BACHELOR DEGREES
Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Bundoora
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and related disorders.
RMIT’s osteopathy degree was the first of its kind in Australia. Osteopaths are trained in diagnosis, management, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. They combine conventional medical testing procedures and skills of palpation and motion testing to inform their clinical rationale for treating a patient's condition.
You will be trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis, clinical procedures in performing conventional medical tests, physical examination techniques, and motion testing in order to assist in diagnosis of a patient’s condition.
Osteopaths make treatment decisions that depend on the patient as well as their condition. They might give advice on posture, exercise, lifting procedures, nutrition and other areas.
You will begin work-integrated learning in first year, with clinical observations in the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic.
In the final two years, you will conduct safe, skilled evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a wide-range of musculoskeletal complaints under the supervision of qualified and nationally registered osteopaths, over a period of 38 weeks per year.
There is also an opportunity to complete a work placement in an Australian osteopathic clinic.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in an Australian osteopathic clinic.
At the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic, Bundoora, you’ll provide manual healthcare under the supervision of qualified and nationally registered osteopaths. You’ll be guided to conduct safe, skilled evaluation, diagnosis and management of a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints.
Osteopaths treat complaints such as backache, general joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and repetitive strain injuries, and a wide range of general medical complaints.
They diagnose patient complaints using information from case histories, physical examinations, observations of body structure and mobility, medical imaging, and laboratory tests.
After diagnosing issues, osteopaths treat patients using manual techniques such as soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, and gentle mobilisation or manipulation.
Osteopaths are primarily employed or self-employed in private osteopathic clinics or multidisciplinary clinics.
There is a high demand for osteopaths in Australasia and in some overseas locations. Employment opportunities for osteopaths are expected to grow very strongly to 2020. (Source: joboutlook.gov.au)
For more information about the career outlook for this sector, visit the Australian Government’s Employment Projections and Job Outlook website.
Professional recognition and accreditation
The program is fully accredited with the Osteopathy Board of Australia. Subject to continuing accreditation, graduates can apply to the Osteopathy Board of Australia for national registration.
330 Swanston Street (cnr La Trobe Street)
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 2260
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Program and course information
Key content
Take a holistic approach to healthcare
Pursue a career in an industry with a high demand for graduates.