Course

Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies)

Approved Abbreviation: BAppSc(OsteoSt)

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Western Sydney University Course Code: 4544.1

CRICOS Code: 044751G

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The University's intention is not to have an intake into this course in 2005. Discussions regarding this decision are currently underway with relevant stakeholders. If the decision not to proceed with an intake is varied, all applicants will be advised immediately by mail. The purpose of this notice is to give all applicants an early opportunity to consider other choices.

If you are interested in working in the healing and health professions, UWS offers a suite of innovative programs. The following courses are on offer for 2005 and you may find them suitable for your career goals:

UWS Code 4520.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) - UAC Code: 704225

UWS Code 4565.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Traditional Chinese Medicine) - UAC Code 704325

UWS Code 4597.1: Bachelor of Applied Science (Naturopathic Studies) - UAC Code 704400

UWS Code 4545.1: Bachelor of Health Science - UAC Code 704370

Should you wish to pursue one of the above courses, you will need to change your preferences with UAC. This can be done online at NO charge at www.uac.edu.au

You have until 6 January 2005 to change your preferences to other UWS courses. You are encouraged to contact the UWS Course Information Centre on Free call 1800 897 669 for further information on all your study options at UWS.

Osteopathy is a holistic form of health care that uses gentle manual techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent a wide range of health problems, ranging from sports injuries and disorders in children to the management of stress and musculoskeletal problems (such as back and neck pain, arthritis and injuries from road accidents).

Osteopaths are primary contact health care practitioners. The practice of osteopathy encompasses, but is not limited to, the diagnosis and management of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths work as independent practitioners and as members of multidisciplinary health care teams. Preparation courses must, therefore, include both discipline specific and generic skills required as a reflective primary contact health practitioner

Study Mode
Three years full-time.

Advanced standing

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies) articulates with the Master of Osteopathy course. Those students who have successfully completed the required number of credit points from the Bachelor’s program are eligible to enter the Master of Osteopathy. Recognition may also be given to other prior learning, as per the University of Western Sydney policy and guidelines.

Accreditation
The NSW Osteopaths Registration Board requires graduates to have undertaken a five-year program of approved study in order to be eligible to register as an osteopath. Western Sydney University has developed an osteopathic program consisting of a three-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies) followed by a two-year Master of Osteopathy. This pattern maintains parity with developments in osteopathic education within Australia and internationally.

Admission

Potential students apply for admission though the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). Applicants who are not recent school leavers will be ranked according to their performance in the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT ) or other secondary and tertiary qualifications.

Special Requirements Prerequisites
Any student going on clinical placement in NSW Health facilities, in UWS teaching facilities,or in private Osteopathic practices will need to comply with its occupational screening and vaccination policy prior to placement. Students must also possess a current Work Cover Authority approved first aid certificate before commencing year 3 studies.

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 240 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Elective units may be chosen from any award offered by Western Sydney University, provided that unit prerequisites are met and space is available.

Recommended Sequence

Full-time

Year 1

Autumn session

400130

Human Medical Sciences 1

400256

Human Medical Sciences 2

400255

Introduction to Osteopathic Studies

And one elective

Spring session

400135

Clinical Pharmacology and Microbiology

400134

Human Medical Sciences 3

400136

Introduction to the Psychology of Health

400257

Osteopathic Clinical Studies 1

Year 2

Autumn session

400258

Osteopathic Clinical Studies 2

400259

Osteopathic Medicine 1

400138

Pathophysiology 1

And one elective

Spring session

400262

Clinical Diagnosis

400964

Clinical Neurosciences

400137

Introduction to Research for Health Sciences

400261

Osteopathic Clinical Studies 3

Year 3

Autumn session

400269

Diagnostic Imaging

400263

Osteopathic Clinical Studies 4

400264

Osteopathic Medicine 2

400265

Osteopathic Medicine 3

Spring session

400266

Osteopathic Clinical Studies 5

400268

Osteopathic Medicine 4

400267

Pathophysiology 2

400260

Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Osteopathic Clinical Training

For registration as an Osteopath, students in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathy program are required to meet minimum Clinical attendance and training requirements as defined by course accreditation. Osteopathic teaching clinics operate for 50 weeks per year and students are required to attend clinical sessions on a rotation basis outside the Autumn and Spring semester teaching periods to maintain a public service and provide continuity of patient care.

Osteopathic Practical Techniques/ Skills development and Clinical teaching sessions

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathy programs both incorporate the teaching of Osteopathic practical techniques/ skills and clinical training through physical contact between supervising clinicains, lecturers students and patients of both genders and all backgrounds. This contact is guided by protocols and codes of conduct and is a compulsory requirement of the course as it ensures that graduates are able to provide competent treatment to the public.Students entering the program must do so with an understanding that accommodations cannot be made in this area for any reason as it places the wellbeing and competent care of patients at risk