Bachelor of Podiatry
Bachelor of Podiatry
With the only degree of its kind in South Australia, you will train as a podiatrist to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and lower limb. You will develop an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical and social…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
With the only degree of its kind in South Australia, you will train as a podiatrist to diagnose and treat disorders of the foot and lower limb. You will develop an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare.
There is a major focus on practical skills, and you will get the opportunity to practice these skills within a vast range of industry organisations. This involves being exposed to research and learning opportunities in collaboration with other allied health students including exercise physiology and physiotherapy, in our skills in our contemporary on-campus Podiatry Clinics.
High achieving students may be considered for the Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) program in the third year of study.
What you’ll need
Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, child related employment clearance and immunisation requirements. Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.
All students enrolled in a program leading to professional registration must be registered with the relevant National Board. The registration process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) with the University providing notification to AHPRA following enrolment in the program.
What you’ll learn
As a podiatry student you will gain an advanced understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of podiatry, as well as the physical, chemical and social sciences relevant to working in healthcare. You will also learn the aspects of medicine and surgery relevant to diagnosing and treating foot abnormalities.
During the first year, you will cover topics to give you an introduction to health sciences including:
human anatomy
human physiology
biomechanics
disease groups and conditions.
You will also develop advanced communication skills and explore the assessment and treatment of common podiatry problems.
The second year aims to expand your knowledge in clinical sciences, including skills to enable comprehensive and holistic assessment and management of patient conditions.
During your third and fourth years you will develop advanced clinical practice skills, including surgery (and other orthopaedic management), paediatrics, chronic pain and the management of sporting injuries.
Practical learning is a major focus and some of your learning will take place in our on-campus Podiatry Clinics as well as during external placements in metropolitan and rural locations. Placements may be completed at major hospitals or in private practice. You will also get the opportunity to fine-tune your podiatry skills with 3D printed feet, created as part of a world-first podiatry training initiative. The feet are complete with calluses, corns and fake toenails, enabling you to practice techniques and skills so you feel confident before beginning clinical placements.
Your career
Successful podiatrists not only possess excellent motor skills, but also outstanding communication skills. If you are interested in working with people and promoting wellbeing, this may be the degree for you.
Podiatrists are employed in a range of settings, including:
hospitals
community health centres
private practice
aged care
sports clinics and sporting teams
children’s health
occupational health.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education:
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent and
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
or
Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognized higher education program at a recognized higher education institution
or
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Advanced Diploma level or above
or
Work and life experience
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
English language requirements:
IELTS score of 7.0; TOEFL iBT score of 94 with no band less than 22; TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) score of 600 with TWE of 5.0; Cambridge CAE/CPE score of 186; Pearson’s test of English (Academic) (PTE) score of 65 with no communicative score less than 65; CELUSA score of AE6.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The University of South Australia is a globally connected and engaged university with industry-informed teaching and research that is inventive and adventurous. Ranked in the world’s top 50 under 50^ and with 100% of assessed research rated at or above world-class*, the University is young, innovative and offers students the chance to gain real-world experience.Focused on life beyond the classroom, the University of South Australia offers a practical approach to teaching and learning. Degrees are designed in partnership with industry, giving students opportunities to gain the latest insights and trends and ensuring they graduate career ready.^Ranked in the World’s Top 50 Under 50 – Ranked #29, 2021 QS Top 50 Universities Aged Under 50 and Ranked #46, 2022 THE Young University Rankings*2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), 4-digit Fields of Research
