the Schedule attached to these Rules may elect to be awarded the Associate Degree in Clinical Sciences following withdrawal from the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies).

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on School of Health and Human Sciences Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Access & Inclusion website. If you have a disability or health condition which may impact on your ability to meet these requirements please refer to the Student Access & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.


Course progressions

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

Title Level of learning Note
Year 1, Session 2
BIO00307 - Human Physiology Introductory
HLT10583 - Communication Skills for Health Sciences Introductory
Year 1, Session 3
BIO01302 - Human Anatomy Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
Follow the Session 1 Commencement from Year 1, Session 1 excluding the units already completed

Title Level of learning Note
Complete one or both of the units under Session 3 below and then follow the relevant Course Progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed unit/s
Session 3
BIO01302 - Human Anatomy Introductory
BIO00307 - Human Physiology Introductory

Notes

Note 1: AQF8