Course

Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine

Approved Abbreviation: BPodMed

Western Sydney University Course Code: 4708.1

AQF Level: 7

CRICOS Code: 086123M

This version of the course is available to new and continuing students. Students should follow the course structure for the course version relevant to the year they commenced. This version applies to students whose commencement year in the course was 2015 or later.

Commencement Year 2013 - 2014 - 4661.4 Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Podiatric Medicine

Podiatrists are best known for treating problems that people experience with their feet and lower limbs, but they are increasingly playing an important role in addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes and rheumatology. Podiatrists treat a range of patients including children, adults, workers, sportspeople and the older population. There is a focus on podiatric applications including management of common problems such as ingrown toenails or bunions, chronic disease management, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, footwear assessment and orthoses fabrication. Over the course of the program students will complete 1000 hours clinical hours inclusive of Uniclinic sessions and 19 weeks of clinical placement in a range of facilities including hospitals, community centres, private practices, and sports medicine centres, in rural and metropolitan locations. Continuing education on completion of the program can lead to opportunities for advanced practice such as restricted therapeutic prescription rights and application for training as a podiatric surgeon. The course in podiatry is offered as a 4-year Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine. The first three years of the program combine studies in podiatry with a broad understanding of biomedicine and various health science fields to develop the professional competencies important for ethical and safe practice and high quality care and the skills to work in multidisciplinary teams. The final year focuses predominately on podiatry practice skills, practical experience and specialised areas. Evidence-based practice is one of the most important trends in healthcare today and a strong feature of the program.

Study Mode
Four years full-time.

Accreditation
The Western Sydney University Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine is an accredited program of study and students are eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. This course has been accredited by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Inherent requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course that you must meet in order to complete your course and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this course online.

Inherent requirements

Admission

Assumed knowledge: Any 2 units of English

Recommended Studies: Mathematics, Physics and Biology

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/

International applicants must apply directly to Western Sydney University via the International Office.

International students applying to The University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

International Office

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Student Compliance Information for all Health-Related Placements

Students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements as well as any special, legislated, or policy-mandated requirements.

Western Course Requirements

Visit the Special Requirements webpage for details about your course

Special Requirements

Mandatory NSW Health student placement policy requirements

To be able to undertake placement in any NSW Health facility you must be assessed as compliant with NSW Health student placement policy in the first year of your course, regardless of when you expect to go on your first placement. Access and read the NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet

NSW Student Compliance Information Booklet

Please ensure that you

1. Find your existing National Police Check or apply for one

2. Gather documentary evidence of your vaccination history

3. Print and compete all relevant NSW Health forms relevant to the campus you are enrolled at or online enrolment requirements

4. Follow booklet instructions on how to have your compliance documents assessed by NSW health staff.

International students have additional requirements: the link to the booklet will inform you of these requirements.

School Requirements

Contact your School for further details regarding your School’s requirements, if any, such as

If you live outside of NSW or Australia and need to meet your state, territory or country’s compliance requirements

If you need to meet different state, territory or country compliance requirements.

NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or other state equivalent, valid for your entire course.

Current approved first aid certificate valid for your entire course - approved course providers can be found at the Government Training website

http://training.gov.au

Other non-health related requirements

Student Compliance Resources are also available on the Placements Hub web page

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance

Special Requirements Prerequisites
In order to enrol in Second Year Spring units, all students must have completed the NSW Health requirements above. In clinical placement units, students must wear the Western Sydney University podiatric medicine uniform, which complies with NSW uniform requirements. Special note: Students in this program are required to participate fully in practical classes. This involves practical hands-on podiatry / lower extremity examination and treatment techniques on both genders and students will personally experience these techniques which will be performed on them by other students and/or relevant academic staff. Students are also required to undertake 19 weeks of clinical placement activity which can include rural and metropolitan locations. Student must meet their own travel, accommodation and living expenses during these activities.

Work Integrated Learning

Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This course includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.

There is a mandatory work component required for completion of this course. Please contact the Course Advisor listed above for information.

International students should also refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website for more information and a link to the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 320 credit points which include the units listed in the recommended sequence below.

Recommended Sequence

Year 1

Autumn session

400870

Population Health and Society

400868

Human Anatomy and Physiology 1

400905

Introduction to Podiatry

401396

Professional Competencies in Health

Note: Unit 401396 Professional Competencies in Health replaces 400871 Professional Health Competencies from Autumn 2021