Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Cardiorespiratory Exercise)

The course aims to further enhance physiotherapists' knowledge and skills of exercising patients with cardiorespratory dysfunction in the areas of evidence based practice, epidemiology, program evaluation, muscle and exercise physiology, outcome measures, prescribing exercise in cardiorespiratory dysfunction, pathological and pharmacological management of related diseases, marketing and setting up new programs, patient support networks and areas for future research.

On completion of this course, graduates will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

• An advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology applied to a specialist physiotherapy area
• An advanced understanding of the recent knowledge base in a specialist physiotherapy area
• Advanced clinical skills and techniques applicable to a specialist physiotherapy area
• An ability to promote evidence-based practice in a specialist physiotherapy area

The Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Cardiorespiratory Exercise) comprises one core subject and two (2) specialist subjects. One is taught throughout semester one and the other is taught over two (2) full time weeks during semester 2 with assignments submitted over the remainder of the semester. The core subject is 513-699 Physiotherapy Professional Portfolio which entails submitting a portfolio of professional development activities attended within the last 5 years.

Students must complete three (3) subjects to be eligible to graduate.

Applicants must be qualified to practise as physiotherapists and should normally have at least two years clinical experience with one of the two years preferably being in the area of course specialisation. Both academic achievement and clinical experience will be considered by the Selection Committee.

This program is normally offered in alternative years, with the next intake expected in 2009 (subject to sufficient enrolments). Please consult with the School of Physiotherapy to confirm the next available year of admission.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

On completion of this course, graduates will be expected to be able to demonstrate:

• A capacity for self-directed learning and the motivation for life-long independent learning
• An advanced level of oral and written communication
• An ability to critically evaluate and synthesise research literature
• A capacity to manage competing demands on time
• An appreciation of the team approach to learning in complex areas