Bachelor
This three-year full-time JCU course (part-time study available in your final year) requires you to hold health related qualification with a minimum of Certificate IV (AQF level 4), or other qualification as approved by the Dean of the College of Medicine and Dentistry. You'll also need to have a minimum of two years full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a health-related setting.The first two years of the course are delivered via distance education; however, you'll be required to attend six on-campus residential blocks at the Townsville campus throughout this time. The final year of this course is a full year of clinical placements initiated with a clinical placement preparation week. The clinical component of the course can be undertaken full-time (one year) or part-time (over two years).Among the topic areas you'll study are:Basic medical sciences, pathophysiology and clinical medicineHealth promotion and disease prevention across the age spectrumHow to access and interpret evidence-based medical information and incorporate it into clinical practiceIntegration and application of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to provide patient care in a supervised, delegated team model with a medical practitionerPractising culturally and contextually appropriate health care for rural, remote, tropical and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populationsTechniques in patient interviewing and record documentationDiagnostic skills including history taking, physical examination, clinical investigation interpretation, clinical procedures and patient managementApplying the principles of ethical, professional and legal practice within a supervised, delegated, multidisciplinary team model.Professional RecognitionGraduates may apply for membership of the Australian Society of Physician Assistants (ASPA).Important RequirementsSuccessful applicants require Hepatitis B immunisation, current Queensland First Aid and CPR certificates, a Suitability to Work with Children (Blue Card) and an Australian Federal Police check before undertaking placements. It is recommended that you complete these requirements by the end of your first semester/teaching period. For details, see:Blue Card ServicesAustralian Federal Police