Program Overview

Our Diploma is equivalent to the 1st year of a La Trobe University degree – only with tailored learning and more support.

Diploma of Health Sciences
La Trobe University is one of Australia’s leading health education providers and can give you the best possible head start to your career as a health professional.

The Diploma of Health Sciences provides an introduction into a range of health professions, and can help you discover your ideal role in the rapidly evolving health sector. 

You’ll be introduced to the anatomical organisation of the body, the basics of cell structure and function, and the fundamentals of the nervous and endocrine systems. You’ll also begin to learn how the particular characteristics and actions of a person can impact health and welfare.

Gain direct entry into 2nd year of:

Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours)
As a podiatrist, you'll diagnose and manage conditions of the foot and lower limb.

With La Trobe's Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) you'll learn from experts – experienced podiatrists, researchers and teachers in sport medicine, biomechanics, hospital-based podiatry, paediatrics and foot surgery – who will prepare you for a rewarding career in health.

As a podiatry student, you'll complete a cutting-edge degree, studying human anatomy, physiology, medical conditions, pharmacology, and sport medicine. From these foundations you'll learn to perform minor surgical procedures, manage complex foot and ankle conditions, and explore specialised podiatry equipment such as grinders, vacuum presses and 3D laser scanners to manufacture foot orthoses, and dopplers to assess blood flow.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to practise these skills by treating real patients in our on-campus podiatry clinic. Your degree will include placements in a range of health services, including hospitals, specialist clinics and private practices around Australia. These clinical experiences will ensure you're job-ready when you graduate.

In your final year you'll complete either a research or industry-based project – an opportunity to set yourself up for either further study or the next step of your career.

You'll learn:

• Human anatomy and physiology - Understand the anatomy of the lower limb and foot, and the multiple body systems that support the function of these areas.
• Sport medicine - Examine the mechanisms of human movement, using tools and instruments, and apply this to the diagnosis and management of sports injuries.
• Pharmacology - Understand the key role that medicines play in the treatment and prevention of common foot and lower limb conditions.
• Orthoses design, development and manufacturing - Learn how to design, develop and make foot orthoses at La Trobe's on-campus podiatry clinic to support and treat patients with foot, ankle and lower limb issues.