Course summary

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.

 

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.

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

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.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide AHPRA with your details for student registration. 
 
You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to AHPRA directly. You can find more information about AHPRA student registration and what we are required to report to AHPRA on their website.
 
Please be aware that as part of the registration process, AHPRA will collect your personal information (including your USI). AHPRA’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by AHPRA; complain to AHPRA about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. AHPRA’s Privacy Policy can be accessed on AHPRA’s Privacy webpage.

Course overview

Course code

1207235

Course abbreviation

MOstMed

Credit points

144

Equivalent units

12

Duration

1.5 years full-time; 3 years part-time

Duration

1.5 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Summer Term N/A N/A
Lismore Summer Term N/A N/A

Fee information

Commonwealth supported


International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold Coast Summer Term $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) 098206J
Lismore Summer Term $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) 098206J

Course requirements

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

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.


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 Note

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
NATM5007 - Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care
HLTH1003 - Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
OSTP6008 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7
OSTP6010 - Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice
OSTP6004 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV Note 1

Notes

Note 1: Double weighted unit