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Osteopathic Undergraduate Degree Courses

Osteopathy is a rapidly growing profession in Australia. Although numbers of practitioners are still relatively low at present, the fact that there are now three training courses for osteopaths in Australia means that the number of practitioners will double in only a few years. As the public becomes more aware of the profession and what it can offer, the demand for Osteopathic services is expected to increase correspondingly. As a result, Osteopathy offers the prospect of a successful and satisfying career for students interested in studying in the health care field.

Osteopathic training is available in Lismore, New South Wales at the Southern Cross University (S.C.U.) and Melbourne, Victoria at both the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (R.M.I.T.) and the Victoria University (V.U.).

All of these courses are five years full time and at the completion of which graduates may be eligible for registration in all Australian states and territories. Registration in other countries is subject to legislation of that country and assessment of individual's qualifications.

The information here is only a brief summary of what each course offers. For further information, there are links to the individual universities web sites at the end of each summary, or you may click on useful addresses for the contact details.

Royal Melbourne institute of Technology (RMIT)

For students wishing to train as Osteopaths, RMIT offers a double Bachelor of Science - Clinical Science/Master of Health Science - osteopathy degree course. The course is of five years duration and is taught mainly at RMIT's Bundoora Campus in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Average student contact time is 30 hours per week of lectures, tutorials, practicals and clinic shifts.

Subjects taught include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Clinical Biomechanics, Histology, Pathology, Osteopathic Diagnosis & Practice, Osteopathic Technique, Diagnostic Imaging & Conceptual Health.

The course has a large practical component, with much learning taking place in the teaching Clinics at Bundoora and in the City. Here students will observe treatments and learn Clinic management skills, progressing in the 3rd and 4th and 5th years to treating clinic patients under the supervision of qualified practitioners. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be eligible to register as Osteopaths in all Australian States and in New Zealand when registration is enacted.

For further information about the course content, entrance requirements and entrance procedures click RMIT Osteopathy.

Victoria University

VU offers prospective students of Osteopathy a double Bachelor of Science – Clinical Science/Master of Health Science – Osteopathy degree course. The total duration of the course is 5 years of full time study, and students must complete both the Bachelors and Masters programs to be eligible for registration as an Osteopath in Australia. The course is taught mainly at the University’s City Campus in the heart of Melbourne CBD, with some lectures at the St. Albans Campus in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Subjects taught include Anatomy, Physiology, Biometry, Biochemistry, Embryology, Pathology, Osteopathic Diagnosis & Technique, Clinical Diagnosis & Management, Diagnostic Imaging, Pharmacology & Psychology. In the Masters program, students will be required to complete a minor thesis on a topic of their choice, which will be subject to peer review.

The Clinical Practicum component of the course includes a considerable number of hours spent observing treatments and learning clinic administration skill, progressing on to treating under supervision in the senior years. There is also provision for clinical experience to be gained via external placements.

For further information about the course itself, and entry requirements and procedures, click

University of Western Sydney – Campbelltown Campus (No New Enrollments)

UWS Campbeltown is not currently taking any new enrollments.
Graduates of the Master of Osteopathy will be able to apply for registration as an osteopath, and will be able to practice in all states and territories in Australia.

Southern Cross University –
Lismore, NSW Campus

For students interested in pursuing a career in Osteopathy, the training is five years. The first component is the three year Bachelor of Clinical Sciences, which offers a major stream of studies in Osteopathy. The second component is a two year Master of Osteopathy which the University plans to offer from 2010. This two degree sequence is subject to approval by the NSW Osteopaths Registration Board, from which the University will be applying for Provisional Accreditation in July 2008. Board approval is required in order for the qualification to be recognised for the purposes of registration as an osteopath in NSW or any other state or territory in Australia.

Osteopathy can specialise in a range of areas, including sports injuries, pediatrics, disabilities and occupational strain and ergonomics. Osteopaths also work with people of all ages who are in general good health but may suffer from common problems such as headaches, menstrual pain, fatigue and stress, or have sustained injuries from accidents or falls.

The study of osteopathy requires a comprehensive grounding in the biomedical sciences, and strong professional training. The initial emphasis of the course is on medical sciences, and the emphasis on clinical osteopathy practice increases in the latter part of the course. This approach will ensure a high degree of professionalism in our graduates.

More information can be found at:  http://www.scu.edu.au/courses/course.php?page_id=73

Further Information call +61 2 6626 9585 or email: clinicalsciences@scu.edu.au