Did you know the average person walks twice around the earth in their lifetime? If you are passionate about community health and wellbeing you can help keep people moving and on their feet with CSU's Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine.

Podiatry is a dynamic and well-established profession with a diverse scope of practice. Podiatrists have a key role in maintaining mobility and enabling independence – relevant to people of all ages and particularly important for an increasingly ageing population.

• Why study this course?

  CSU's four-year podiatry course features a strong emphasis on clinical practice supported by on-campus workplace learning experiences at CSU's Community Engagement and Wellness Centre.

  Put your best foot forward

  CSU is a leading provider of podiatric clinical education. Graduates of the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine can work in Australia and may also seek registration to practice in New Zealand, the UK, Singapore and Canada. International work placement opportunities in the final year of your course in places such as the UK, Singapore and Vietnam, will enable you to gain valuable experiences studying overseas. 

  Practical experience from the beginning

  You will begin workplace learning in your first year in CSU's on-campus clinic. As you progress through the degree, you will spend more time in the clinic as preparation for workplace learning in the public and private healthcare sector. Senior students gain valuable experience through mentoring junior students in the on-campus clinic. 

  CSU's Community Engagement and Wellness Centre

  CSU's on-campus clinic has a reputation as a centre of excellence in the community and the healthcare sector. The clinic treats up to 240 clients each week and has more than 6000 registered clients, so you will experience the full scope of podiatric practice on-site, including primary healthcare, diabetes management, rheumatology, biomechanics and sports medicine, paediatrics and surgery. All workplace learning occurs under the close supervision of registered podiatry practitioners. 

  Take your study further

  Eligible students can apply for the Honours stream in their third year of study. If selected, you will complete specific Honours subjects in your third and fourth year that replace standard subjects and develop your organisational, research and academic writing skills. Selection into the Honours stream depends on academic merit, the extent to which you have considered a potential project topic and the availability of appropriate supervisors.

  Following graduation, you can undertake further study to become endorsed to prescribe scheduled medicines or perform podiatric surgery.

• Career opportunities

  As a podiatrist, you can choose to work as an independent practitioner or work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with other health professionals.

  Primary healthcare

  Promote health and wellbeing through disease and injury prevention. Work with people of all ages to treat and manage issues affecting their feet and legs, to enable mobility and independence. 

  Public and private hospitals

  Take your skills into the hospital environment and work as part of a team to improve foot health for people with diabetes.

  Private health practices, sports clinics and community health centres

  Specialise in a number of areas, ranging from general and paediatric care to biomechanics, sports medicine and injury management, Indigenous health, high-risk foot care (including diabetes management) and surgery.

• Professional recognition

  The course has been developed to meet the requirements of the Podiatry Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority (AHPRA).

  The Podiatry course at CSU is recognised by all states and territories of Australia, as well as in the UK (via the Podiatry Board of Australia mutual recognition). It is also recognised in New Zealand via trans-Tasman mutual recognition legislation.

  The course is accredited by the Australian and New Zealand Accreditation Council (ANZPAC).

• Credit and pathways

  Credit for prior learning and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.

  More about Credit

  No Special Arrangements Apply

• Workplace learning

  You will be required to complete about 1,000 hours of clinical experience during the Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine, working in community health, private practice and hospital settings. Workplace learning will be undertaken in conjunction with a number of subjects throughout the course, beginning in the first year.You will complete about 600 hours of clinical experience using the on campus clinic. A further 400 hours of clinical experience (workplace learning) is carried out outside the University. These placements increase from one week in first and second years, to up to 16 weeks in fourth year. Placements may be completed anywhere in Australia and may be available internationally.

  Students are responsible for any travel and accommodation expenses to and from clinical placements. Some scholarships may be available through external sources. Students will be required to undertake clinical practice during university holiday periods.

  Students are expected to purchase laboratory equipment including lab coats, scissors, goniometry and other biomechanical/ practical equipment throughout the course.

  Latest Facilities

  To provide students with direct hands-on clinical experience, and to ensure that you are experienced at using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

  • state-of-the-art anatomy and physiology laboratories
  • first class clinical teaching laboratories
  • small group sizes
  • a 'real life' on campus podiatry clinic where you will treat your first patients and obtain over 600 hours of clinical training. This clinic has more than 3,000 patients currently registered and provides the basis of an excellent clinical education with hands-on training.

   

  Immunisation

  NSW Health is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all clients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working  environment for all staff and other clinical personnel, including students  undertaking workplace learning. This commitment includes adopting an assessment, screening and vaccination policy Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Diseases (PD2011_005) that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Compliance with this  policy is mandatory for all health facility staff, including students on clinical placement.

  Students must comply with NSW Health immunisation and vaccination requirements and be verified prior to being allocated to a workplace learning facility. This applies to all students regardless of state or territory. All students must undergo vaccination against infectious diseases prior to being allocated to a facility within NSW or other states. Results of these vaccinations are kept on a  personal record card (available from the School through which the student is  studying). This card must be presented, upon request, by NSW Health, or other health facility staff, whilst the student is attending workplace learning.

  The Policy requires that you consult your local doctor to  obtain written proof of protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis,  measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B.

  NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the requirements of this policy have been met, and failure to comply with the requirements may jeopardise completion of your studies.

  As a full course of vaccinations may take several months to complete, you are advised to consult your local medical practitioner well in  advance of the commencement of your studies.
  

  PLEASE NOTE that, as many courses involve workplace learning in the first year of study, the hepatitis B immunisation should be commenced early to meet NSW Health requirements.

  Further information is available from NSW Health.

  Working with Children Check

  Students must have a Working with Children Check. To apply for this Working with Children Check, fill in an online application form. Once the form has been submitted, follow the instructions for collection.

   

  First Aid Certificate

  All students are required to have a current First Aid Certificate, obtained at their own cost, from an accredited body (Workcover  approved) before undertaking any workplace learning. The Senior First Aid Certificate must be current for the duration of the course.

  If you are an Enrolled/Division 2 Nurse or Paramedic you may instead provide documentation from a current employer which indicates evidence of competency based CPR accreditation.

  NOTE: As many courses include workplace learning in the first session, students are advised to complete their First Aid Certificate prior to commencement of their first year of study.

• Subjects

  The below information is for new students. Current students should select their subjects by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment

  Course structure

  The course comprises 256 points. At the end of second year, students can choose - dependent upon satisfying minimum requirements - to complete the Honours stream or remain in the Pass degree. Entry into Honours is dependent on the availability of appropriate supervisors and resources required to support the project.

  Common subjects
  BMS161 Health and Human Body : cells, immunity and musculoskeletal system
  BMS162 Health and the Human body : systemic human physiology
  BMS171 Introduction to Functional Human Anatomy
  BMS172 Functional Anatomy of the Vertebral Column, Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb
  BMS236 Integrated Pharmacology and Pathophysiology for Allied Health Practice  
  BMS255 Neuroscience for Health Practice
  BMS263 Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
  HIP100 Introduction to Health and Rehabilitation
  HIP202 Research for Health Practice
  IKC100 Indigenous Health
  POD109 Introduction to Podiatric Medicine
  POD112 Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice
  POD204 Podiatry and Community Health Practice
  POD242 Podiatric Biomechanics
  POD246 Podiatric Paediatrics and Orthomechanics
  POD213 Consolidating Podiatric Clinical Practice
  POD307 Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Pathology
  POD308 The Diabetic Foot and Chronic Wound Management
  POD315 Mental Health, Neurological and Vascular Medicine
  POD316 Sports Medicine and Electrophysical Agents
  POD317 Local Anaesthesia and Surgery
  POD408 Advanced Pharmacology and Prescribing
  POD413 Professional Podiatric Practice

  Pass Stream
  POD306 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice (16)
  POD403 Clinical Podiatric Residency (16)
  POD404 Complex Cases in Podiatric Practice (16)
  POD415 Evidence Based Practice in Podiatry
  Elective subject
  Elective subject

  Honours Stream
  POD309 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice for Honours
  POD409 Clinical Podiatric Residency & Complex Cases in Podiatric Practice for Honours (32)
  HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (16)
  HLT441 Health Honours Project/Dissertation (16)

  Key Subjects
  BMS172 Functional Anatomy of the Vertebral Column, Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb
  BMS236 Integrated Pharmacology and Pathophysiology for Allied Health Practice  
  BMS263 Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
  POD204 Podiatry and Community Health Practice
  POD213 Consolidating Podiatric Clinical Practice
  POD306 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice (16)
  POD309 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice for Honours
  POD403 Clinical Podiatric Residency (16)
  POD409 Clinical Podiatric Residency & Complex Cases in Podiatric Practice for Honours (32)
   

  Enrolment pattern

  Session 1
  POD109 Introduction to Podiatric Medicine
  BMS161 Health and the Human Body : Cells, Immunity, & Musculoskeletal System
  BMS171 Introductory Functional Human Anatomy
  HIP100  Introduction to Health & Rehabilitation
  
  Session 2
  POD112 Introduction to Podiatric Clinical Practice
  BMS162 Health and the Human Body : Systemic Human Physiology
  BMS172 Functional Anatomy of the Vertebral Column, Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb
  IKC100 Indigenous Health
  
  Session 3
  POD204 Podiatry and Community Health Practice
  POD242 Podiatric Biomechanics
  HIP202   Research for Health Practice
  BMS263 Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals
  
  Session 4
  POD213 Consolidating Podiatric Clinical Practice
  POD246 Podiatric Paediatrics and Orthomechanics
  BMS236 Integrated Pharmacology and Pathophysiology for Allied Health Practice  
  BMS255 Neuroscience for Health Practice

  Pass Stream
  Session 5
  POD306 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice (commence)
  POD307 Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Pathology
  POD308 The Diabetic Foot and Chronic Wound Management
  Elective subject

  Session 6
  POD306 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice (completed)
  POD315 Mental Health, Neurological and Vascular Medicine
  POD316 Sports Medicine and Electrophysical Agents
  POD317 Local Anaesthesia and Surgery
  
  Session 7
  POD403 Clinical Podiatric Residency (commence)
  POD404 Complex Cases in Podiatric Practice (commence)
  POD408 Advanced Pharmacology and Prescribing
  POD415 Evidence Based Practice in Podiatry

  Session 8
  POD403 Clinical Podiatric Residency (completed)
  POD404 Complex Cases in Podiatric Practice (completed)
  POD413 Professional Podiatric Practice
  Elective subject

  
  Honours Stream
  Session 5
  HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (commence)
  POD307 Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Pathology
  POD308 The Diabetic Foot and Chronic Wound Management
  POD309 Advanced Clinical Podiatric Practice for Honours
  
  Session 6
  HLT333 Community Health Honours Research Preparation (completed)
  POD315 Mental Health, Neurological and Vascular Medicine
  POD316 Sports Medicine and Electrophysical Agents
  POD317 Local Anaesthesia and Surgery

  Session 7
  POD409 Clinical Podiatric Residency & Complex Cases for Honours (commence)
  POD408 Advanced Pharmacology and Prescribing
  HLT441 Health Honours Project / Dissertation (commence)
  
  Session 8
  POD409 Clinical Podiatric Residency & Complex Cases for Honours (completed)
  POD413 Professional Podiatric Practice
  HLT441 Health Honours Project / Dissertation (completed)

   

   

• Residential schools

  The following subjects may have a residential school component:

  BMS162 Health and the Human Body II - Systemic Human Physiology
  BMS161 Health and the Human Body - Cells, Immunity, & Musculoskeletal
  BMS171 Introduction to Functional Human Anatomy
  BMS172 Functional Anatomy of the Vertebral Column, Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limb

• Admission information

  Indicative ATAR

  7000

  Standard UAC requirements.

  See standard CSU admission criteria

• Cost of study

  Fees - please visit the fees and costs page or contact us for current fee information.

  Tax deduction - in some instances a tax deduction may be claimed for self education expenses. Please seek independent qualified taxation advice.

• Course details

  Enrol Type	Mode	Campus	Fee type	Session1	Session2	Session3	Admission Code
  Direct	On Campus	Albury-Wodonga	CGS	Y	N	N	KSPO
  VTAC	On Campus	Albury-Wodonga	CGS	Y	N	N	1300113071
  UAC	On Campus	Albury-Wodonga	CGS	Y	N	N	214451
  VTAC	On Campus	Albury-Wodonga	FPOS	Y	N	N	1300113073
  Direct	On Campus	Albury-Wodonga	FPOS	Y	N	N	ISPO

  LEGEND
  CGS: Commonwealth Government supported places
  FPPG: Fee-paying postgraduate places
  FPOS: Fee-paying overseas student places
  Admission Code: For your reference if required during your application process
  NO TAC: An admission code is not required for applications to CSU Study Centres
  TEMP: An admission code has not yet been assigned for this course

  Graduation requirements

  To graduate with a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine, students must satisfactorily complete 256 points.

• How to apply

  Australian and New Zealand students

  Apply through UAC

  Apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) if you are a school leaver wanting to study on campus.

  Apply through UAC

  Apply through VTAC

  Apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre if you do not reside in NSW or ACT and wish to study on campus at Albury-Wodonga Campus.

  Apply through VTAC

  International students

  Apply direct to CSU

  Apply direct to CSU for on campus study at a CSU regional campus, or study by distance education.

  Apply online

  Recruitment agent

  Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.

  International recruitment agents

  CRICOS Code(s)

  039051A (Albury-Wodonga)

  Thinking of deferring?

  Find out more about deferral

• Preparing for Study

  

  This School recommends any of the following short, self-paced, online STUDY LINK subjects to students who wish to reinforce knowledge and skills prior to starting at CSU:

  • SSS025 - Introduction to Bioscience
  • SSS029 - Introduction to Anatomy 

  Any of the following subjects are recommended for students who wish to improve the areas of writing and grammar prior to starting at CSU:

  • SSS022 - Writing at University
  • SSS024 - Grammar Essentials for Writing at University

  These subjects are particularly useful for those people who feel that they may have knowledge gaps and need a refresher because they have not studied for some time. STUDY LINK subjects are free for CSU Commonwealth-supported students as soon as they accept their offer of a place; small fees apply for others. They are non-credit bearing subjects. A Subject Coordinator assists students with any questions.The full subject list and enrolment forms are on the STUDY LINK website.

• Academic expectations

  For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

  Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

  Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

  Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

  Throughout their studies, CSU students have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English Language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to their discipline. This ongoing development will enable students to effectively participate in their course and graduate as competent professionals.