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Curtin University
School of Physiotherapy

Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Manipulative Therapy)

Overview

Starting in 2010, this course replaces the Master of Manipulative Therapy. This is a dynamic course, based on contemporary best practice. It provides an opportunity for physiotherapists currently working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy to develop their standard of practice both academically and clinically. This course focuses on the integration of evidence-based practice and current concepts in clincal practice relevant to musculoskeletal physiotherapy. The course develops a clinical reasoning framework for clinical examination, diagnosis and management of spinal and peripheral region disorders. It is designed to enhance knowledge, skill and clinical competencies in clinical practice, and issues related to musculoskeletal disorders.

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy (Manipulative Therapy) will be eligible for 100 credits of recognition of prior learning towards this degree and may be able to complete the Masters degree in one semester of full time study. Students must study in Perth in order to complete the final semester of the degree.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for entry into this course, applicants must have two years of clinical experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, hold a 4 year physiotherapy degree or equivalent and meet the English language requirements of the University.

Once you have accepted an offer of a place on the Master of Clinical Physiotherapy course, you are required to apply to AHPRA for a specific category of registration called, ‘Limited Registration for postgraduate training’. You can obtain details of the requirements and an application form at the AHPRA website.

In order to obtain registration you must provide details of your Physiotherapy qualification and you must also provide information related to the registration Standards that apply to all Physiotherapists under the NRAS. These standards include requirements related to continuing professional development, criminal history, English language skills, professional indemnity insurance and recency of practice. Full details of the registration standards can be found at: http://www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

Of particular relevance to international postgraduate students is the requirement to meet the English language skills standard. Only people who have completed both secondary and tertiary studies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States of America are exempt from this requirement.

All other applicants must demonstrate that they are able to meet the standard by successful completion of either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic module) with a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking); or completion and an overall pass in the Occupational English Test (OET) with grades A or B only in each of the four components. It is important to note that the required standard must be obtained in all components of the test.

 

Course Duration

The course duration is two semesters. The first semester starts in mid-February and ends in mid-June. The second semester starts in late July and ends in mid-November.

Course Structure

Semester 1 Credits Semester 2 Credits
Evidence Based Practice 750 25 Physiotherapy Project 652 25
Anatomy and Pathology 651 25 Physiotherapy Clinics 752 25
Musculoskeletal Science 751 25 Musculoskeletal Science 752 25
Physiotherapy Project 651 12.5 Management of Pain Disorders 652 25
Physiotherapy Clinics 751 12.5

Detailed course information is available in the Postgraduate Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Courses brochure [268.3 kb].

How to Apply

Australian Residents and New Zealand Citizens

International Applicants

Course Requirements

Applicants for this course should refer to the information about health screening and the forms that must be submitted for Immunisation and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance sections of the Curtin Handbook. Recent evidence of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a prerequisite for Musculoskeletal Clinical Practice 750 and Clinical Practice 752 . Essential learning strategies demand that all students disrobe appropriately to act as subjects for their peer group.

Professional Recognition

Graduates who are registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board of Western Australia can apply to have this qualification listed. The award of Master of Manipulative Therapy qualifies graduates for membership of the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Association of Australia, which is a special interest group of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. The Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists' Association of Australia is a member of the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manual Therapists.

International applicants please note: The Master of Manipulative Therapy degree does not entitle overseas trained physiotherapists to practice in Australia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Musculoskeletal Manipulative Physiotherapists are in demand and graduates are recognised throughout Australia and internationally. As there is a shortage of highly qualified Musculoskeletal Manipulative Physiotherapists, employment opportunities are prolific. This qualification is recognised and commands increased employment remuneration.

Tuition Fees

Please refer to the Fees website for details of tuition fees.

Contact

Australian/New Zealand Enquiries

Please contact the Health Sciences Faculty Student Services Office.

International Enquiries

Applications Coordinator
International Office
Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
Perth, Western Australia, 6845
Email international@curtin.edu.au
Tel +61 8 9266 7331
Fax +61 8 9266 2605

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