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Master of Osteopathic Medicine

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    1.5 years full-time; 3 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Undergraduate education in Osteopathy is required prior to admission; i.e. Southern Cross University Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), or an equivalent award from another institution.

  • Placements

    NA

  • 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.

 

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
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
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.

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.

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. 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.

Applicants with a completed award from another institution and applicants with an award completed more than twelve months previously will be required to demonstrate a commitment to and an understanding of the profession in an interview.

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 Notes
Year 4, Session 1
OSTP6001 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research I
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites OSTP2006 - Osteopathic Studies IV
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
OSTP5001 Osteopathic Medicine I
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites HBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology AND OSTP2003 - Osteopathic Diagnosis I AND have completed or be enrolled in OSTP2008 - Osteopathic Diagnosis II
Year 4, Session 2
OSTP6002 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research II
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites Have completed or currently enrolled in OSTP2010 - Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis OR OSTP2008 - Osteopathic Diagnosis II; AND OSTP6001 - Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research I
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/health/health-placements/. Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
OSTP5002 Osteopathic Medicine II
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites OSTP5001 - Osteopathic Medicine I
Year 5, Session 1
OSTP6007 Osteopathic Studies VII
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
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.
OSTP6010 Osteopathic Medicine III
Session1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
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.
OSTP6005 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III
Session1
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session1
Session1
Lismore
Session1
Session1
Pre-requisites OSTP6002 - Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research II
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.
Year 5, Session 2
OSTP6008 Osteopathic Studies VIII
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites OSTP6007 - Osteopathic Studies VII
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.
OSTP6009 Translating Research into Practice
Session2
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites OSTP6005 - Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III
OSTP6004 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV
Session2
Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Session2
Session2
Lismore
Session2
Session2
Pre-requisites OSTP6005 - Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III
Enrolment information This unit contains professional experience learning/ laboratory activities that require students to meet mandatory compliance requirements prior to attending. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in you being unable to undertake the Professional Experience Learning and/or stipulated Laboratory Activity which may result in failure of the unit. Full details are available at https://www.scu.edu.au/health/health-placements/. Please note Full Covid-19 vaccination is a mandatory requirement associated with the placement element of this unit of study. This requirement has been stipulated by the placement providers. It is strongly recommended that only students who meet this requirement enrol in this unit.

Note 1:

Double-weighted

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Core Units
OSTP6001 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research I
OSTP5001 Osteopathic Medicine I
OSTP6002 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research II
OSTP5002 Osteopathic Medicine II
OSTP6005 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III Note 1
OSTP6007 Osteopathic Studies VII
OSTP6010 Osteopathic Medicine III
OSTP6004 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV Note 1
OSTP6008 Osteopathic Studies VIII
OSTP6009 Translating Research into Practice