Bachelor of Podiatry

Podiatrists have a varied and interesting job caring for feet. Foot pain affects the young and old, sedentary and active people alike and can cause pain in the lower back and other joints by changing how you stand, walk and run. Foot problems also occur in association with many chronic diseases and podiatry intervention is vital to monitor and preserve foot health.

This program will produce podiatrists ready to practice in just three years. You can graduate a year ahead of many of your peers and step into your career sooner. Our program provides excellent clinical experience with a varied case load to leave you well prepared for all aspects of podiatry practice on graduation.

The program involves extensive study of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics, combined with podiatric theory and a focus on professional practise. The program uses case-based learning and focuses on a variety of disciplines.

With a current shortage in Australia, podiatrists are in high demand. Podiatrists work closely with many other members of the health profession. Some podiatrists focus on research or teaching and some do further training as podiatric surgeons, establish a private practice or work in the public sector. Employment may be found in a variety of urban and rural health settings including private practices, general hospitals, rehabilitation and community health centres, sports clinics, research centres and consultancies.

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you may be eligible.

Current Australian Year 12 Students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on ATAR or equivalent.

Non school leavers and previous Australian Year 12 students:

Apply for entry through UAC. Entry based on:

• Previous Year 12 studies and/or
• Higher education, tertiary, post-secondary qualifications and/or
• Overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications.

International students currently undertaking:

* an Australian Year 12 in Australia

* an Australian Year 12 outside Australia

* an International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia

Apply for entry through UAC entry based on ATAR or equivalent

All other international students:

Apply direct to International Admissions - entry based on overseas qualifications considered equivalent to Australian qualifications, as well as satisfying English language requirements.

Students who completed their education in a non-English speaking country must have an IELTS of 7.0 on admission in line with University policy.

Chemistry and Mathematics. Applicants who have not previously studied chemistry or mathematics are encouraged to take a bridging course in both before the commencement of the university year.

• National Police Certificate
• Prohibited Employment Declaration

• Current First Aid Certificate and NSW Department of Health Vaccination record.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) is available to students who achieve the required grade point average.

Students will complete more than 1000 hours of supervised practice in a variety of settings both locally and nationally and rural placements will be mandatory. Travel and accommodation for placements are at the students' expense, however, the University attempts to use placements where free or cheap accommodation is available. To comply with credentialing requirements, successful completion of nominated courses that underpin the program is required prior to commencing professional placements. Students will be required to purchase instrument kits.

Graduates of this program will be podiatrists, eligible for registration with the Podiatry Registration Board of Australia.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a audio/visual impairment will have difficulty pursuing this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the students responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more info.

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/lsp/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

Prior to commencing clinical experience in year 2, students must meet the Faculty of Health requirements and have satisfactorily completed a First Aid Certificate.

Except with the permission of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, a candidate shall complete the program within five years of study from the date of commencement.