Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy

Overview

The program has been developed to provide an alternative model of postgraduate education for qualified physiotherapists who wish to improve both their skills in manipulative physiotherapy and theoretical knowledge of the musculoskeletal system.

Many practising clinicians are excited about the prospect of improving their "hands on" skills but are not as interested in research. The Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy offers a pathway for skill development in this important area of physiotherapy practice. It provides clinicians with intensive tuition in an integrated approach to orthopaedic manual therapy to include mobilisation and manipulation of the articular system, correction of muscle dysfunction and management of neural tissue pain disorders. The primary aim is to integrate joint, muscle and neural tissue based manual therapy concepts to provide a more functional and comprehensive approach to the management of a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The clinical program is closely complemented by tutorials in clinical and functional anatomy, radiology and pain physiology. Students are educated and closely supervised by an internationally respected team of clinical educators including Kim Robinson, Toby Hall, Jenny McConnell, Dr Diana Hopper, Dr Peter O'Sullivan, Max Zusman, Professor of Anatomy Dr James Taylor, and Osteopath/Physiotherapist Michael Monaghan.

The Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy is an excellent foundation for continuation in the Master of Manipulative Therapy program.

Entrance Requirements

A degree or diploma entitling the applicant to practice as a physiotherapist in their own country, and to gain temporary registration from the Physiotherapist Registration Board of Western Australia.

Course Structure

The Online Courses Handbook contains specific details regarding the entry requirements, course structure, availability and duration of this course.

Applicants should note that the graduate certificate consists of four units. Credit for one unit ( Clinical Practice 551 ) is given upon satisfactory completion of the four week clinical component. The clinical component is run by Manual Concepts at Curtin's Bentley campus in Perth, and is offered in January, July and November every year. Manual Concepts is an organisation formed to promote and provide education in topics related to musculoskeletal medicine to physiotherapists and other health professionals.

Upon completion of the clinical component, the remaining three units are undertaken in a distance education mode of study over the following three semesters.

How To Apply

Download and complete the Application for Admission to a Postgraduate Coursework Degree form. Both Australian and International students should use this form to apply for admission to this program. As participants are required to be on campus for four weeks only, and the remainder of the program is completed off-campus, International students are not required to obtain a student visa.

Course Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases section of the Online Course Handbook. Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately to act as subjects for their peer group, and prospective students are advised that the clinical element of the program requires full participation in laboratory classes, where manual skills and topics such as surface anatomy are presented.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Further study in physiotherapy will allow students and practitioners to pursue particular interests and to enhance their knowledge and skills. Greater knowledge and skills will, in turn, enhance employability and promotion opportunities.

For physiotherapists contemplating private practice, the knowledge and experience gained through further study will increase confidence and practical ability in the field.

Tuition Fees

Please refer to the Curtin Fees web site for details of tuition fees.