Graduate-entry Physiotherapy Schools in Australia

Bond University Physiotherapy School

Program Overview - Doctor of Physiotherapy

University and Faculty:	Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine
Program:	Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT)
University Location:	Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
City Population:	500,000
Student Population:	4,200
Campus Location:	Robina, Gold Coast
Program Duration:	Two calendar years (six semesters)
Semester Intake:	May each year
Next Intake:	May 2013
Est. Total Tuition:	$96,672 AUD (2012 fees, over 2 years)

Bond University's Doctor of Physiotherapy program (DPT) is designed to meet the Australian Physiotherapy Council's requirements for accreditation of an entry-level physiotherapy program. The DPT will produce physiotherapists for the 21st century, who are leaders in client advocacy and primary clinical care.

As with all programs offered by Bond's Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, clinical and classroom education is centred on the Evidence-Based Practice approach now preferred by the wider health community. The faculty has formed an educational alliance with McMaster University in Canada, internationally renowned for its focus on problem-based learning.

Bond's DPT embraces a holistic approach, with a strong emphasis on communication skills, ethics and preventative management. Extensive clinical training ensures graduates will be able to effectively relate to and treat patients and clients on every level.

The Doctor of Physiotherapy provides the clinical, pathological and related science theory, as well as the clinical practice elements required to examine, diagnose and treat physiotherapy clients. Students will complete a clinical internship as part of the program.

Unique Features of the Program

The Doctor of Physiotherapy is an innovative, problem-based learning curriculum based on small-group facilitated tutorials, resource sessions and learning in a clinical environment.

Students undertake studies in Bond University's new, $20-million, state-of-the-art building. Features include clinical skills laboratories designed to simulate real medical environments, and modern teaching and research laboratories with the latest scientific equipment. The purpose-built tutorial rooms cater to small-group learning and lecture theatres are equipped with video streaming, wireless, and an audience-response system. The building also features a dedicated computer laboratory for students.

Work Experience and Internships

Bond DPT students complete a clinical internship with an embedded research project in their final semester. This placement is designed to ensure graduates are ideally placed for entering the workforce. The first 30 weeks of clinical experiences will be gained in both hospital and community settings and will include working in the clinical areas of

• orthopaedics;
• cardiorespiratory;
• out-patient musculoskeletal practice (hospital or private practice settings);
• neurological and orthogeriatric rehabilitation (hospital and community settings); and
• an elective in paediatrics, women's/men's health or sports practice.

Professional Certification/Accreditation Information

The Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University produces work-ready graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional attributes to become eligible for registration as physiotherapists in Australia. Twelve-month approval has been granted by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Canadian students who wish to practice as a physiotherapist upon their return to Canada should visit the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators' website for accreditation and certification information: http://www.alliancept.org/

Scholarships

Every student who applies (and accepts) via OzTREKK and commences his/her studies at an OzTREKK Australian university will receive a $500 scholarship from OzTREKK. Click here for more information about the OzTREKK Scholarship!

Admissions Criteria/Entry Requirements for Canadians

Important Note from OzTREKK: Bond's DPT program can be difficult for Canadians to gain admission due to its program prerequisites.

The preferred pathway into the Doctor of Physiotherapy is via successful completion of a Bachelor of Exercise Science or Bachelor of Sports Science. Most Australian university degrees in these two areas include subjects in physiology of exercise, exercise prescription, detailed human physiology, clinical-based biomechanics and exercise testing, detailed human anatomy, and more. Often, Canadian university degrees in human kinetics, kinesiology or related health sciences fields do not include courses equivalent to Bond's DPT prerequisite subjects.

Please ensure that your undergraduate degree meets the program prerequisites for Bond's Doctor of Physiotherapy. Some applicants may gain admission to the program on the basis that they first complete outstanding prerequisite subjects, either at Bond University or at another institution, prior to commencing the DPT.

To be eligible to apply, you must have: successfully completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science or Bachelor of Sport Science or equivalent from a recognized institution have achieved a GPA of at least 5.00 on a 7-point scale in your university studies completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy minimum prerequisite subjects as follows:

• Two semesters of Human Anatomy;
• Two semesters of Human Physiology;
• One semester of Research/Statistics;
• One semester of Physiology of Exercise;
• One semester of Biomechanics;
• One semester of Exercise Prescription; and
• Successful performance at a selection interview.

Admissions Info for the May 2013 Intake

Application instructions and key dates for this program change slightly from year to year. The May 2013 application details are not available at this time, but should be posted by the end of July 2012.

Generally applications for the Bond DPT open August 1st and close October 31st each year for the following May intake.

Applications will be held until the application deadline has passed. The university will first assess all applicants' prerequisite areas. Students who do not meet prerequisite areas will be notified that they are not successful. All applicants who meet the prerequisite areas will then be ranked according to academic standing and the top international applicants will be shortlisted for an interview. Based on academic standing and interview results, the top international applicants will be offered places in the program.

Total Number of Places in the Program: 20

Number of Places Available for International Students: approximately five

OzTREKK Admissions Officer: Shannon Tilston