Overview
RMIT's combination of the three-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) and the two-year Master of Clinical Osteopathy provides a comprehensive education in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, ensuring you are thoroughly prepared to become an osteopath.
Osteopaths train in diagnosis, management and treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. They advise on exercise, rehabilitation and lifestyle management, and perform manual therapy techniques.
As an osteopath, you will make treatment decisions that depend on the patient as well as their condition. This means combining conventional medical testing procedures and skills of palpation and motion testing to inform your clinical rationale for treating a patient's condition.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)introduces you to the fundamentals of osteopathy and biomedical science. You will be grounded in academic knowledge of the human anatomy and physiology, specifically the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems of the human body.
You will learn about human movement and function, physical assessment of the human body, common musculoskeletal conditions across the lifespan, and principles of exercise and rehabilitation management. Through simulated clinical scenarios, you will get to practise these techniques.
Your capstone experience subject, undertaken in the final semester of the bachelor's degree, will see you improve your ability to gather and interpret health information, then employing clinical reasoning to develop differential and working diagnoses. This is the culmination of your academic studies in biomedical science and osteopathy.
Master of Clinical Osteopathy
Building on the foundational knowledge and skills you will have developed in the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy), you will prepare to transition to clinical practice in the Master of Clinical Osteopathy.
A focal part of this course is work-integrated learning (WIL). You will undertakeWIL activities at the RMIT Health Clinic and other industry placements, designed to simulate real workplaces in their function, equipment and mode of operation so that you can experience a variety of scenarios. You will be assessed on professional clinical practice and receive feedback from industry practitioners.
Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for registration as an osteopathy practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency(AHPRA).
Why study osteopathy at RMIT?
Expert guidance
Be taught by academics who are experts, not only in evidence-based osteopathic practice, but also active researchers in this field.
Active learning
There are multiple opportunities for you to engage in hands-on and immersive learning, including simulated clinical environments and role play.
Accredited qualification
This course is in the final stages of obtaining accreditation with the Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC).
Becoming an osteopath in 3+2
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy), you will be ready to undertake the Master of Clinical Osteopathy where you will further your studies and hone your skills and knowledge in osteopathic practice.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
3 years full time to complete your Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)
Master of Clinical Osteopathy
PLUS 2 years full time in the Master of Clinical Osteopathy to graduate and be eligible to apply for registration as an osteopath*
*You must complete both the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) and the Master of Clinical Osteopathy to be eligible to apply for registration as an osteopathy practitioner with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
Details
Learning and teaching
Besides traditional academic learning including lectures, seminars, and workshops, a key focus of your studies is situational and industry-oriented learning.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) students will practise in a simulated clinical environment,involving role play as clinician and patient. You will practise interviewing patients to determine their current health status that may form the basis of clinical management. These activities are facilitated, supervised, and assessed by AHPRA registered practitioners.
Master of Clinical Osteopathy students will further your practical skills through supervised clinical placements such as the RMIT Health Clinic and other real-world healthcare settings.These placements allow you to apply your knowledge to patient care, honing your clinical reasoning and interpersonal skills in a professional environment.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed through a variety of methods that measure your theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and clinical competence.
These assessments typically include class tests, quizzes, essays/reports, oral class presentations, group projects, research projects, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or practical skills assessments, laboratory projects, practical assignments, reflective journals, and end-of-semester examinations.
Learning at RMIT
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
Learning opportunities are facilitated with various industry partners including registered osteopaths and other health professionals.
This will equip you to develop real-world networking and collaboration skills with multidisciplinary teams.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described below:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)
- Master of Clinical Osteopathy
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)
Year 1
Commence your learning with other health disciplines to develop fundamental skills required for working in the Australian healthcare system. In first year, you study anatomy, biochemistry and physiology, as well as the foundations of osteopathy practice.
Year 2
In Year 2, expand your learning of musculoskeletal health by undertaking studies in human function, biomechanics, clinical screening and assessment. Building your understanding of human structure and function will be the foundation of future careers in clinical practice.
Year 3
Your studies advance in the clinical sciences, exploring various common musculoskeletal conditions, musculoskeletal health across a person's lifespan, exercise and rehabilitation principles, and frameworks for health and lifestyle management. This prepares you to undertake the Master of Clinical Osteopathy.
Master of Clinical Osteopathy
Year 1
You will commence your training in musculoskeletal assessment, diagnosis, and osteopathy techniques. You will be afforded opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to patient scenarios, real and simulated, preparing you for professional healthcare practice. You will explore contemporary, evidence-based health frameworks to navigate population health challenges and establish a central role for your professional services.
Year 2
You will further your experience of managing various musculoskeletal health conditions in real patient scenarios and be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate back to health. You will undertake a major research project and seek opportunities to advance the field of musculoskeletal health, allied health, and osteopathy. Your capstone experience will advance your knowledge of entrepreneurship in health and consolidate your journey to prepare you for professional practice.
Career outcomes
On completion of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy), you may choose not to continue to undertake the Master of Clinical Osteopathy. TheBachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy)is a stand-alone award that provides employment options in health promotion or administration.
Careers this qualification can lead to include:
- disability care worker
- healthcare administration staff
- medical sales representatives
- sales representatives for biomedical devices.
Graduates of theBachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) must go on to complete theMaster of Clinical Osteopathy to be eligible to apply for registration as an osteopathy practitioner.
Primarily employed or self-employed in private osteopathic clinics or multidisciplinary clinics, osteopaths are seeing increasing opportunities in occupational rehabilitation.
Osteopaths treat complaints such as backache, general joint problems, sports injuries, arthritis, stress and repetitive strain injuries, as well as a wide range of general medical complaints. After diagnosing issues, osteopaths treat patients using manual techniques such as soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation, and gentle mobilisation or manipulation.
Professional recognition and accreditation
As of July 2024, both the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Osteopathy) and the Master of Clinical Osteopathy are undergoing accreditation by the Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council (AOAC). The AOAC will confirm an outcome in accordance with their processes and timelines.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science full course information
This is one of two plans you can choose from the Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
Visit the main course page to get information on course structure, entry requirements, pathways, fees, and how to apply.
See full course information
