Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

The Specialist Certificate is designed for senior physiotherapists who specialise in paediatrics or musculoskeletal practice.

The Specialist Certificate provides preparation for the physiotherapist to function in an advanced clinical role in paediatric orthopaedics (with the support of a paediatric orthopaedic consultant as needed).

The intent is that the certificate will provide physiotherapists with an opportunity to develop competencies associated with advanced physiotherapy practice in the outpatient setting.

The course aims to enable participants to:
• acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for the development of the advanced physiotherapist role in paediatric orthopaedics in the outpatient setting.
• understand and apply advanced clinical reasoning skills and an evidence-based approach to decision making
• develop a high level of oral and written communication skills
• gain an understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area
• facilitate the development, implementation and undertaking of new and innovative practices within legislative and professional boundaries
• recognise the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for effective team functioning
• develop the leadership, team work relevant to advanced practitioners

To satisfy the requirements of the Specialist Certificate in Paediatric Orthopaedics Physiotherapy, students must successfully complete both subjects, a total of 25 points

Core Subjects

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria –
• A Bachelor of Physiotherapy or equivalent;
• Registered with the Physiotherapists Registration Board in a state or territory of Australia; and
• At least 4 years of documented postgraduate experience in a paediatric or musculoskeletal setting.
Note: Prospective students are advised that they will be required to obtain, and pay for, working with children and police checks prior to commencing the course.
2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives 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 course are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

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The Specialist Certificate provides students with an opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in their specialist discipline. The course will prepare them to act as an autonomous professional and to display leadership in paediatric orthopaedics through the mentoring provided by the clinical supervisors.

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