Overview
This unit will encompass a theoretical component, a practical component and a clinical component. The theoretical and practical components will concentrate on the prescription and construction of foot orthoses, where you will produce a range of orthotic devices. The clinical component will focus on further developing your ability to take a holistic approach to assess, diagnose and manage a range of patients, with more of a focus on skin and nail pathologies. You will present clinical cases, explaining the underlying pathophysiology and show your clinical reasoning with respect to assessment, diagnosis and management. As a matter of continuous development, you will be expected to progress your professional podiatric clinical skills.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: PODI12009 Podiatry Clinical Practice 1. Co-requisite: PODI13008 Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Limb. To be enrolled in this unit, students must also be enrolled in CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) course.
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 1 - 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 feedback and Unit Coordinator reflection.
Students learning experiences could be enhanced by improving the currency and clarity of unit content related to orthoses prescription and manufacture.
It is recommended that the unit content be revised in 2026 to improve the currency of information and clarity of unit materials related to orthoses prescription and manufacture.
- Demonstrate competency at a foundational standard of practice in clinical reasoning, execution of techniques and objective assessments, and delivery of programs to manage specific clinical problems
- Develop and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan based on assessment and analysis of presenting complaints
- Develop skills in taking and evaluating different types of casts of the foot
- Develop skills in orthotic prescription writing
- Manufacture and appraise simple, accommodative, and functional orthotic devices.
Per NPC1315
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 50% | |||||
| 2 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||||
| 3 - On-campus Activity - 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 | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | |
| 1 - In-class Test(s) - 50% | |||||||||||
| 2 - Professional Practice Placement - 0% | |||||||||||
| 3 - On-campus Activity - 50% | |||||||||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom
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.
j.mcguinness@cqu.edu.au
Week 1 - Introduction to Podiatry Clinical Practice 2
Begin Date: 09 Mar 2026Module/Topic
This lecture provides an introduction to the unit.
The lecture will review important neurovascular and SOAPE note information prior to the start of your Internal Clinical Placement.
The tutorial activities will involve important orientation tasks that will need to be completed prior to the Thursday Internal Clinical Placement.
Chapter
Students should review the following materials in Week 1 and across the term, which are assessable throughout the assessments in PODI13007. These documents will be found in the tab 'Important Resources'
CQUniversity Vascular Assessment Manual
CQUniversity Exercise Prescription Manual
Presentation: 'Routine Neurovascular Assessment'
Neurovascular assessment recordings
Presentation: 'Skin and Nail Disorders'
CB86 Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) Clinical Placement Handbook
Events and Submissions/Topic
Skills session:
Internal clinical placement commences week 1.
Thursday 8am - 5pm.
Week 2 - Podiatric Orthotic Therapy and Casting Techniques
Begin Date: 16 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy and Casting Techniques
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
Week 3 - Podiatric Orthotic Therapy
Begin Date: 23 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Podiatric Orthotic Therapy: Different types of Orthoses
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
On-campus Activity (Part 1) during Internal Clinical Placement
Week 4 - Orthoses Manufacturing 1 & Practicum 1
Begin Date: 30 Mar 2026Module/Topic
Orthoses Manufacturing 1
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Orthoses Practicum Day 1 Thursday 9am - 5pm
Week 5 - Orthoses Manufacturing 2
Begin Date: 06 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Orthoses Manufacturing 2: This lecture will continue to cover the processes of orthoses fitting, reviewing and modifying.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
No live lecture this week due to Easter Monday public holiday.
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
On-campus Activity (Part 2) during Internal Clinical Placement
Week 6 - Future of Orthotic Therapy and Introduction to AFOs
Begin Date: 13 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Future of Orthotic Therapy and Introduction to Ankle-Foot Orthotics
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 20 Apr 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7 - No lecture (Self-Directed Learning Time) & Orthoses Practicum 2
Begin Date: 27 Apr 2026Module/Topic
No scheduled lecture.
Students to use the time for self-directed revision.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Orthoses Practicum Day 2 Thursday 9am - 5pm
Week 8 - No lecture (Self-Directed Learning Time)
Begin Date: 04 May 2026Module/Topic
No scheduled lecture.
Students to use the time for self-directed revision.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
Week 9 - No lecture (Self-Directed Learning Time)
Begin Date: 11 May 2026Module/Topic
No scheduled lecture.
Students to use the time for self-directed revision.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
Week 10 - Review Week
Begin Date: 18 May 2026Module/Topic
Review Lecture
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
On-campus Activity (Part 3) during Internal Clinical Placement
Week 11 - No lecture (Self-Directed Learning Time)
Begin Date: 25 May 2026Module/Topic
No scheduled lecture.
Students to use the time for self-directed revision.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Thursday 8am - 5pm.
On-campus Activity Due: Week 11 Friday (29 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12 - In-Class Test
Begin Date: 01 Jun 2026Module/Topic
In-Class Test (50%) is scheduled during the Week 12 lecture time.
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Internal clinical placement Friday 8am - 5pm.
Submission of Internal Clinical Placement Logbook
Professional Practice Placement Due: Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
In-class Test Due: Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 08 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Jun 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 On-campus Activity
During your internal clinical placement, you will be assessed during patient-based scenarios on multiple occasions against criteria relating to professional behaviour, infection control, time-management, selection and performance of patient assessments, selection and performance of patient treatment strategies, your application of patient education, and your demonstration of knowledge of local and systemic processes relevant to podiatry. These assessments will take place in Weeks 3, 5, and 10. The schedule and criteria for each assessment will be made available via Moodle at the beginning of the term and the assessment procedure will be outlined during your unit introduction lecture in Week 1.
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Week 11 Friday (29 May 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The on-campus activity will take place on Wednesday Week 3, Wednesday Week 5, and Wednesday Week 10, during the usual clinic time.
Exam Week Friday (12 June 2026)
Students will receive feedback on their feedback on their progress toward passing the on-campus activity throughout the term. The final grade for this assessment will be made available to students two-weeks after the final on-campus activity in Week 10.
The on campus activities in this unit consists of tasks relating to professional podiatry skills, which are inherent requirements to meet the professional standards. Satisfactory completion of these activities on campus are integral to your achievement of learning outcomes and assessment of this unit and other units within the course.
Note: If you are unable to attend campus, you must notify the Unit Coordinator (in writing/by email) as soon as possible, and provide a medical certificate or statutory declaration supporting any absence within five (5) working days. If the required documentation is not provided to the Unit Coordinator within the stipulated time frame, you will be marked as ‘Absent’ for the session. Failure to reach pass the on-campus activity will result in a ‘Fail’ grade for this unit.
- Demonstrate competency at a foundational standard of practice in clinical reasoning, execution of techniques and objective assessments, and delivery of programs to manage specific clinical problems
- Develop skills in taking and evaluating different types of casts of the foot
- Develop skills in orthotic prescription writing
- Manufacture and appraise simple, accommodative, and functional orthotic devices.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Professional Practice Placement
You will complete an internal clinical placement within CQUniversity Health Clinic as well as in off-site outreach settings as directed by your Unit Coordinator and Podiatry Clinical Supervisor.
The internal clinical placement is scheduled for Wednesdays from Week 1 to Week 12.
You will provide podiatric care to a diverse range of patients. Internal Clinical Placement will be scheduled every Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding public holidays. You will focus on further developing your ability to take a holistic approach to assess, diagnose and manage a range of patients, with more of a focus on skin and nail pathologies.
- Attendance for all clinical placements is compulsory.
- You will be required to fulfil all pre-clinical requirements prior to the start of your clinical placement.
- You will be required to pass all components of the internal clinical placement logbook, including but not limited to professional behaviour and the mid-term and end-term capability assessments.
- On-Campus activities occur during usual clinical time.
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Week 12 Friday (5 June 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The Clinical Skills Log Book is to be submitted to the CQUniversity Clinical Supervisor and Unit Coordinator via submission to the Moodle Page.
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (19 June 2026)
Students will be provided with written feedback at the end of each clinical session and at the time of the mid-term and end-term assessment, per the PODI13007 logbook.
Assessment criteria for Professional Placement Practice:
- Clinical placement is compulsory requiring 100% attendance rate. You are required to wear the approved CQUniversity podiatry clinical uniform and to project a professional image at all times. Please refer to the Internal Clinical Placement Handbook (available on the Moodle site) for further information related to placement.
Internal placement information:
- The internal clinical placement is pass/fail and each student's grade is assessed using the Clinic Orientation and Log Book (available on the Moodle site). To PASS internal clinical placement you must pass sections A, B, and C in the Clinic Orientation and Log Book.
Practical classes and orthotic manufacturing:
- In all practical classes and when working in the orthotic laboratory, you are required to wear the nominated uniform. Please refer to the Internal Clinic Placement Handbook for further detail (available on the Moodle site).
- Practical Session 1 : Week 4 Thursday 9am-5pm
- Practical Session 2 : Week 7 Thursday 9am-5pm
Note: If you miss clinical placement you should review the Internal Clinical Placement Handbook and CQUniversity Work-Integrated Learning / Student Placement Policy and Procedure.
Please pay attention to the following information:
- If you are absent from clinical placement you must follow the sick leave procedure or planned absence procedure, as provided to you during orientation (available on the Moodle site). You must alert the relevant supervisors regarding your absenteeism prior to the commencement of the allocated clinical learning experience for that day.
- You are to provide the Unit Coordinator and the Clinical Placement Coordinator with a medical certificate or statutory declaration explaining your absence.
- You should be aware that the allocation of clinical placement takes precedence over any personal commitments.
- If you do not notify the relevant people regarding your absences and you do not attend an allocated placement, you may receive a fail grade.
- If you are more than 10 minutes late to clinic then you may be sent home and required to complete a make-up clinic day.
- Demonstrate competency at a foundational standard of practice in clinical reasoning, execution of techniques and objective assessments, and delivery of programs to manage specific clinical problems
- Develop and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan based on assessment and analysis of presenting complaints
- Develop skills in taking and evaluating different types of casts of the foot
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
3 In-class Test(s)
The In-class test (50%) will be in a form of a closed book class test covering content from across the term. The in-class test will be 120 minutes long. You will be required to attend on-campus to complete this assessment.
AI Assessment Scale: No AI
You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment
Week 12 Tuesday (2 June 2026) 9:00 am AEST
The in-class test will be invigilated during week 12 lecture time.
Vacation/Exam Week Monday (15 June 2026)
Results will be made available via Moodle two weeks after the exam.
The class test will assess all content covered across the term. You will be provided with sample questions during the term to prepare you for the class test.
- Develop and implement an appropriate patient-centred management plan based on assessment and analysis of presenting complaints
- Develop skills in orthotic prescription writing
- Manufacture and appraise simple, accommodative, and functional orthotic devices.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical 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?
