Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Area of Study

Physiotherapy is concerned with the prevention, treatment and ongoing management of injury and disease. Physiotherapists manage the health of people across the lifespan - from the very young to the very old. Physiotherapy studies include, but are not restricted to, aspects of sports physiotherapy, post-surgical care, trauma and emergency care and the management of strokes and neurological disorders in adults and children.

In physiotherapy studies at Monash, fundamental biomedical and behavioural sciences are introduced alongside the foundations of physiotherapy practice and research in the context of a case based approach to learning. Students also engage in inter-professional education, where theylearn from and about other health disciplines to assist the knowledge and development of professional roles and team work in the clinical setting. As studies progress, the emphasis moves to a clinical focus and learning is undertaken primarily in the clinical environment where students gain knowledge and practical experience in the delivery of physiotherapy as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team.

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy makes students eligible to register with the Australian Physiotherapy Council and practice throughout Australia.

For the schedule of units required to complete a given course in this area of study, refer to the Handbook entry for the relevant course.

Clinical education is undertaken in a range of clinical settings, with clinical challenges increasing from year 3 to 4. Students complete 37 weeks of full-time clinical education throughout the course. Paediatric and elective units form part of year 4. All students undertake a component of clinical education in a rural location. An honours stream is also available.

• 3868 Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• 3891 Bachelor of Physiotherapy (with Honours)