Overview
You will develop and refine your knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding podiatric patient history, assessment and non high risk routine care including basic wound care. A number of diagnostic fields will be taken into account such as dermatopathology, radiography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound (musculoskeletal and Doppler), and bone density. You will have opportunity to apply theory learnt and evidence based practice to aid in diagnosis and management under the guidance of clinical supervision. You will work predominantly with low-risk older people in the clinical setting.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: PODI11001 Introduction to Podiatry Practice or PODI12006 Fundamentals of Pre-Clinical Podiatry Practice, PODI12010 Advanced Anatomy and Podiatric Biomechanics.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE comments
Students may benefit from the inclusion of online interactive learning activities followed by practice questions to assist with their comprehension, retention, and application of taught content.
It is recommended that the unit coordinator explores opportunities to integrate a range of online interactive learning activities to improve student experience and promote student success.
- Apply the standard policies, codes, and guidelines for podiatry practice and practice in a professional manner, demonstrating ethical, culturally responsive and inclusive behavior in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
- Conduct a thorough patient assessment and implement an effective patient management plan.
- Interpret results from commonly used diagnostic services in podiatry practice, using professional terminology.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the podiatric management of common skin and nail conditions seen in a podiatry clinical setting.
- Appraise literature relevant to the podiatry profession and integrate evidence into clinical podiatry practice.
The Learning Outcomes are linked to the professional standards set by the Podiatry Board of Australia.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
| 3 - Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) - 30% | |||||
| 4 - In-class Test(s) - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom Application
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
b.peterson@cqu.edu.au
Week 1- Podiatry Clinical Practice, Clinical Protocols, & Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover clinical orientation, protocols, policies, and procedures for the CQUniversity Health Clinic. This week's classes will also cover the process of clinical diagnostic reasoning.
Chapter
Students should review the following materials in Week 1 and across the term, which are assessable throughout the assessments in PODI12009. These documents will be found in the tab 'Important Resources':
- CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) Vascular Assessment Manual
- CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) Biomechanical Assessment Manual
- CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) Infection Prevention & Control Handbook
- CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry (Honours) Clinical Placement Handbook
Students should also review the NSQHS standards:
- Governance, leadership and culture (Action 1.01)
- Organisational leadership (Action 1.04)
- Standard and transmission-based precautions (Action 3.06, Action 3.08)
- Hand hygiene (Action 3.10)
- Clean and safe environment (Action 3.13, Action 3.14)
- Reprocessing of reusable medical devices (Action 3.17)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 2- Communication, Documentation, and Treatment Plans
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover communication, documentation, and Goal Oriented Management Plans prior to your Week 5 internal clinical placement.
Chapter
Students should also review the NSQHS standards:
- Collaboration and teamwork (Action 5.05 and Action 5.06)
- Developing the comprehensive care plan (Action 5.13)
- Using the comprehensive care plan (Action 5.14)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 3- Lower Limb Neurovascular Assessment
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover routine neurological and vascular assessment of the lower limb.
Chapter
Students should also review the NSQHS standards:
- Action 5.12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 4- Dermatological Assessment
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover the clinical presentation, assessment, and clinical management of common nail and cutaneous pathologies in podiatry practice.
Chapter
Students will access the 'Therapeutic Guidelines' database via the CQUniversity Library website.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 5- Internal Clinical Placement
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
This week, classes will include practicing a range of routine podiatry clinical skills prior to internal placement.
Internal clinical placement is scheduled from 8am to 5pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 6- Internal Clinical Placement and Cultural Responsiveness in Podiatry Care
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
In this week's class, we will refamiliarise and expand upon existing frameworks guiding the development of capabilities to deliver healthcare which is culturally responsive to the healthcare needs of First Nations Peoples. We will also review guidelines and literature related to the provision of podiatry care/services when working with and for First Nations Peoples across Australia.
This week, internal clinical placement is scheduled from 8am to 5pm on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chapter
Students should review the following documents:
- NSQHS User Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
- West, M., Chuter, V., Munteanu, S. and Hawke, F. (2017), Defining the gap: a systematic review of the difference in rates of diabetes-related foot complications in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians. J Foot Ankle Res, 10: 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-017-0230-5
- Sadler, S., Gerrard, J., West, M, Lanting, S., Charles, J., Searle, A., Chuter V. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ perceptions of foot and lower limb health: a systematic review. J Foot Ankle Res 15, 55 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-022-00557-0
- Gerrard, J.M., Godwin, S., Chuter, V., Munteanu, S.E., West, M. and Hawke, F. (2021), Release of the National Scheme's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020-2025; the impacts for podiatry in Australia: a commentary. J Foot Ankle Res, 14: 38. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-021-00466-8
-
West, M., Sadler, S., Charles, J., Hawke, F., Lanting, S., Munteanu, S.E. and Chuter, V. (2022), Yarning about foot care: evaluation of a foot care service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. J Foot Ankle Res, 15: 25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13047-022-00524-9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Vacation Week.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7- Introduction to wound assessment and management
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover an introduction to wound assessment and management.
Chapter
Students will access the 'Therapeutic Guidelines' database via the CQUniversity Library website.
Students should also review the NSQHS standards:
- Aseptic technique (Action 3.11)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 8- Medical imaging modalities (part 1)
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover medical imaging modalities (part 1).
Chapter
Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency: Fundamentals - Protection Against Ionising Radiation.
Skinner S. Radiation safety. Aust Fam Physician. 2013 Jun;42(6):387-9.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 9- Medical imaging modalities (part 2)
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
This week's classes will cover medical imaging modalities (part 2).
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 10- Mock OSCE
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
During the tutorial time, we will undertake a 'mock OSCE' and other practice activities to aid students' preparation for the OSCE in Week 11.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 11- OSCE
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
The OSCE will occur during the usual lecture time in Week 11.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 12- Self-directed revision
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
In Week 12, there will be no scheduled class for PODI14012. Students will be provided with practice questions in preparation for the In-Class Test, and should use this time for self-directed revision ahead of the In-Class Test.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Professional Practice Placement
Internal Clinical Placement: You will complete an internal clinical placement at the CQUniversity Rockhampton Health Clinic. The internal clinical placement is 5 days (40 hours) in total. This will take place from 8am to 5pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of Week 5, and Wednesday and Thursday of Week 6. You will provide podiatric care to a diverse range of patients. You must submit your internal clinical placement log book at the end of your internal clinical placement on Moodle.
External Clinical Placement: You will also complete an 80-hour external professional placement at an allocated placement provider. The target dates for External Clinical Placement are between 2nd November to the 13th November, 2026 (inclusive). You will have the opportunity to nominate a podiatry clinic for your clinical placement. Please note that you may be required to travel for placement at your own expense. The placements occur Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. You must submit your external clinical placement documents on Moodle and SONIA at the end of your external clinical placement. Further details will be provided at the commencement of the term.
Note: Students must have satisfied all mandatory checks (pre-clinical requirements) outlined by the Work Integrated Learning Team prior to attending internal and external clinical placements. Additionally, students will be required to pass all other assessment items in PODI12009 to be eligible to undertake external clinical placement. Students who have not satisfied these requirements will not be able to attend clinical placement and therefore will not be able to pass this assessment item or this unit.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply for this assessment item.
Allowed use of GenAI: Level 1 - You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The Clinical Skills Log Books and placement documents are to be scanned and submitted on the final day of your external clinical placement (13th November, 2026).
Two weeks following the completion of your external professional practice placement and submission of your placement log books and documents via Moodle and SONIA.
You are required to wear the approved CQUniversity podiatry clinical uniform and to project a professional image at all times. Professional practice placements are pass/fail.
Successful completion of your internal clinical placement is mandatory. You will receive feedback throughout your placement regarding areas that need improvement. You will need to demonstrate that you have addressed these areas and pass your Professional Practice Placement assessment towards the end of the placement. The criteria assessed are found in your Internal Clinical Placement log book. Students must successfully complete Parts A, B, and C, of their Internal Clinical Placement Logbooks to pass this assessment item, including completion of a self-evaluation and reflective activity regarding students ongoing development of knowledge and skills toward delivering culturally responsive podiatry care when working with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare users.
Successful completion of your external clinical placement is mandatory. You will receive feedback during Mid-term clinical assessment regarding areas that need improvement. You will need to demonstrate that you have addressed these areas and pass your End-Term clinical assessment. The criteria assessed are found in your External Clinical Placement log book.
Note: If you miss clinical placement you should review the Internal Clinical Placement Handbook, the External Clinical Placement Handbook and CQUniversity Work-Integrated Learning / Student Placement Policy and Procedure.
- Apply the standard policies, codes, and guidelines for podiatry practice and practice in a professional manner, demonstrating ethical, culturally responsive and inclusive behavior in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
- Conduct a thorough patient assessment and implement an effective patient management plan.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the podiatric management of common skin and nail conditions seen in a podiatry clinical setting.
2 Written Assessment
The written assessment is in the form of a reflective portfolio/journal. You will be required to write reflections 'in practice' and 'on practice' relating to your PODI12009 classes and internal clinical placement. You are required to complete five reflective journal entries which map to each of the domains of the Professional Capabilities for Podiatrists:
- Podiatrist
- Professional and ethical practitioner
- Communicator and collaborator
- Lifelong learner, and
- Quality and risk manager
Allowed use of GenAI: Level 2 - AI planning. You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 7 Friday (4 Sept 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit your reflective portfolio/reflective journal via Moodle
Week 9 Friday (18 Sept 2026)
Feedback will be provided via Moodle
This assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specified requirements, and in accordance with the assessment criteria to be made available in Moodle.
- Apply the standard policies, codes, and guidelines for podiatry practice and practice in a professional manner, demonstrating ethical, culturally responsive and inclusive behavior in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting.
- Appraise literature relevant to the podiatry profession and integrate evidence into clinical podiatry practice.
3 Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs)
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) may include both written and practical stations. The OSCE will assess your clinical knowledge, practical and assessment skills and clinical reasoning. You will be required to discuss (either verbally and/or written) and/or perform aspects of relevant history taking, diagnosis, assessment, treatment and overall management of the condition and/or clinical scenario presented and complete relevant patient documentation. All assessments may be video and/or audio-recorded for moderation purposes. You are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the allocated start time for the OSCE and to wear full clinical uniform with enclosed shoes. The OSCE is closed book. More details and information regarding the OSCE will be made available at the start of term.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply for this assessment item.
Allowed use of GenAI: Level 1 - You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Week 11 Tuesday (29 Sept 2026) 9:00 am AEST
The OSCE will occur during the Week 11 class time. More details and information regarding the OSCE will be made available during the term.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026)
Results will be released via Moodle.
Assessment criteria for OSCE: In order to be eligible to PASS the OSCE you must achieve a minimum overall grade of 50% for the OSCE. If you do not meet the above criterion of a minimum overall grade of 50%, you may be eligible for a supplementary assessment provided you meet the requirements as stipulated in the CQUniversity HE Assessment Policy and Procedure and this will be determined by the Unit Coordinator. If you are granted a supplementary assessment then the maximum grade that you can receive is a pass (P) irrespective of how well you performed in the supplementary assessment.
- Conduct a thorough patient assessment and implement an effective patient management plan.
- Interpret results from commonly used diagnostic services in podiatry practice, using professional terminology.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the podiatric management of common skin and nail conditions seen in a podiatry clinical setting.
4 In-class Test(s)
The In-class test (50%) will be in a form of a closed book class test covering all content delivered this term, including pre-requisite knowledge. Students will be required to attend on-campus to complete this class test. The class test will be 120 minutes long.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply for this assessment item.
Allowed use of GenAI: Level 1 -You must not use AI at any point during this assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Exam Week Tuesday (13 Oct 2026) 9:00 am AEST
More details and information regarding the In-class test will be made available during the term.
Results will be made available to students via Moodle
The class test will assess all content covered in PODI12009. You must demonstrate that you have gained knowledge and skill in clinical podiatry practice related to the relevant learning outcomes. You will be provided with sample questions during the term to prepare you for the In-class test.
- Interpret results from commonly used diagnostic services in podiatry practice, using professional terminology.
- Appraise literature relevant to the podiatry profession and integrate evidence into clinical podiatry practice.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
