Careers in health
JCU offers a comprehensive range of courses for careers in health and medicine. All courses have a strong focus on rural, remote, tropical and Indigenous health issues, in recognition of the health-care needs of northern Australia.
Some courses are available from our study centres in Mount Isa and Thursday Island. Some are offered by external delivery. The majority, however, are offered from our main campuses in Townsville and Cairns.
This page sets out the undergraduate health courses available at JCU.
Health sciences degrees
JCU has a commitment to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals in our region. The Indigenous Health Unit in the Faculty of Medicine, Heath and Molecular Sciences has staff who recruit and provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students within the Faculty.
Courses include:
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences |
Biomedical Sciences are the disciplines that form the basis of our understanding of how human and animal bodies function, and the responses of the body to various disease agents, intrinsic physiological and biochemical aberrations and environmental influences. JCU’s School of Biomedical Sciences has developed a course that incorporates a range of disciplines including: anatomy and histology; physiology and pharmacology; biochemistry; microbiology; parasitology; immunology; pathobiology; epidemiology; nutrition and metabolism. Biomedical scientists can work in hospitals, veterinary
laboratories, forensic laboratories, research centres and universities. |
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science |
This degree has been created to meet the demand in the public hospital system and private pathology laboratories for professionally qualified medical laboratory scientists. It combines the study of biomedical sciences with clinical placements in regional medical laboratories. Medical laboratory scientists find careers in
hospitals, biomedical and other scientific institutions, private
medical pathology laboratories or veterinary diagnostic laboratories
and teaching laboratories. |
MEDICINE Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
(MBBS) |
This course aims to produce graduates of the highest academic standards, who can progress to medical practice and to further studies in medical specialties. JCU's School of Medicine was established in 2002 with key emphasis on medical training in the fields of rural/remote and Indigenous health, and tropical medicine. JCU medical graduates gain an understanding of the scientific principles underpinning medical practice, and the application of these to health care advancement at the individual and community level. The JCU course aims to instil in its graduates an understanding of and sensitivity to the human aspects of medical practice, which are essential to the development of a compassionate, caring doctor. |
NURSING Bachelor of Nursing Science (Pre-Registration) * available
every odd year (ie. next intake in 2007) |
Nursing, as the science of professional caring, offers a wide variety of employment opportunities to promote and restore health, to prevent illness and to alleviate suffering. Nursing takes place wherever people are – in hospitals, in the community, in urban, rural and remote settings. Graduates of this course are skilled in communication, assessment of clients, planning and implementation of nursing interventions, management and evaluation of nursing care given to individuals, to families and to communities. To accomplish this, the student requires a surprising range of knowledge – from legal requirements, anatomy and physiology, to research skills and practical clinical skills. |
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
Occupational Therapists are health professionals who assist people to overcome limitations caused by injury or illness, psychological or emotional difficulties, developmental delay or the effects of ageing. JCU's Bachelor of Occupational is a dynamic program that works with health services in rural and remote areas so that students can experience occupational therapy in a range of rural and urban settings. Students have a range of study options. These options allow students some flexibility in planning their study programs, and can be especially helpful for students with work and/or family commitments. |
PHARMACOLOGY Bachelor of Science (Pharmacology) |
Pharmacology is the study of chemical agents, or drugs, and the ways in which they affect living systems. In particular, it is concerned with the development of new drug therapies, as well as the improvement of existing treatments. As the fundamental science in the development of new medicines, pharmacology is at the forefront of medical research. Pharmacology is an exciting and dynamic field that incorporates aspects of physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, pathophysiology and microbiology. Pharmacology graduates are sought after
for a wide range of positions in employment areas including:
(the
pharmaceutical industry and |
PHARMACY Bachelor of Pharmacy |
Pharmacy is a dynamic, patient-oriented profession committed to addressing the drug and non-drug related health care needs of the community. The pharmacist is often the first point of contact between the public and health care system. The traditional role of the pharmacist is changing from that of supplying medicines only to providing a comprehensive service contributing to the quality of life and the health care status of the community. JCU's Bachelor of Pharmacy is designed to address the needs of rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical communities. |
PHYSIOTHERAPY Bachelor of Physiotherapy |
Physiotherapists are health professionals whose primary focus is the restoration of function to improve quality of life. For patients recovering from serious injury or disability, the physiotherapist is a vital health professional whose treatment can mean the difference between dependence and independence. JCU’s Bachelor of Physiotherapy prepares students for professional registration. The course includes health science subjects, anatomy/physiology and specialized areas such as human movement analysis, manual techniques, exercise for rehabilitation and current professional issues. There is a special focus on rural and remote practice. Clinical placements are undertaken in a variety of settings. |
SPEECH PATHOLOGY Bachelor of Speech Pathology |
Speech Pathologists assess and treat people from all ages who suffer communication disorders. A person’s ability to communicate can be impaired because of disabilities such as hearing loss, brain damage, intellectual disabilities, stuttering, malfunction of speech or respiratory organs, or emotional disorders. JCU’s Bachelor of Speech Pathology prepares students for registration as speech pathologists. It includes the theoretical and practical knowledge and fosters skills and attitudes to work with a broad range of people with communication disability. The course comprises health science subjects, anatomy/physiology and specialised areas such as linguistics, phonetics and current professional issues. There is a special focus on rural and remote practice and Indigenous issues relevant to speech pathology. Clinical placements are undertaken in a variety of settings. |
SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCE Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science |
Sport and Exercise Science is concerned with one of the most fundamental aspects of life – physical activity. Physical activity is vital in daily living, leisure and recreation and athletic pursuits. With greater community awareness of the importance of a physically active lifestyle, employment opportunities in the sport and exercise areas have increased. Sport and exercise science is now firmly established as a service industry related to the health and physical activity needs of all sectors of the community (eg. athletes, children, coronary patients, corporate executives, the aged). As employment opportunities have broadened, so too has the demand for professionals who can reliably provide sport and exercise science services to the community. JCU’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science provides a comprehensive program. Graduates can pursue careers in health and fitness, sport development, sport coaching, and the fitness industries. |
VETERINARY SCIENCE Bachelor of Veterinary Science |
Veterinarians play a major role in the healthcare of pets, livestock, zoo animals, and sporting and laboratory animals. Some veterinarians work in livestock production and in research, broadening the scope of fundamental theoretical and applied knowledge. Others use their skills to protect humans against diseases carried by animals and conduct clinical research into human and animal health problems. JCU Veterinary Science students will acquire the knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat and prevent disease in a wide range of animals including companion animals, farm animals, aquatic species and native fauna. In addition, students will acquire a thorough knowledge of animal production systems, particularly tropical animal husbandry and aquaculture. The final year of the course is devoted to clinical and professional training and is delivered in a series of clinical rotations through veterinary hospitals, practices, laboratories and government agencies in Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Charters Towers and Malanda. Graduates will be eligible for registration as a veterinarians. |
For
further information contact
Roxann Parker, Indigenous Health Unit,
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences,
James Cook University, Townsville QLD 4811; Tel: (07) 4781 6102;
Fax:
(07)
4781 6171;
Or Gennesse Beadman, Faculty Student
Officer,
Tel: (07) 4781 4409; Fax: (07) 4781 6171; Or go to http://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/ |
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Health Worker Training
JCU's Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) offers certificate and diploma courses that provide a professional development pathway for Indigenous health-care workers.
Courses include:
Certificate III in Aboriginal Health Work Duration: 4 months |
These courses are designed to provide the knowledge, skills essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health-care Workers in medical health services throughout northern Queensland. |
Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice Duration: 6 months |
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Diploma in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice Duration: 12 months |
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For further information contact Catrina Felton-Busch, Indigenous Studies Coordinator, MICRRH, PO Box 2572, Mount Isa QLD 4825; Tel: (07) 4745 4500; Fax: (07) 4749 5130; E-mail: catrina.feltonbusch@jcu.edu.au Or visit the website: http://www.micrrh.jcu.edu.au/ |
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Indigenous psychology training
JCU appreciates the need to prepare professional psychologists with a unique awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues. A specialised program has been developed combining psychology training with subjects from JCU’s School of Indigenous Australian Studies. Graduates have additional skills to work in rural and urban Indigenous communities as psychologists or in allied health or community development roles. JCU's psychology programs are administered by the Faculty of Arts, Education and Social Sciences.
Courses include:
Bachelor of Psychology (Indigenous) Duration: 4 years |
This course is the only program of its kind in Australia has been developed in response to the need for people trained in psychology who have an awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues. The course prepares graduates to work in rural and urban Indigenous communities as psychologists or in allied health or community development roles. The course combines an Australian Psychological Society accredited psychology program with the study of Indigenous culture. It is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The completion of this course does not restrict graduates to practising in Indigenous communities, but provides them with the additional skills and background to do so. Students gain first-hand experience of the diversity of Indigenous life in northern Australia through collaboration with Indigenous communities. Students visit Indigenous communities and are taught by community leaders, enhancing their understanding of community histories and current issues. Students also gain an insight into the ethics and protocols associated with consulting in Indigenous communities. |
For
further information on this course and other Psychology
programs, contact: CAIRNS: Registrar, Faculty
of Arts, Education and Social Sciences, James Cook University,
PO Box 6811
QLD 4811;
Tel: (07)
4042 1141; Fax: (07) 4042 1480; E-mail: ArtsEdAndSocSciCNS@jcu.edu.au |
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For information on other courses offered at JCU, go to http://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/