Funding takes a step forward
The Age
Saturday October 10, 2009
New podiatry and speech pathology courses will begin in regional Victoria following a $60 million injection of Commonwealth funding for the new La Trobe Rural Health School.The Rural Health school is introducing two new double-degree regional programs: a bachelor of health sciences and master of podiatric practice and a bachelor of health sciences and master of speech pathology, commencing next year on its Bendigo campus.Associate professor, speech pathology and head of school Dr Jenni Oates says these new programs reflect critical workforce shortages in rural and regional areas. "Students will be able to complete the first year of the program on the Mildura, Wodonga and Shepparton campuses from 2011," she says."The program structure is designed to ensure that regional students have the opportunity to complete as much of their course as possible close to their homes, as evidence suggests regional students, educated in regional areas, are more likely to stay on and work in rural locations."The four-year degree and masters courses, delivered for the first time on the Bundoora campus this year, have been written by experienced academics and expert clinicians from a range of regional and metropolitan agencies.In the final years, students engage in "real" workplace settings throughout Victoria, as well as interstate and overseas."A broad range of educational approaches are used from years two to four, with lectures, tutorials, practical classes, on-line, inquiry-based and problem-based learning," Dr Oates says."Graduates will develop a range of skills and an ability to work as a member of inter-professional teams, learning from evidence-based practice, critical enquiry, research and new technology so they can be work-ready."The head of La Trobe University's podiatry unit, Dr Adam Bird, a bachelor of podiatry (honours and PhD), says his graduates can register as podiatrists anywhere in Australia, New Zealand and Britain."Podiatry students have an interest in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle," Dr Oates says."Entry is, however, restricted to those who have completed VCE units 3 and 4, with a score of at least 30 in English, or 25 in English [any], and in any two biology, chemistry, or mathematics; plus physical education or physics."Applicants for speech pathology are also required to have completed Year 12 (with a score of at least 30 in any unit 3 and unit 4 English and at least a score of 25 in physics, plus any mathematics, physical education or biology).Mature-age students will need to have completed or partially completed relevant tertiary courses and work experience.All applicants must apply through VTAC with the exception of students who apply to transfer at the end of year 1 from another program within the faculty of health sciences at La Trobe.YVONNE NICOLASMore education jobs atmycareer.com.au/education.JOB PROSPECTSSALARY Speech pathologists earn about $42,000 a year while podiatrists can earn about $50,000 to $57,000 a year.EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES There is a shortage of speech pathologists in the Australian workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas, which means speech pathologists are in high demand throughout Australia. There are ample career opportunities for podiatrists in both the private and public sectors. Employment can be found in a range of sectors including hospitals, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, schools, early childhood intervention centres, specialised centres for people with disabilities and private practices. As many as 70 per cent of practitioners in Victoria working in the private sector can work as a sole practitioner or part of a multidisciplinary team. Many private practices are developed in conjunction with other health care professionals. Public sector opportunities exist in community health centres and hospitals.LINKlatrobe.edu.au
© 2009 The Age