Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)

This course aims to further enahnce physiotherapists' knowledge of epidemiology, health issues related to incontinence, and the anatomy, applied anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant for the assessment and treatment of incontinence. Diagnostic techniques, prevention and intervention strategies including exercise, electrotherapy, biofeedback and continence devices will be addressed. Course content will include specific issues related to adult femail and male continence, ano-rectal continence, incontinence in children and in the older population. The course will require active participation by student in physical assessment and supervised clinical practice. Participants will also develop skills in the use of outcomes measures, the design of single case design studies, and critical review of the literature pertaining to problems of continence.

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 advance 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 (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy) consists of one core subject and two (2) specialist subjects taught over four full-time weeks in February each year. Over the remainder of the semester, assignments are submitted and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice are completed.

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

Applicants must have 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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This Postgraduate Certificate articulates to the Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework, Women's Health and Pelvic Floor 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 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.