Start

• Semester 1

Delivery mode

• Blended Learning

Total courses

32

Total units

384

Duration

4 years 4 years

UniSC program code

BH001

Special selection criteria

All Access UniSC adjustment factors of ATAR will apply for entry into the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) program.

A limited number of places in this program may be set aside for:

• applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Refer to Indigenous Health Admissions Pathway to check eligibility.
• applicants who reside in a local area. Refer to the Regional Health Workforce Scheme to check eligibility.

Post admission requirements

Fit for Placement Requirements

To maintain their enrolment in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) and to be able to access mandatory clinical placements, physiotherapy students will need to meet “Fit for Placement” requirements by the end of first year and maintain currency throughout their study. Associated documentation needs to uploaded to SONIA to enable enrolment into PTY200 Core Physiotherapy Skills A in the first semester of second year.

Fit for Placement requirements include:

1. National Police Check from the Australian Federal Police (as well as International Police Check in country of residence for International Students) (lasts 3 years)
2. Combined Working with Children Check (Blue Card) and NDIS Worker Screening Card (Yellow Card) (or else separate Blue Card and NDIS Worker Screening Card)
3. Completion of the Mental Health First Aid Course
4. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Provide First Aid certificate (HLTAID011) in year 1 of physiotherapy [Note CPR certificate needs to remain valid throughout program - HLTAID009 needs to be undertaken each year after completion of HLTAID011]
5. Level 1 Sports Trainer Certificate (SISSS00118) before Semester 1 Year 2
6. Mandatory immunisation and health record requirements including vaccination against:
Hepatitis B (full schedule)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis-Whooping Cough (dTpa)
Chicken pox/varicella COVID 19 – minimum 3 doses Influenza (annual)
Completion of QHealth Tuberculosis Risk Assessment for Students
Respirator/mask fit testing prior to first clinical placement

Meeting “Fit for Placement” requirements will enable students to access clinical sites and interact with clients and the community in courses early within the program, as well as prepare for clinical placements from Year 2 onwards. While the flu vaccine is not yet mandatory for clinical sites, it is strongly recommended students also obtain this for the protection of themselves and vulnerable clients. Some sites may also require COVID 19 screening tests before starting placements, in addition to COVID 19 vaccination evidence. Students are also required to comply with infection control practices, safe manual handling, privacy and confidentiality principles and other relevant policies and procedures at each clinical site. Students also are advised that they need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend classes at Sunshine Coast Health Institute and so they should undertake this vaccination as soon as they accept their offer to study the Bachelor of Physiotherapy as classes may commence here as early as Semester 1 in Year 1.

Students will also need to complete additional paperwork, tasks and training associated with work-integrated learning/clinical placements as they progress through the program. For example, mandatory tasks to be completed in relation to each clinical placement include: 

1. The UniSC Code of Conduct Form and uploading to SONIA before each placement
2. Placement Agreement Forms and uploading to SONIA before each placement
3. iLearn modules before Queensland Health placement (e.g. orientation checklist, building emergency procedures, prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, health safety and wellbeing, code of conduct and student deed poll)
4. Clinical Experience Log and uploading to SONIA after each placement
(The log includes a de-identified record of the clients students are involved in assessing and treating i.e. age, diagnosis, location, physio assessment and treatment skills -this is required for accreditation, and will inform placement allocations so that students meet practice threshold requirements )

Students are responsible for all costs associated with meeting “fit for placement” requirements and travel, accommodation, and parking associated with clinical placements. Where available, the placement office will advertise relevant scholarships and low-cost accommodation options for students on placements. Students will also need to purchase and wear their approved physiotherapy clinical uniform during clinical placements, as well as practical viva assessments and clinical simulations. The navy ‘Physiotherapy Student’ embroidered short sleeve ladies' blouse, men’s shirt or unisex tunic must always be worn whilst on placement. Shirts, blouses, and tunics can be ordered online from Game Clothing and will be shipped directly to students. Orders may take up to four weeks to arrive.

Note Additional USC Uniform requirements: 

- Navy or black tailored trousers or shorts (knee-length)  
- Navy, charcoal or black closed-in shoes  
- USC Student cards must always be worn and visible whilst on placement
- A plain, dark coloured jacket, jumper or cardigan may be added in cool weather  
- Jewellery, make-up and scent (e.g. perfume, deodorant, aftershave) is to be kept to a minimum.
- Hair, whatever the style, should be professional looking and tidy.
- Fingernails kept short, clean, and free of nail polish. No artificial nails of any kind.

Additional entry information

English language requirements
Non-standard English language requirements apply.

Prerequisites

English (Units 3/4, C)

Recommended prior study

General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics (Units 3/4, C); At least one of the sciences: Biology, Chemistry or Physics