AUT - Bachelor of Health Science: Physiotherapy

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Bachelor of Health Science: Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists help people improve their quality of life by working with them to overcome physical problems affecting their movement and function. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by ageing, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Physiotherapists assist individuals and communities through promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation. The scope of physiotherapy practice is not limited to direct patient care, but also includes:
  •  Public health strategies
  • Advocating for patients and health
  • Supervising
  • Leading and managing
  • Teaching and research
  • Developing and implementing health policy
Our physiotherapy degree develops physiotherapists who are recognised throughout the world for their knowledge, skills, innovation, and leadership in health care. Graduates from AUT are at the forefront of a profession that maintains and improves people’s health and well-being. AUT is 1 of 2 physiotherapy degree providers in NZ, and the only provider in the North Island.

Want to enrol in a programme: Apply online

Quick facts

Programme code: AK3313
Level: 7
Points: 480
Duration: 4 years full time
Venue: North Shore Campus (some papers may be available at the Manukau Campus)
Starting date: 4 March 2013

AUT University encourages early application before November 2012. There are limited places available for this qualification.

Admission and entry requirements

Additional entry requirements

  • Must meet Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act requirements
  • Police clearance
  • An interview may be required
  • Applicants with 2 or more years of secondary and/or tertiary education outside New Zealand must meet IELTS requirements and will be interviewed

Overview

Physiotherapists rehabilitate people of all ages recovering from: general, orthopaedic and neurosurgery; trauma; injuries; chronic lung diseases; neurological diseases; childbirth; mental health problems and acute sports injuries. Physiotherapists apply assessment skills, clinical reasoning and treatment to anyone with physical problems and chronic pain that affects their movement, function and quality of life. Successful completion of the programme allows graduates to register with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. Upon completion of the programme students will have to meet the Physiotherapy Board Competencies.

AUT’s physiotherapy programme enables you to be at the forefront of a profession that maintains and improves people’s rehabilitation. Graduates can work in a range of clinical specialties here and overseas and will be skilled at effectively working in interprofessional healthcare teams.

Structure

Below is a summary only. For a comprehensive overview of this qualification, please refer to the Academic calendar.

Year 1

You will begin by studying basic human sciences, communication skills and the political and social aspects of the New Zealand health system.

546112 Therapeutic Touch
546113 Fundamentals of Movement
546114 Exploring Health Priorities
546115 Passport to Practise I
555201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
555101 Lifespan Development and Communication
555301 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
555401 Health and Environment OR 555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment

Year 2

You will be introduced to the management of abnormal function and physiotherapy assessment, including clinical reasoning principles, evidence-based practice and advanced physiothreapeutic theories that will provide you with clinical decision-making skills. There are many interactive practical classes. You will be allocated to your clinical practice centre for the degree and provided with an opportunity to participate in a musculoskeletal practice for a week.

546221 Embodiment Health and Movement
546222 Principles of Movement and Function I
546223 Fundamentals of Movement II
546229 Exercise-Based Rehabilitation I
546230 Principles of Movement and Function II
546231 Analysing Health Needs

Year 3

You will be introduced to a wider range of pathologies and complex dysfunctions that are common to practitioners. This requires more detailed assessment, clearer clinical decision-making skills and more advanced treatment strategies, together with an understanding of reflective, professional and ethical practice. You will also be provided with a 2-week student assistantship in your allocated clinical practice centre.

547331 Exercise-Based Rehabilitation II
547339 Managing Neuromuscular Disorders
547335 Acute Care
547336 Musculoskeletal Disorders: Diagnosis & Rehabilitation
547333 Managing Complexity in the Acute Care Environment
547337 Managing Complexity in the Community Environment
547338 Passport to Practice II
537334 Rehabilitation and Participation OR 527872 Māori Health Promotion OR 567431 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health

Year 4

The majority of the year is spent away from AUT completing the physiotherapy practice requirements for registration, and a research project paper that is completed in pairs. You will be placed in a clinical centre and be required to complete around 1000 hours of supervised physiotherapy practice to meet the registration requirements of the Physiotherapy Board.

547436 Research Project
547482 Physiotherapy Practice

Te Ara Hauora Māori papers

Students who wish to seek careers with a Māori development perspective should select 2 papers as electives.
555339 Māori Health, Development and Environment (instead of 555401 Health and Environment)
527872 Māori Health Promotion Or
567431 Applied Primary Māori Mental Health (instead of 537334 Rehabilitation and Participation)

We will support Te Ara Hauora Māori students to form relationships with Māori health providers, industry stakeholders and communities, and AUT Māori staff and students.

Video: A globally recognised Physiotherapy degree

Career opportunities

Graduates work as physiotherapists in hospitals, health centres, clinics, schools, community centres and private practice in areas such as:

  • Acute trauma
  • Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation
  • Child health
  • Community health
  • Mental health
  • Musculoskeletal therapy / orthopaedics
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Older adults' health
  • Sports medicine
  • Teaching and research
  • Women’s health

Graduates and students of health science

Your other Bachelor of Health Science study options

You can choose to study the degree without a health major:

Or you can choose to major in one of the following specialised areas:

Or you can choose one of our clinical degree areas:

Other courses you may be interested in:

Bachelor of Business & Bachelor of Health Science (psychology) conjoint degree
Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Health Science
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management


Last updated: 08 Oct 2012 3:45pm

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