Podiatric Practice

The Bachelor of Podiatric Practice at La Trobe University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the specialised field of podiatry. This program focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a broad range of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions, preparing graduates to provide high-quality podiatric care in diverse healthcare settings. Throughout the course, students will engage with foundational biomedical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry, as well as clinical sciences such as biomechanics, medicine, and radiology, which form the basis for understanding human movement and foot pathologies. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and effective communication skills to ensure graduates can deliver patient-centred care with professionalism and ethical responsibility.

The program integrates both theoretical learning and practical training through laboratories, simulated clinical scenarios, and supervised placements in community and hospital settings. Students will have the opportunity to work closely with experienced podiatrists and healthcare professionals to develop their clinical skills and gain real-world experience. The curriculum covers various aspects of podiatric practice including wound management, diabetic foot care, musculoskeletal conditions, pediatric podiatry, and sports injuries, ensuring graduates are prepared to address diverse patient needs across different age groups and populations.

La Trobe University's modern facilities and dedicated clinical training environments support student learning and professional development. The program also emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and professional growth, encouraging students to stay current with emerging research and innovations in podiatry. Graduates of this program will be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and will be well-positioned to pursue careers in private practice, public health, sports medicine, and research. Overall, the Bachelor of Podiatric Practice aims to produce skilled, compassionate, and competent healthcare practitioners who are committed to improving foot and lower limb health and enhancing patients' quality of life.

The Master of Podiatric Practice is accredited by The Australian and New Zealand Podiatry Accreditation Council (ANZPAC). Graduates of the Master of Podiatric Practice might be eligible to apply for enrollment with the Podiatry Board of Australia. Professional enrollment may be subject to additional or continuing conditions beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant body such as details.

• Bachelor's degree completed within the past five years with a minimum grade average of 70 percent
• Relevant rates consist of: Health Science (in relevant streams such as Allied Health or Anatomy & Physiology), Medicine, Pre-Medicine, Medical or Biomedical Science, Nursing and Dentistry degrees which were awarded within the last five (5) years
• Candidates will be selected on academic merit and the degree to which pre requisite capabilities can be demonstrated
• Professional experience in related areas will be considered. English language requirements apply
• Entry to the Podiatry Graduate Entry Pros (GEMs) program requires pre-existing expertise, skills and attributes in the following core areas: - Human anatomy of the lower extremity (particularly the foot) - Human anatomy - Human pathology - Microbiology - Pharmacology
• Please see our Self-Assessment Checklist [PDF 359KB] for more info
• NB: Collecting minimal requirements will not guarantee that an offer of a place.

The financing studies for the Podiatric Practice program at La Trobe University are designed to provide students with comprehensive financial information and support options to facilitate their educational journey. As a specialized undergraduate program, students are encouraged to explore various funding avenues to assist with tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs. La Trobe University offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options specifically tailored to support health sciences students, including those undertaking podiatric studies, though specific scholarships for Podiatric Practice may vary annually.

Students are advised to consider government assistance programs such as the Australian Government HECS-HELP scheme, which allows eligible students to defer their tuition fees, making higher education more accessible and manageable financially. Domestic students enrolled in this program can also access the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) arrangements, reducing the cost of their studies significantly compared to full fee-paying students. International students, on the other hand, are generally required to pay the full international tuition fees upfront or by installment, with options for early payment discounts or financial planning support.

In addition to government assistance, La Trobe University provides information on external scholarships, grants, and financial support programs that are available to health sciences students. Some of these are offered through community organizations, professional associations, and industry partners invested in the development of qualified podiatrists. Students are encouraged to apply early and regularly check the university’s official financial aid webpage for up-to-date opportunities and application deadlines.

For students planning their finances, La Trobe University also offers dedicated financial counseling services to help manage the costs associated with postgraduate training, including budgeting, understanding loan options, and planning for career-related expenses. The university’s flexible learning options, part-time study arrangements, and online components may also allow students to work concurrently with their studies, thereby reducing financial stress and supporting their educational goals.

Overall, while the specific details of tuition fees for the Podiatric Practice program are available on the university's official website and are subject to change annually, the university’s tiered support systems and funding options are designed to ensure accessible and manageable financing solutions for all enrolled students, whether domestic or international.

The Bachelor of Podiatric Practice at La Trobe University is designed to prepare students for a career in podiatry, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of foot, ankle, and lower limb conditions. This program integrates a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to work in diverse healthcare settings. Students will explore subjects such as human anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, alongside specialized podiatric modules that cover pediatric, musculoskeletal, diabetic, and sports-related foot issues. The program emphasizes clinical practice, providing students with hands-on experience through internships and placements in real-world environments, including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. La Trobe's dedicated faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers committed to advancing podiatric care and education. Graduates of the program are eligible for registration with relevant professional bodies, allowing them to practice as licensed podiatrists. The program also offers pathways for further specialization or postgraduate studies, fostering continuous professional development. The university's state-of-the-art laboratories and sports medicine facilities support a practical learning approach, ensuring students develop competency in modern podiatric techniques and equipment. The Bachelor of Podiatric Practice at La Trobe University aims to meet the growing need for qualified podiatrists in Australia and beyond, contributing to improved foot health and patient well-being.