皇家墨尔本理工大学

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and related disorders.

RMIT’s osteopathy degree was the first of its kind in Australia. Osteopaths are trained in diagnosis, management, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. They combine conventional medical testing procedures and skills of palpation and motion testing to inform their clinical rationale for treating a patient's condition.

You will be trained in musculoskeletal diagnosis, clinical procedures in performing conventional medical tests, physical examination techniques, and motion testing in order to assist in diagnosis of a patient’s condition.

Osteopaths make treatment decisions that depend on the patient as well as their condition. They might give advice on posture, exercise, lifting procedures, nutrition and other areas.

You will begin work-integrated learning in first year, with clinical observations in the RMIT Health Clinic.

In the final two years, you will conduct safe, skilled evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a wide-range of musculoskeletal complaints under the supervision of qualified and nationally registered osteopaths, over a period of 38 weeks per year.

There is also an opportunity to complete a work placement in an Australian osteopathic clinic.

Electives and program structure

Year 1

You'll learn to demonstrate fundamental techniques, describe the structure and function of the human body and develop diagnostic palpation skills.

You will study anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, as well as clinical sciences in the foundations of osteopathic techniques, and osteopathic principles and palpation for osteopaths.

Year 2

You'll expand your range of techniques, learning musculoskeletal diagnosis and refining your palpation skills. You will also expand your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, immunology and genetics, as a foundation for clinical practice.

Year 3

You will focus on formulating working diagnoses, developing your techniques, and studying in-clinic neuro-musculoskeletal patient treatment.

Your studies in clinical sciences will include advanced soft tissue techniques, simulated clinical practicum and tutorials, high-velocity/low-amplitude techniques, exercise and rehabilitation, nutrition, and osteopathic research.

Years 4 and 5

The final two years have a clinical practice focus. Most training will occur at the RMIT Health Clinic at University Hill, Bundoora, and via the final-year external placement.

Career

Osteopaths treat complaints such as backache, general joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and repetitive strain injuries, and a wide range of general medical complaints.

They diagnose patient complaints using information from case histories, physical examinations, observations of body structure and mobility, medical imaging, and laboratory tests.

After diagnosing issues, osteopaths treat patients using manual techniques such as soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, and gentle mobilisation or manipulation.

Osteopaths are primarily employed or self-employed in private osteopathic clinics or multidisciplinary clinics.