Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
ATAR 66.15
-
Duration
Full-time 5 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 5 years Location
Bundoora Fees
AU$32,640 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February
Overview
Your career in Chinese medicine
Graduate with the training and experience to practise Chinese medicine with a nationally approved qualification in an internationally accepted standard.
How you will learn in this program
You will develop diagnosis, treatment and herbal dispensing skills by undertaking supervised clinical observation and practice at the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora.
RMIT was an easy choice to make; it is dedicated to research in my chosen field and has strong relationships with traditional universities in China. Additionally, RMIT combines Western medical practices with traditional Chinese medicine to give students the best chance of success in the Australian healthcare industry.
- Andrew Dixon, Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine)
Learn here, succeed anywhere
RMIT has led the development of Chinese medicine education in Australia and is the only World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine in Australia.
Significant international ties with the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine allow students to undertake clinical placement in the Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Here students hone their skills by seeing approximately 30 patients a day during a 13-week placement.
Details
Chinese medicine is the treatment of disorders and illness using medicinal substances that come from different sources such as roots, flowers, seeds and leaves of plants. It also includes other therapies such as acupuncture, cupping (applying a heated cup to the skin to create suction) and tui na (remedial massage).
The emphasis is on the integration of Chinese medicine and western medical sciences, working together with the health community to provide the public with the best possible treatment. Advanced clinical training is provided in Australia and China to broaden your clinical experience.
Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level, with the capacity to launch careers in independent practice, or working within healthcare organisations as a Chinese medicine practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
You will develop diagnosis, treatment and herbal dispensing skills by undertaking supervised clinical observation and practice at the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora.
The RMIT Health Sciences Clinic offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine services for health promotion, rehabilitation and treatment for conditions such as common cold, hay fever, pain, skin and women's health.
You will also undertake a one-semester clinical internship in China through the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.
You’ll experience a flexible learning environment that blends online learning with lectures, tutorials and practical sessions, supportive tutorials and small group work.
Assessment is multifaceted and progressive. Traditional forms such as examinations and assignments are used alongside a variety of practical assessment approaches to provide feedback. This may include a demonstration of practical skills on a model subject or a viva voce style oral examination.
Inside the course experience
Gain practical skills and learn to apply Chinese medicine with the principles of medical science.
During the final year you’ll embark on a supervised clinical internship in China to experience first-hand modern practice of Chinese medicine in a public hospital.
The Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine is one of China’s busiest, and the visit is the perfect way to round out your studies.
You will hone your skills by seeing approximately 30 patients a day for one semester. Your rounds will take you across various clinical departments, exposing you to around 2,000 patients and a wide range of clinical conditions. Consultations and treatment incorporate Chinese and western medicine and treatment.
Year 1
Your studies begin with the basics of cell biology and Chinese medicine principles. Anatomy and physiology follow, so you understand the body's normal and abnormal states.
Year 2
You will study the basic theory of acupuncture and be able to accurately locate acupuncture points. You will learn Chinese herbal medicine and formulations in detail.
Year 3
You will have further study in pathology, pharmacology, toxicology and medical examination. With additional study in acupuncture techniques and preparation for clinical practice, you will understand the different clinical conditions that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can treat.
Year 4
You will study a range of clinical courses covering common conditions in Chinese internal medicine, dermatology, gynaecology and traumatology in Chinese medicine.
You will then apply this knowledge to treat patients at the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic under the supervision of experienced Chinese medicine clinicians.
Year 5
You will continue studying clinical conditions covering eye, ENT and paediatrics. You will also receive advanced clinical training and undertake a clinical internship in China over one semester, with the flexibility to remain on-campus.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine) | Bundoora Campus |
5 years Full Time
|
5 years Full Time
|
BP278HSDD | 077042J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP278
Career
Chinese medicine practitioners work with patients to prevent and alleviate health problems using a range of treatment options including Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
They assess patients by checking their pulse and tongue, and observing abnormalities in sleep, appetite, perspiration and body temperature. From this, they develop treatment plans.
Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, is one of the most commonly used complementary therapies in Australia and globally.
Graduates will be able to practise Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture at an internationally accepted level.
You could go on into:
- independent practice
- work in a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic as a registered Chinese medicine practitioner
- academia
- industry and/or government in a health and medical research position
Chinese medicine has been regulated in Victoria since 2000 and nationally since July 2012. Employment opportunities are expected to increase with the national mandatory registration.
This double degree is fully accredited by the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia.
It is also recognised by the following major Chinese medicine associations in Australia:
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered. This can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
Working With Children Check: Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Record Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to male applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Successful applicants
Working With Children Check: Students must hold a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
First Aid Certificate: Students require a valid First Aid Certificate in the third year of the course.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing patient notes and calculating prescribed herbal medicines
- vision, hearing, smell and touch to accurately gain information and treat patients
- physical skills to perform effective treatment
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent treatment
- time-based problem-solving when working with patients
View the full list of the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine) inherent requirements:
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing patient notes and calculating prescribed herbal medicines
- vision, hearing, smell and touch to accurately gain information and treat patients
- physical skills to perform effective treatment
- managing your behaviour and emotions to provide safe and competent treatment
- time-based problem-solving when working with patients
View the full list of the Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Chinese Medicine) inherent requirements:
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
What support is available?
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$32,640.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$176,640.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.