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Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies)

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BClinSc(OstSt)

  • Course code

    3007162

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) is a pathway towards a career in osteopathy.

Providing a comprehensive grounding in anatomy and physiology, you’ll develop deep knowledge of the connections between the structure and function of your bones, joints, muscles and nerves.

With experience drawn from a clinical setting, and complemented by teaching around biomedical science and health, you’ll gather essential knowledge into how our bodies function and why, and what to do when those functions falter. The course includes the study of advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, particularly the structure and function of the muscular and nervous systems.

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. Total time for both courses is 4.5 years.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking as it relates to osteopathic clinical reasoning

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate integrated knowledge of safety and quality standards as they relate to osteopathy practice in Australian primary healthcare services.

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and human rights in health-related setting.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Integrate a broad body of knowledge on human health and disease with osteopathic philosophy.

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

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop self-directed and reflective skills for lifelong learning.

Apply information and academic literacy skills in scholarly and professional practice.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in academic, professional and team-based settings.

Integrate osteopathic principles, biomedical science and research evidence to inform osteopathic diagnosis and management.

GA7: Cultural competence

Develop an understanding of social, and cultural responsivity as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and respect for the identity of all persons.

Professional placements provide students with about 320 hours of experience at the Bachelors level (and 480 hours at the Masters level) 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 Southern Cross University Health Clinic, located at the Lismore and Gold Coast campuses

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

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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Term 1 , Term 3 N/A N/A
Lismore Term 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

In Australia, entry level training in osteopathic medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. This course is fully accredited with the Board for the purposes of registration. Registration in Australia gives mobility across all states and territories and New Zealand.

[Please note: In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)’s standards for English language must be met. See the AHPRA web site for further information.]

To become a registered osteopath, you need to successfully complete both the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine.

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 Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) 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. 

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.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have achieved:

  1. satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or
  2. completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or
  3. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
  4. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
  5. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
  6. the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking; or
  7. successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College. Applicants who enrol via this pathway will need to separately meet the English language requirements of registration to practice.

Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA.

Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.

In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s  standards for English language must be met. See  https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx for further information

Language requirements

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

CategoryScore
Overall Score7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 24 core units (288 credit points).

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health 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.

Progression

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion 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 & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Course structure

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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Complete the units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the award

First Year

HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1006 Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term1,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,5
Term1,5
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term1,5
Term1,5
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Gold Coast
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Lismore
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
OSTP1001 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites Must have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisites HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
Dual Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisites OSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1; AND HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND have completed or currently enrolled in HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2001 Osteopathic Science I
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND OSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Second Year

OSTP2002 Osteopathic Science II
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites OSTP2001 - Osteopathic Science I
OSTP2005 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites OSTP2004 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
Summer Term
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
OSTP2009 Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites OSTP2002 - Osteopathic Science II
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
OSTP2010 Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
Dual Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisites HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH1005 Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term3,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3,4
Term3,4
Gold Coast
Term3,4
Term3,4
Lismore
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term3,4
Term3,4
Enrolment information This unit contains content on mental health and psychological trauma which may be triggering for some students. Please consider this when enrolling in the unit.
STAT2001 Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites 36 credit points

Third Year

PBHL2002 Health Promotion
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites 288 credit points in 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology; OR 192 credit points in any other course
Enrolment information It is recommended that students who need to complete both PBHL2002 Health Promotion and PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project as part of their course, enrol in both units in the same year.
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisites Be admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
OSTP3002 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4
Dual Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Lismore
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Pre-requisites OSTP2009 - Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies OR BIOL2003 - Neuroscience; AND OSTP2010 - Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis OR; OSTP2003 - Osteopathic Diagnosis I AND OSTP2008 - Osteopathic Diagnosis II; AND OSTP2005 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
OSTP3003 Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology AND OSTP2010 - Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
NUTR1001 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
Term2,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term2,3
Term2
OSTP3004 Osteopathic Practice in Musculoskeletal and Occupational Rehabilitation
Dual Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisites OSTP3003 - Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine; AND HLTH1005 - Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health OR PSYC1003 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences
Enrolment information This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
OSTP3005 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 5
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites OSTP3002 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4 OR OSTP2006 - Osteopathic Studies IV AND; OSTP2009 - Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies OR BIOL2003 - Neuroscience
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PBHL2002 - Health Promotion OR PBHL1002 - Health Promotion and Wellness
Enrolment information Please note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
OSTP1001 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
HBIO1009 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006 Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010 Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
BIOL2007 Biochemistry
OSTP2001 Osteopathic Science I
OSTP2002 Osteopathic Science II
OSTP2005 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
HBIO2005 Human Pathophysiology
OSTP2009 Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies
HLTH1005 Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
OSTP2010 Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
STAT2001 Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
PHAR2001 Introductory Pharmacology
PBHL2002 Health Promotion
OSTP3002 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4
OSTP3003 Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine
NUTR1001 Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
OSTP3004 Osteopathic Practice in Musculoskeletal and Occupational Rehabilitation
PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project
OSTP3005 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 5