Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 63.15
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Duration
Full-time 5 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 5 years Location
Bundoora
Overview
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.
Details
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.
Year 1
You'll learn to demonstrate fundamental techniques, describe the structure and function of the human body and develop diagnostic palpation skills.
You will study anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, as well as clinical sciences in the foundations of osteopathic techniques, and osteopathic principles and palpation for osteopaths.
Year 2
You'll expand your range of techniques, learning musculoskeletal diagnosis and refining your palpation skills. You will also expand your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology and genetics, as a foundation for clinical practice.
Year 3
You will focus on formulating working diagnoses, developing your techniques, and studying in-clinic neuro-musculoskeletal patient treatment.
Your studies in clinical sciences will include advanced soft tissue techniques, simulated clinical practicum and tutorials, high-velocity/low-amplitude techniques, exercise and rehabilitation, nutrition, and osteopathic research.
Years 4 and 5
The final two years have a clinical practice focus. Most training will occur at the RMIT Health Sciences Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora, and via the final-year external placement.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Health Science/Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathy) | Bundoora Campus |
5 years Full Time
|
5 years Full Time
|
BP279HSDD | 077043G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP279
Career
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.
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.
Admissions
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent.
RMIT is committed to admissions transparency. View the 2018 ATAR distribution information for our degrees and information about how admissions work at RMIT.
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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Entry requirements
Current Year 12 prerequisites units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 25 in any English (except EAL) or at least 30 in English (EAL).
Successful applicants
This program includes a professional practice work placement.
You are required to have a Working with Children Check prior to commencing the program and must be prepared to undergo a Police Check in year 1 when you are registered as an osteopathic student with the Osteopaths Board of Australia.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
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.
Successful applicants: Students will be registered as osteopathic students with the Osteopaths Board of Australia.
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
Note: To be registered as an osteopath in Australia you must have an IELTS score of 7 in all categories, achieved within two years prior to applying for registration.
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.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading and writing skills for understanding and completing patient notes
- vision 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 (Osteopathy) inherent requirements.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading and writing skills for understanding and completing patient notes
- vision 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 (Osteopathy) 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
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the following programs:
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduate programs.
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
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 100% of their student contribution.
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 100% 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 2018 is $298.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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 total indicative tuition fee for 2018 commencement is AU$174,720.
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.