Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health
Gain skills for a health sector career with diverse opportunities.
Please note: due to high demand, this programme is full for 2021 and applications are now closed. The closing date for applications for 2022 will be advised in due course.
Developed according to best practice approaches in clinical education and delivered utilising innovative teaching methods, the Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for employment in non-registered areas of health care and management.
You'll start your studies by gaining foundational knowledge of musculoskeletal health and osteopathy and forming a basis for critical thinking. In year two, the emphasis is on evidence-based clinical practice and extending your bioscience knowledge. Your final year focuses almost entirely on the development of clinical practice learning, critical thinking and increasingly complex problem solving and decision-making.
Throughout the degree, clinical practice courses will give you industry experience by enabling you to apply your knowledge in real-world environments. You'll also have the opportunity to train with Ara students in other health care disciplines such as nursing, midwifery, medical imaging, social work, human nutrition, health promotion and sport and exercise science. This provides opportunities for inter-disciplinary learning, further enhancing your employment outcomes.
Please note: to become a registered osteopath, you must also gain a Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy, a one-year Level 8 programme at Ara.
As places are limited on this programme we strongly recommend applying as soon as you know you wish to study with us.
Fees for 2021
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include:
14 credits at Level 3 in each of biology or physical education or health education, English or classical studies or history or geography or art history or religious studies or social studies
One other subject from the list of approved subjects*
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Pre Health Pathway or equivalent.
Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
* NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
In addition you need to:
Complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service.
- provide a personal statement outlining why you have chosen this programme and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.
- provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).
- you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
The increasing burden of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and low back pain is likely to create both new challenges and opportunities within the wider health care sector. This suggests there will be good employment prospects for graduates throughout Australasia.
Employment opportunities may include working in the public or private sector as an exercise prescription consultant, rehabilitation assistant, insurance or ACC case manager, green prescription health advisor, clinical research assistant or health-related salesperson.
Study pathways
The Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health (BMSkH) leads directly into the Postgraduate Diploma in Osteopathy (PGDip Osteopathy). With both qualifications you can apply for registration in the General Scope of Osteopathy with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.
Alternatively, after completing the Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health you can undertake the Master of Health Science at Ara.
Recommended school subjects
New Zealand University Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher)
Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health
Gain skills for a health sector career with diverse opportunities.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Degree |
| Code | CH4063 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | Received all year |
| Credits | 360 |
| Level | 7 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised on enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | CH4063-STRU |
Fees for 2021
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreAdditional Entry Requirements
In addition you need to:
Complete a New Zealand Police Consent to Disclosure of Information form. The form will be sent by Ara to the Police Licensing and Vetting Service.
- provide a personal statement outlining why you have chosen this programme and describe personal qualities and relevant aspects from your life experiences which will enhance your application.
- provide evidence of good character and personal attributes via two referee report(s).
- you may be required to attend an interview if you meet academic entry criteria.
Credit Recognition
If you have work experience in this area, or a relevant prior qualification, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 289 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 231 KB
- Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health Additional Requirements PDF, 142 KB
- Referee report 1 PDF, 141 KB
- Referee report 2 PDF, 142 KB
Area of Interest
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