Musculoskeletal Medicine

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) on the advice of the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School, which must be satisfied that the applicant has the ability and experience to proceed to the programme.

Every applicant shall have been admitted to the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of a university in New Zealand or hold an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Academic Board of the Otago Medical School.

Every applicant shall be registered for medical practice in the country in which the programme is taught.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Postgraduate Certificate in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGCertMSM) is specifically aimed at medical practitioners in general primary care, and trainees in associated specialist disciplines. It comprises a selection of five papers from ten papers offered, and can be completed on a part-time basis. The papers include both distance- and Internet-based theoretical teaching, and a practical 'hands-on', on-campus component.

The programme has been developed to reflect the expanding knowledge of pain control mechanisms, including advances in biomedical interventions and cognitive behavioural management. The academic components of the certificate are designed to provide an understanding and working knowledge of the structure, function, disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system; modern pain management methods; and scientific method and biostatistics.

The papers are clinically orientated, and practical clinical skills are taught in physical examination and musculoskeletal therapeutic modalities, including manual therapy and injection techniques, diagnostic interventions, and the psychosocial assessment of musculoskeletal pain problems. Papers taken for the certificate can be credited towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Musculoskeletal Medicine (PGDipMSM).

Programme Requirements

Papers

• MSME 701 Clinical Diagnosis
• MSME 704 Introduction to Pain
• MSME 708 Introduction to Pain Management

One of:

• MSME 702 Musculoskeletal Tissues
• MSME 703 Musculoskeletal Disorders
• MSME 705 Regional Disorders - Spine
• MSME 706 Regional Disorders - Limbs
• MSME 707 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• MSME 709 Clinical Therapeutics
• MSME 710 Recreational and Sports Injuries
• MSME 711 Pain Assessment

Notes: Two papers are taught on campus (MSME 701, MSME 709) and the remainder by distance learning.

MSME 709 cannot be taken before the completion of MSME 701.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding