Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) is offered to physiotherapists who wish to enhance their knowledge and clinical management skills as a means of improving professional practice in paediatrics.

On completion of the course graduates should 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 (Paediatrics) comprises one core subject and two (2) specialist subjects taught over two (2) x two (2) full-time weeks during semester 1. Each subject involved seminars, lectures and clinical placements. Assignments are submitted over the remainder of the semester.

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.

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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This Postgraduate Certificate articulates to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework, Paediatric Physiotherapy. Applicants to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework who have successfully completed a Postgraduate Certificate within the previous three (3) years, will be eligible to receive 25 points of credit towards their course (this is the maximum credit which can be granted).

The Melbourne Experience enables our graduates to become:

• Academically excellent:

o have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship

o have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)

o reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication

o be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning

o be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies

• Knowledgeable across disciplines:

o examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines

o expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experiences in diverse subjects

o have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems

o have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment

• Leaders in communities:

o initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces

o have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations

o mentor future generations of learners

o engage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needs

• Attuned to cultural diversity:

o value different cultures

o be well-informed citizens able to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work

o have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our community

o respect indigenous knowledge, cultures and values

• Active global citizens:

o accept social and civic responsibilities

o be advocates for improving the sustainability of the environment

o have a broad global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics

On completion of the course graduates should 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.