BulletAeromedical Retrieval and Transport: FAQ

How is the AeroRT programme of courses structured?

For Doctors

Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport courses for medical practitioners start with a Postgraduate Certificate in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport, progressing to a Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport, and finally a Master of Health Sciences degree endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport. The certificate is a one year part-time course consisting of two papers; the diploma consists of four papers and takes two years part-time; while the Masters degree consists of at least four papers plus some research and takes four years part-time. As you move through the programme the certificate papers can be credited towards the diploma, which in turn can be credited towards a Masters degree.

For Nurses and Allied Health Professionals

Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport courses for flight nurses and allied health professionals start with a certificate level qualification called a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport. This can then be credited towards a diploma qualification which is the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport. The certificate is a one year part-time course consisting of two papers, while the diploma consists of four papers taken over two years part-time. The Masters qualification (Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport) requires at least four Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport papers plus some research and takes four years part-time.

What is a paper?

A paper is a discrete course of study, run over one semester, tested by an exam at the end of that semester, and eventually credited towards a particular qualification. Three assignments must also be completed for each paper. As we are a Southern Hemisphere University the first semester runs from February to June, while second semester runs from July to November. Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport papers are:

AVMX 717 – Medical Logistics of Aeromedical Transport  
AVMX 718 - Operational Aspects of Aeromedical Transport         
AVMX 719 - Aeromedical Studies for Nurses          
AVMX 720 - Aeromedical Transport Research Project       
AVMX 721 - Clinical Care in the Air
AVMX 722 - Organisation of Aeromedical Systems

What is a Module?

Within the overall structure of a paper, materials are based around nine modules which will be discussed at one of three teleconferences. A module covers a specific topic area related to the core competencies required for that paper. Three assignments must be completed from a choice of nine assignments, one for each module of the paper. This allows an in-depth exploration of a particular topic that is crucial to the development of core competencies across the paper. For an outline of the modules or topic areas covered by each paper, go to the link for “information on specific papers” and click on the specific paper you wish to know about.
http://www.otago.ac.nz/aviation_medicine/specific_papers.php

How many papers are needed for a Certificate/Diploma/Masters in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport?

Each paper is worth 30 points, with a certificate requiring papers worth 60 points in total; a diploma requiring papers worth 120 points in total; and a Masters degree requiring papers and research to the value of 240 points in total.

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport requires two papers AVMX717 and 718
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport requires four papers AVMX717, 718, 721 and 722
  • Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport requires at least four papers from: 7AVMX17 – 722, 725, plus a research methods paper and some research to a total of 240 points
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (AeroRT) requires two papers AVMX719 and 720
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (AeroRT) requires four papers AVMX719, 720, 717 and 718

Do you offer any research opportunities?

Supervised research can be undertaken by students enrolled with the Department as part of their Diploma, Masters of PhD programmes. However there is no aerospace or clinical laboratory at the University of Otago Wellington, and students’ research is based at a facility of their choosing. Supervision of research is therefore largely carried out at a distance, and students are expected to work independently although with regular contact either by phone, email or face to face with their tutor.

How will I interact with my tutors?

Tutors send out regular weekly emails called diary pages throughout the semester, starting in February for semester one, and July for semester two. Tailored interactions are set up for research students. You can ask questions of your tutor by email any time. During live teleconferences you will normally use a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) audio link via computer and headset, and there will also be simultaneous PowerPoint presentations and chat room interaction.

How will my work be assessed?

Most papers require the completion of three assignments, and then an exam at the end of the semester.

Do I have to travel to New Zealand to take part in this programme?

No. All courses are distance taught and are designed so that study can be carried out from your usual residence or place of work; even the exams are taken in your home town. The only time you will need to leave your normal area of work is to attend a one week annual residential school which is held in a different location around the world each year.

What is the Residential School?

Residential Schools are held in April or May of each year, in a variety of locations around the world. The 2008 school was held in Dubai and the 2009 school was held in Scotland. The residential school is experiential, based on personal experience of clinical situations and practical activities. It is also an opportunity for students to spend time with tutors and other students, and many regard it as the highlight of their course.

What do I get for my course fee?

This is an internationally recognised suite of qualifications, and the fee for international students is NZ$7000 per paper in 2009 (New Zealand residents and citizens are eligible for domestic fee rates of $2000 per paper). For this fee you get multimedia DVD course materials, access to tutors and all tuition, interactive teaching materials through our OceanBrowser forum, and online discussion using wikis.

Are there any bursaries, grants or discounts available to overseas students?

Limited scholarships are available via the Occupational and Aviation Medicine Unit – an application form plus links to other possible scholarships is available at http://www.otago.ac.nz/aviation_medicine/scholarships.php.

Is it less expensive if I enrol for all my intended papers now/at the same time?

No, payment is always calculated on a ‘per paper’ basis and in fact you can only enrol for one year at a time. However for international students who enrol for both semesters at the start of the academic year, payment can actually be split in two, with payment for the second semester paper being made in the middle of the year.

How do I make my payment?

An invoice will be sent to you once your admission and registration is complete. Usually this happens early in the semester at the same time as final course approval. Payment can be made online which does not incur any bank charges.

Do any of the AeroRT qualifications guarantee me a job?

Not directly, but the University of Otago is the world’s leading provider of distance education and professional development in Aviation Medicine and Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport. Graduates of the course will meet internationally recognised “best practice” standards for aviation medicine practitioners, and are frequently employed by airlines including, for example, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Qantas.

How long can I spread my studies over?

  1. The PGCertAeroRT (for medical practitioners) must be completed within three years of admission to the programme
  2. The PGDipAeroRT (for medical practitioners) must be completed within five years of admission to the programme
  3. The PGCertHealSc(AeroRT) for flight nurses and allied health professionals must be completed within two years of admission to the programme for part-time students
  4. The PGDipHealSc (AeroRT) for flight nurses and allied health professionals must be completed within four years of admission to the programme for part-time students
  5. The MHealSc(AeroRT) for medical practitioners, flight nurses and allied health professionals should normally be completed within four years of admission to the programme. As students are normally admitted after completing the diploma this still allows time for Research planning and gaps in study.

Can I move between the AeroRT papers and pure Aviation Medicine and Occupational Medicine?

Yes. The qualifications are designed so that you can progress from a certificate level course, which may then be credited towards a diploma level course and then in turn to a Master’s level course. For example four Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport papers can give you the Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport, which can then be credited to a Master of Aviation Medicine which is completed by doing four core Aviation Medicine papers. Alternatively it is also possible for example to do two Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport papers for a Postgraduate Certificate in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport, then do two Occupational Medicine papers for a Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Medicine, and then credit both these to a Master of Aviation Medicine degree (again, completed by doing the four core Aviation Medicine papers). However, because some of the course requirements for different qualifications are quite specific it is recommended that you discuss your options with the academic coordinator for Aviation Medicine Dr Rob Griffiths (rob.griffiths@otago.ac.nz) or the Research Manager Julie Myers (julie.myers@otago.ac.nz).

What materials, equipment and facilities do I need to study on this distance learning programme?

Basic requirements include a computer with a DVD drive and broadband access. Typically most computers less three years old will meet the minimum computing requirements. For more information on running the DVD course material and the exact computer specifications see:

www.otago.ac.nz/aviation_medicine/course_oceanbrowser.php

Do my previous experiences or qualifications exempt me from any parts of the programme?

Credit may be given for previous academic achievement. If you think you may be eligible please contact the Research Manager, Julie Myers (julie.myers@otago.ac.nz).