Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The main level of Aviation Medicine qualification offered is the Masters in Aviation Medicine which requires eight papers in total. You can also credit the four core Aviation Medicine papers towards a Master of Health Sciences (Aviation Medicine), which must also include research methods papers and some original research.

Students who progress to the Master of Aviation Medicine Degree will usually be able to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in either Occupational Medicine or Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport (or a certificate in each), which is awarded in addition to the Master of Aviation Medicine degree. Please ask Julie Myers our Research Manager (julie.myers@otago.ac.nz) or Rob Griffiths our Academic Coordinator (rob.griffiths@otago.ac.nz) for advice if your route for obtaining these qualifications is not clear.

It is possible to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Aviation Medicine (PGCertCivAvMed) by completing two core Aviation Medicine papers only, AVMX711 and 714.

However please note: University regulations prohibit credit of the PGCertCivAvMed towards other qualifications such as the Diploma or Masters in Aviation Medicine. For this reason your initial course admission will be noted as CoP (Certificate of Proficiency), allowing you flexibility in deciding whether or not to use AVMX711 and 714 towards a higher qualification such as a Diploma or Masters in Aviation Medicine, instead of for the certificate only. It is also worth noting that if you are completing the certificate in order to become certified with the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority as an Aviation Medical Examiner we will be able to provide you with an official letter stating that you have completed AVMX711 and AVMX714, without you actually taking out the formal qualification of PGCertCivAvMed. This letter will be acceptable as confirmation that you have undertaken the required academic training to be approved as an Aviation Medical Examiner. If you have questions regarding this assurance please do not hesitate to contact Dr Rob Griffiths (rob.griffiths@otago.ac.nz)

There is a broad range of qualifications available in Aviation Medicine, but specific qualifications such as the Masters in Aviation Medicine are open to medical practitioners only. Other qualifications such as the Master of Health Sciences and some of the Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport qualifications (for example the Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport) are also open to flight nurses and allied health professionals. For a full list of the Aviation Medicine qualifications and eligibility requirements go to: http://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/study/occupationalaviationmedicine/study/

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.

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.

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 the second semester runs from July to November. Below is a complete list of all the papers:

AVMX711 - Aviation Physiology
AVMX712 - Aircrew Health and Performance
AVMX713 - Airport and Travel Health
AVMX714 - Clinical Aviation Medicine
AVMX715 - Principles of Occupational Medicine
AVMX716 - Clinical Occupational Medicine
AVMX717 - Medical Logistics of Aeromedical Transport
AVMX718 - Operational Aspects of Aeromedical Transport
AVMX719 - Aeromedical Studies for Nurses and Paramedics
AVMX720 – Clinical Analysis in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport
AVMX721 - Clinical Care in the Air
AVMX722 - Organisation of Aeromedical Systems
AVMX723 - Managing Occupational Medicine
AVMX724 - Health and Industry
AVMX780 - Research Project
AVMX785 - Research Methods

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 programmes and papers” and click on the specific paper you wish to know about.

Each paper is worth 30 points, and the Master of Aviation Medicine degree requires eight papers or 240 pints in total. There is also a research Masters degree called the MHealSc(Aviation Medicine) which must combine papers and research worth 240 points in total.

The programme of study for the Master of Aviation Medicine degree is usually completed part-time over four years. The eight papers taken must include the four core Aviation Medicine papers (AVMX711 – 4) and four other optional papers. Generally the optional papers are chosen from the Occupational Medicine and/or Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport suite of papers, which allows candidates to gain diploma or certificate qualifications (to the value of 120 points) as well as their Masters degree.

Required Papers:

AVMX711 - Aviation Physiology
AVMX712 - Aircrew Health and Performance
AVMX713 - Airport and Travel Health
AVMX714 - Clinical Aviation Medicine

Optional Papers – four from:

AVMX715 - Principles of Occupational Medicine
AVMX716 - Clinical Occupational Medicine
AVMX717 - Medical Logistics of Aeromedical Transport
AVMX718 - Operational Aspects of Aeromedical Transport
AVMX721 - Clinical Care in the Air
AVMX722 - Organisation of Aeromedical Systems
AVMX723 - Managing Occupational Medicine
AVMX724 - Health and Industry
AVMX780 - Research Project
AVMX785 - Research Methods

Please note: The four ‘optional’ papers completed as part of your Master’s degree can also be used to gain concurrent certificates, or a diploma, to the value of 120 points. For example it is possible to complete eight papers in total and take out:
A Master of Aviation Medicine AND a Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport
OR
A Master of Aviation Medicine AND a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine
OR
A Master of Aviation Medicine; a Postgraduate Certificate in Occupational Medicine AND a Postgraduate Certificate in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport

The MHealSc endorsed in Aviation Medicine must include four core Aviation Medicine papers (AVMX711 – 714), an approved research methods paper such as AVMX785, and research to the total value of 240 points. The research phase can take the form of a thesis (equivalent to 120 points and expected to take two years part-time); or it can be of shorter duration in the form of a dissertation or research project plus some extra papers. Those who plan to progress on to a PhD in the future are advised to undertake the thesis-based research Masters option. For more information on undertaking a research based Masters degree contact Julie Myers the Research Manager (julie.myers@otago.ac.nz).

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 (doctors only)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport requires four papers AVMX717, 718, 721 and 722 (doctors only)
• Master of Health Sciences endorsed in Aeromedical Retrieval and Transport requires at least four papers from: AVMX717 – 722, 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 (nurses and paramedics)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (AeroRT) requires four papers AVMX719, 720, 717 and 718 (nurses and paramedics)
  

Supervised research can be undertaken by students enrolled with the Department as part of their Diploma, Masters or 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.

Tutors send out regular weekly emails called diary pages throughout the semester, starting from the beginning of February for first semester, and the beginning of July for second semester. 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.

Most papers require the completion of three assignments, and then a two-hour written examination at the end of the semester. The examination venue will be arranged close to your home or work, wherever in the world you are.

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.

Residential Schools are held in April or May of each year, in a variety of locations around the world. Recent Schools have been in Scotland (2009), Auckland (2010) and Lisbon (2011). The 2012 School will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 23 – 30 May. 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. Check out our residential school page at http://www.otago.ac.nz/wellington/study/occupationalaviationmedicine/study/otago021322.html

This is an internationally recognised suite of qualifications, and the fee for international students for 2012 is NZ$7900 per paper (New Zealand residents and citizens are eligible for domestic fee rates). For this fee you get multimedia course materials via our Moodle teaching site, access to tutors and all tuition, and online discussion using wikis.

We regret that the Occupational and Aviation Medicine Unit is not able to offer scholarships for the programme, however details of possible scholarship opportunities can be found on the University of Otago Postgraduate Scholarships and Awards page.

No, payment is always calculated on a ‘per paper’ basis and in fact you can only enrol for one year at a time.

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.

Not directly, but the University of Otago is the world’s leading provider of distance education and professional development in Aviation Medicine. 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.

• The MAvMed must be completed within six years of admission to the programme
• The MHealSc (AvMed) should normally be completed within four years of admission to the programme.
• Other certificates and diplomas must be completed within three or five years of admission to the programme respectively.
  

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).

Basic requirements include a computer with broadband access. Typically most computers less three years old will meet the minimum computing requirements. A good quality USB headset is required to participate in audioconferences.

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).