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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

    Yes

  • 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 of 610 hours under the supervision of an experienced practitioner at Southern Cross University’s state-of-the-art Health Clinic or in other settings. Graduates will be eligible to register as practitioners of osteopathic medicine.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

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

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate translation of research into practice drawing upon innovative and creative responses between knowledge and research generation

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and an understanding of the legal, professional, ethical standards, codes and guidelines of osteopathic practice and health care in Australia

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

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

GA5: Lifelong learning

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

GA6: Communication and social skills

Communicate concisely and appropriately in an academic and professional context to develop inter-professional and intra-professional relationships within a diverse healthcare community

GA7: Cultural competence

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 610 hours of 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 Summer Term, Term 1 N/A N/A
Lismore Summer Term, Term 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.

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.

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.

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 Master of Osteopathic Medicine, students must complete the equivalent of 12 units (144 credit points), comprising all core units.


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 and 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 and 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 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) and are continuing in the
Master in 2024.
OSTP6005 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research III Note 1
OSTP6007 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
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.
HLTH5010 Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
Term2
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
Term3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3,5
Term3,5
OSTP6008 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites OSTP6007 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6
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 Integration and Transition to Practice
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
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.
OSTP6004 Osteopathic Clinical Practice and Research IV Note 1

Note 1:

Double weighted unit

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Current students admitted to this course are to refer to the Teach-out Course Progression. The schedule below will be effective from 2025.
OSTP6007 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6
HLTH5009 Practice-Based Health Research
OSTP5003 Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 1
OSTP5004 Paediatric Management in Osteopathic Practice
HLTH1003 Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport
OSTP5005 Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 2
HLTH6007 Health Research Project A
OSTP6008 Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7
OSTP6011 Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 3
HLTH6008 Health Research Project B
OSTP6010 Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice
HLTH5010 Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care