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Master of Osteopathic Medicine

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    MOstMed

  • Course code

    1207235

  • Credit points

    144

  • Equivalent units

    12

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

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.

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

Course Learning Outcome

Demonstrate advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in osteopathy

Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and generate and evaluate complex ideas and concepts in osteopathic practice

Develop innovative and creative responses to health problems and challenges within area of research and/or professional practice

Develop innovative and creative responses to health problems and challenges within osteopathic practice

Develop an understanding of health practice informed by ethical and legal principles

Apply knowledge and skills with high level personal autonomy and accountability to fulfil primary health care responsibilities

Apply osteopathic knowledge and skills with creativity and initiative in professional practice in a way that reflects osteopathic philosophy and scope of practice

Communicate and demonstrate technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to osteopathy and its professional practice

Demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge, an extended understanding of recent developments in osteopathy and its professional practice, and reflect critically on personal and professional osteopathic practice

Demonstrate person-oriented care and communication

Demonstrate professional relationships and behaviour with health care professionals from all disciplines

Apply an understanding of health care provision that is informed by cultural awareness and cultural competence, an international perspective and respect for the rights of all persons

Demonstrate an understanding of the physical, social, political, ecological and cultural influences on health and disease that impact health

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.

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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Session 1 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

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.

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 shall have:

  1. completed the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) at Southern Cross University, or
    completed an award at another institution deemed by the Course Coordinator to be equivalent to the above; and
  2. demonstrated in an interview, commitment to and an understanding of the profession; and
  3. achieved:
    1. the IELTS (academic module) minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
    2. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
    3. 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.
    Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.

Course requirements

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 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 Level of learning Notes
This progression for graduates of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) where AS of the four units common to both awards has been applied.
Year 4, Session 1
OST03323 -  Osteopathic Studies VII Advanced
OST93002 -  Osteopathic Medicine III Advanced
OST03328 -  Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III Advanced Note 1
Year 4, Session 2
OST03326 -  Osteopathic Studies VIII Introductory
OST93001 -  Translating Research into Practice Advanced
OST03331 -  Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV Advanced Note 1


Note 1:

Double-weighted

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
Core Units
OST82001 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research I Intermediate
OST81001 Osteopathic Medicine I Introductory
OST82002 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research II Intermediate
OST82005 Osteopathic Medicine II Intermediate
OST03328 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III Advanced Note 1
OST03323 Osteopathic Studies VII Advanced
OST93002 Osteopathic Medicine III Advanced
OST03331 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV Advanced Note 1
OST03326 Osteopathic Studies VIII Introductory
OST93001 Translating Research into Practice Advanced