Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc) endorsed in Clinical Rehabilitation
What is it?
This is a one-year, two-paper Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Clinical Rehabilitation) for rehabilitation clinicians (such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, social workers, psychologists) currently working in a rehabilitation setting who are employed for at least 0.8 of a fulltime position. The Certificate aims to provide a combination of rehabilitation theory and principles, integrated into clinical practice, for rehabilitation clinicians wanting to extend their knowledge and skills at a postgraduate level.
How does it work?
There are two papers:
REHX701 Rehabilitation Principles provides a sound theoretical introduction to current interdisciplinary rehabilitation "best practice". This includes consideration of models of rehabilitation, specific issues in the New Zealand environment (including ACC), teamwork, goal setting, ethics and cultural perspectives in rehabilitation settings. Assessment is by three assignments (75% of the paper mark) and a two-hour examination (25%).
REHX710 Clinical Rehabilitation is an investigation of current clinical rehabilitation practice through single case studies and clinical audit in association with clinical mentors and academic tutors. This is a "hands on" paper where students are expected to integrate the theory of rehabilitation into the actual management of clients both at an individual and service level. Assessment is by "portfolio" - students prepare three case studies and undertake one clinical audit project. There is no examination but students are required to do an oral presentation at the August block-course.
Students attend a two-day block course in March and a three-day block course in August in Wellington as well as a one-day regional workshop. There are regular meetings with a clinical mentor who will be an experienced rehabilitation clinician and scheduled audioconferences with the academic co-ordinator. There will also be access to Blackboard (a Web-based learning environment) where students can participate in discussion groups, have access to up to date references, communicate by email with the tutors and other students and generally have a good time. The course runs from March to November.
What will it cost?
The University of Otago will pay a fees bursary (usually $1,500) for the two papers, REHX701 and REHX710. Students will be required to pay the balance.z
Students attending the block-courses in Wellington pay their own travel and accommodation costs. Students are advised to discuss costs with their employment service as they may be willing to make a contribution towards them.
Am I eligible to enrol?
Students must have a degree or an equivalent professional qualification along with adequate professional experience. Students must be working in a rehabilitation service that receives at least some of its funding from the Ministry of Health. Check with your Service Manager.
And after I finish the Certificate?
One of the attractive things about this Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (Clinical Rehabilitation) is that it opens the door to further postgraduate study. Students who successfully complete the Certificate may then choose to go on and complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation.
Contact
Fi Graham is the Course Co-ordinator and contact person for this course. She will help you with any questions you may have. Email her at: fi.graham@otago.ac.nz