Build a career in osteopathy with the Bachelor of Science (Clinical Sciences). Osteopathy is a state licensed profession and to become a registered osteopath you need to complete the following double degree program:

• Bachelor of Science (Clinical Sciences)
• Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy)

VU offers one of only three of these accredited double degree programs in Australia. Core studies include anatomy, osteopathic science, physiology and biochemistry. Students undertake fieldwork and clinical practice to prepare them for their osteopathy career.

Clinical training

Our Osteopathy teaching clinic operates 50 weeks of the year and prepares students with real-world experience. As part of this program you are required to attend clinical sessions on a rotation basis including outside of semester hours to maintain a public service and provide continuity of patient care.

• Location:
  City Flinders
• Other locations:

  This course is based at City Campus (Flinders Lane), but students are required to attend St Albans campus one day a week to attend Anatomy laboratories.

• College:
  College of Health and Biomedicine
• Study mode:
  Full Time
• Delivery mode:
  On campus and Working in the Workplace
• Course code:
  HBOP
• Duration:
  3 years
• This information is for Australian residents.
  Click here for the international version of this course

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How to apply

This degree, which pathways into the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy), will enable you to pursue a range of careers in osteopathy. VU is held in extremely high regard in the industry for its hands-on approach and extensive clinical placements.

Registration

With the dual-qualification in osteopathy, you can gain:

• registration with the Osteopathy Board of Australia
• registration as an Osteopath in all other Australian states and in New Zealand
• membership with the Australian Osteopathic Association

For further information about registration requirements, visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Organisations employing osteopathy graduates

Osteopaths can work in private clinics or a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, maternal health centres and community organisations.

Salaries

The average salary of osteopaths in Australia is A$73,315 (PayScale).

Employment rates

Osteopathy was rated as the fastest growing health discipline in Australia in 2012. The number of people choosing to visit an osteopath has increased by 48 per cent over the past two years (Private Health Insurance Administration Council).

Placements

Treating clients at our Osteopathy Clinics at St Albans and City Flinders Campuses ensures you have extensive clinical experience with patients, including babies and children through our paediatric specialist services.

The aims of the course are to:

• prepare graduates for entry into the workforce or post graduate programs, including the Master of Health Science - Osteopathy. To be eligible to register and practice as an Osteopath, graduates must also complete the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy).
• provide an education which contributes to the individual's personal, professional and intellectual growth;
• enable students to become life long learners and respond to changes and challenges in their future profession.
• provide an education which contributes to the preparation of competent primary health care practitioners who, upon graduation from the Masters degree, are able to: apply osteopathic principles to formulate and prescribe suitable and safe examination, treatment and management of patients; assess the health status of the patient, including physical, socio-economic and psychological factors and refer appropriately; communicate with the patient and interact with other health care providers and advisers for the benefit of the patient.

Course is offered over 3 years (6 semesters) on a full-time basis only. To qualify for the award of BSc (Clinical Sciences) a total of 288 credit points should be completed.

• Year 12: Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4–a study score of at least 20 in English (any), in chemistry and in one of either physics or mathematics (any). Middle-band: A study score of at least 30 in chemistry, English (any) or mathematics (any) = an aggregate 3 points higher per study, to a maximum 9 points. Selection mode: CY12: ENTER and two-stage process with a middle-band of approximately 20%.
• International: Applicants are expected to have: obtained an IELTS (academic module) result of 6.5 (no band less than 6) or equivalent; completed a secondary school qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 qualification; completed studies (as part of this qualification) in the field of chemistry, physics or mathematics. In addition you also need to provide a Police Check from your usual country of residence prior to commencing practical placements.
• Mature: Academic record including GPA, VTAC Pi form. Year 12 prerequisites also apply for non-school leavers.
• Other: Some applicants may be required to attend an interview (an alternative may be provided if you cannot physically attend an interview).