Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics)

Paediatric Physiotherapy Theory & Practice

• Evaluate and synthesise information from a complex body of knowledge in the assessment, provision of intervention and family-centred care for infants, children, adolescents and their families
• Critically integrate evidence in the provision of intervention, education and promotion of health in diverse paediatric patient populations
• Discuss principles and frameworks of professional and ethical practice in paediatric physiotherapy; integrating interdisciplinary practice models within own professional and ethical practice frameworks
• Utilise technical and communication skills to design, implement, evaluate, analyse and theorise about developments that contribute to advancement of practice in paediatric physiotherapy
• Plan and manage independent learning and develop sustainable strategies for lifelong learning and reflective practice

Clinical Practice in Context 

• Design advanced clinical management plans to optimise functional independence, promote participation and enhance quality of life for infants, children and adolescents with conditions relevant to paediatric physiotherapy
• Critically evaluate the scope of practice and expertise of other relevant health professionals, leading to appropriate referral, communication of information and a high standard of professional and ethical practice
• Research and organise evidence-based theory in clinical case management
• Integrate theory, evidence and clinical reasoning in astute clinical decision making in patients of all ages and conditions related to paediatric physiotherapy

Evidence and Innovation

• Critically evaluate research methodology and evidence quality in the context of paediatric physiotherapy; including critical analysis of practice and research evidence, identification of questions for further investigation, and synthesis of current evidence for best practice in service delivery and resource management
• Explain the application of research and evidence to clinical practice in the field of paediatric physiotherapy
• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate literature to address questions relevant to the management of infants, children and adolescents, emphasising evidence-based practice and critical discussion of the potential of incorporating new developments into clinical practice

Course Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics) requires the successful completion of 100 credit points.

• Four compulsory subjects (50 credit points)
• Four elective subjects (50 credit points)

Please note: Students can apply for recognition of prior learning for subjects within the Graduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Paediatrics), which could reduce the total course fee. Please contact our student support team for more information.

Workload

The workload in this program varies depending on the subject you are enrolled in. For PHTY90013 Paediatric Physiotherapy Theory and PHTY90030 Clinical Paediatric Physiotherapy, learning is though full-time attendance for two weeks with independent study to consolidate your learning and to complete assessment tasks. For online subjects, it is anticipated that you will spend approximately 12 to 15 hours per week learning and preparing your assessment tasks, though this varies for each student and depends on your task management and planning, familiarity with the material, reading style and speed.