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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
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Duration
1.5 years full-time; 3 years part-time
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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
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ATAR
NA
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Inherent Requirements
Yes
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
MOstMed
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Course code
1207235
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Credit points
144
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Equivalent units
12
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Indicative Fee
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.
This course has travel expectations - please read the information below on placements carefully.
| 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 |
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) provides students with about 610 hours of supervised clinical practicums. 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 WIL is undertaken at the Southern Cross University Health Clinic 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.
WIL is a vital part of your professional experience and comes with specific expectations and responsibilities. Please read the following carefully before applying for the course:
- Placement Locations: While we consider your current residential address when allocating placements, local placements are not guaranteed. It is essential to keep your address up to date in MyEnrolment, as inaccurate information may result in a placement that requires extended travel.
- Travel and Costs: You should be prepared to travel to your allocated placement, which may be outside your immediate local area. You will require access to reliable transport to complete shifts that may occur during mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends. You are responsible for organising and covering any associated costs, including travel, accommodation, and related expenses.
- Fit-to-Practice Requirements: Before attending any placement, you must meet mandatory compliance requirements, which may include, but are not limited to, immunisations (as per the Australian National Immunisation Program), mask-fit testing, First Aid and CPR certification and National Police Certificate checks.
More detailed information on WIL is available on the Faculty WIL page.
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 | Term 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Lismore | 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
To be considered for admission, applicants shall have 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.
To meet the University’s minimum English Language Proficiency requirement, an applicant must have achieved:
- Successful completion of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) at Southern Cross University or equivalent award accepted for admission taught and assessed solely in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see AHPRA link below for a list of recognised countries); or
- the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 with a minimum score of 7 in each of the Listening, Reading and Speaking components and a minimum score of 6.5 in the Writing component; or
- the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the Listening, Reading and Speaking components and a minimum score of C+ in the Writing component; or
- the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 66 and a minimum score of 66 in each of the Listening, Reading and Speaking communicative skills and a minimum score of 56 in the Writing communicative skill; or
- 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, 24 writing, and 23 speaking; or
- the Cambridge (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) minimum score of 185 with a minimum overall score of 185 in Listening, Reading and Speaking and a minimum score of 176 for Writing.
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.
In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s standards for English language must be met. See Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - English language skills registration standard for further information.
The University will accept English language test scores from one test sitting OR a maximum of two test sittings in a 12-month period as specified within the AHPRA standards.
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
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.0 |
| Reading | 7.0 |
| Writing | 6.5 |
| Listening | 7.0 |
| Speaking | 7.0 |
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.
Work Integrated Learning
This course includes work integrated learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on the Faculty of Health Work Integrated Learning page must be met prior to commencing work integrated learning. All work integrated 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 work integrated 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 work integrated 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 specified supported work integrated learning 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 |
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First Year |
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| OSTP6007 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6 |
Term1
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
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| OSTP5003 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 1 |
Dual Term2
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12 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||
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| HLTH5009 | Practice-Based Health Research |
Term2,4,5
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP5004 | Paediatric Management in Osteopathic Practice |
Term2
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
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| HLTH1003 | Small Business and Entrepreneurship for Allied Health, Fitness and Sport |
Term3,5
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP5005 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 2 |
Tri Term2
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12 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| OSTP6008 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7 |
Term4
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH6007 | Health Research Project A |
Dual Term2,4
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
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Second Year |
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| OSTP6011 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 3 |
Tri Term1
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12 | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||
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| OSTP6010 | Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice |
Term1
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH6008 | Health Research Project B |
Dual Term2,3
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| HLTH5010 | Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care |
Term2,5
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12 | ||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
Note 1:
This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Please refer to the unit details for more information.
Note 2:
Double weighted unit
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Students admitted to this course for 2024 are to refer to the Teach-out Course Progression on the 2024 webpage. The schedule below is effective from 2025. | |||||
| OSTP6007 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 6 | ||||
| HLTH5009 | Practice-Based Health Research | ||||
| OSTP5003 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 1 | Note 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 | Note 1 | |||
| HLTH6007 | Health Research Project A | ||||
| OSTP6008 | Osteopathic Manual Therapy 7 | ||||
| OSTP6011 | Work Integrated Learning in Osteopathic Medicine 3 | Note 1 | |||
| HLTH6008 | Health Research Project B | ||||
| OSTP6010 | Osteopathic Integration and Transition to Practice | ||||
| HLTH5010 | Evidence Translation and Implementation in Health Care | ||||