Medical Studies is the study of the principles and procedures used in preventing, diagnosing, caring for and treating illness, disease and injury in humans, and the maintenance of general health.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of disease processes and mechanisms, the structure and function of the human body and mind, the restoration and maintenance of health, immune defences of the body, pain control, human behaviour and medical ethics. It also involves developing an ability to assess and evaluate clinical observations to arrive at diagnoses and determine appropriate courses of action.

Courses in Narrow Field 0601 Medical Studies develop skills in:

• assessing patients’ psychological, physical and emotional states
• carrying out procedures and dealing with medical emergencies
• examining specimens to determine the origin, nature and course of any disease present
• monitoring progress of patients
• practising professional responsibility in relation to individuals and the community

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

060101  General Medicine
060103  Surgery
060105  Psychiatry
060107  Obstetrics and Gynaecology
060109  Paediatrics
060111  Anaesthesiology
060113  Pathology
060115  Radiology
060117  Internal Medicine
060119  General Practice
060199  Medical Studies, n.e.c.

Medical science. This is included in Detailed Field 019901 Medical Science.

General Medicine is the study of the clinical presentation and treatment of diseases.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• clinical diagnosis
• diseases affecting humans

Surgery is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with principles and practices for treating diseases, injuries, defects and deformities by manual operation and manipulation, and by using instruments and appliances.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• post-operative patient progress monitoring
• surgical diagnosis
• surgical procedures and techniques

Oral surgery. This is included in Detailed Field 060701 Dentistry.
Veterinary surgery. This is included in Detailed Field 061101 Veterinary Science.

Psychiatry is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with diagnosing, preventing and treating diseases and disorders of the mind.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• patient’s psychiatric state assessment
• child psychiatry
• developmental psychiatry
• psychiatric syndromes and phenomena

Obstetrics and Gynaecology is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with the care of women during pregnancy, labour and after childbirth, and the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• foetal development
• gynaecological and obstetric conditions treatment
• female reproductive system diseases

Paediatrics is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with normal physical growth and development from birth through to late adolescence. It includes preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases and uncommon disorders in children and adolescents.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• physical growth and development of children
• child and adolescent diseases
• neonatology

Anaesthesiology is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with administering drugs and other substances to achieve lack of sensation with or without loss of consciousness.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• administering anaesthetics
• regional analgesia
• anaesthetic reactions

Pathology is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with the causes and effects of diseases, including the structural and functional changes of body organs, tissues and fluids, and the systematic methods of detecting these changes.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• disease origin, nature and course
• histopathology
• pathology tests interpretation and evaluation
• post-mortem examination

Radiology is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with using radioactive substances, X-rays and other ionising radiation to diagnose, treat and follow the course of disease and its response to treatment.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• medical images interpretation and evaluation
• nuclear medicine
• tumour radiation treatment

Internal Medicine is the study of the medical specialisation concerned with the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of diseases and disorders of specific bodily structures and functions.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• endocrinological medicine
• gastroenterological medicine
• thoracic medicine
• clinical immunology
• clinical haematology

General Practice is the study of providing primary and continuing medical care to patients in a community setting. It is particularly concerned with providing family and community oriented health care.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• early diagnosis
• medication prescription and administration
• primary, personal and continuing medical care

This detailed field includes all Medical Studies not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• dermatology
• oncology
• ophthalmology

Nursing is the study of the principles and practices of providing general and specialised preventative, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care to individuals and groups. It includes the study of the structure and function of the human body and mind, the restoration and maintenance of health, pain control, human behaviour and nursing ethics.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the health and wellbeing of individuals and groups. It also involves developing an understanding of professional responsibility in relation to individuals, the community and other health professionals.

Courses in Narrow Field 0603 Nursing develop skills in:

• assessment and identification of health care needs
• developing skills in health problem identification and clinical decision making
• developing skills in planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care provided to individuals and groups

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

060301  General Nursing
060303  Midwifery
060305  Mental Health Nursing
060307  Community Nursing
060309  Critical Care Nursing
060311  Aged Care Nursing
060313  Palliative Care Nursing
060315  Mothercraft Nursing and Family and Child Health Nursing
060399  Nursing, n.e.c.

Veterinary nursing. This is included in Detailed Field 061103 Veterinary Assisting.
Dental nursing. This is included in Detailed Field 060703 Dental Assisting.

General Nursing is the study of the principles and practices of providing preventative, curative and rehabilitative care to individuals and groups.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• health status analysis and interpretation
• nursing care in a variety of settings
• nursing practice

Midwifery is the study of the principles and practices of providing care for women during pregnancy, birthing and after childbirth and for caring for the new-born. It includes assisting parents and families during childbearing.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• pregnancy and post-natal period parent education and counselling
• breastfeeding education
• professional aspects of midwifery

Mental Health Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with caring for persons with mental health problems.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• acute and chronic mental disorder patient care
• post acute phase patient rehabilitation
• primary health care for mental health
• mental health nursing practice

Community Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with caring for individuals and groups in the community.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• community nursing assessment
• community nursing programme development

Critical Care Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with the theory and practice of caring for patients requiring intensive therapy.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• post-operative advanced life support
• intensive care nursing
• neonatal intensive care nursing

Aged Care Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with the theory and practice of caring for elderly patients.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• health problems of the ageing patient
• nursing elderly patients
• gerontic nursing practices

Palliative Care Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with caring for the terminally ill and their families.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• pain and symptom control in the terminally ill
• respite care

Mothercraft Nursing and Family and Child Health Nursing is the study of the nursing specialisation concerned with the theory and practice of caring for young children and their families.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• nursing care of infants and young children
• paediatric nursing practice

This detailed field includes all Nursing not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• breast care nursing
• cancer nursing

Pharmacy is the study of the preparation and dispensing of drugs.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the properties of drugs and medicinal products and their manufacture, control and use in the community and in hospitals.

Courses in Narrow Field 0605 Pharmacy develop skills in:

• preparing and dispensing medications to patients with regard to legal, therapeutic and professional requirements
• providing information and advising patients and the general community on drugs and medications

This narrow field comprises the following detailed field:

060501  Pharmacy

Pharmacology. This is included in Detailed Field 019907 Pharmacology.

Pharmacy is the study of the preparation and dispensing of drugs.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• dosage
• pharmaceutical calculations
• pharmacy administration and practice
• pharmaceutics

Dental Studies is the study of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases and abnormalities of the teeth and adjacent tissues. It includes the study of designing, making and repairing dental prostheses and orthodontic appliances, and assisting with dental procedures.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of dental health, hygiene and technology, the prevention and treatment of disease, pain control, the structure and function of teeth and gums, and client care during treatment. It also involves developing an ability to assess and evaluate clinical observations to arrive at diagnoses and determine the appropriate courses of action.

Courses in Narrow Field 0607 Dental Studies develop skills in:

• designing, making and repairing dental prostheses and orthodontic appliances
• educating patients about dental health and oral hygiene
• filling cavities, extracting teeth, constructing inlays and crowns, performing bridge work, fitting dentures and other
• appliances
• maintaining and preparing dental materials and equipment
• using dental instruments and equipment

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

060701  Dentistry
060703  Dental Assisting
060705  Dental Technology
060799  Dental Studies, n.e.c.

Dentistry is the study of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases of the teeth and adjacent tissues. It includes correcting malocclusion and restoring and replacing missing dental and oral structures.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• orthodontic appliance fitting
• inlays and artificial crowns
• cavity detection and filling
• teeth extraction
• denture fitting
• dental instruments and equipment
• oral surgery

Dental Assisting is the study of providing assistance to dentists in clinical settings.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• basic dental procedure assistance
• dental materials and equipment care
• dental records handling

Dental Technology is the study of designing, making and repairing dental prostheses and orthodontic appliances.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• dental laboratory methodology
• dental repairs and relines
• dental materials science

This detailed field includes all Dental Studies not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• dental hygiene
• dental radiography

Optical Science is the study of measuring and assessing vision, and prescribing, preparing and dispensing corrective lenses.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the physiology of the eye, the operation of vision testing apparatus, and prescribing, preparing and dispensing visual aids. It also involves developing an ability to assess and evaluate clinical observations to arrive at diagnoses and determine the appropriate courses of action.

Courses in Narrow Field 0609 Optical Science develop skills in:

• advising patients on eye exercises, lighting and visual habits
• operating vision testing apparatus
• performing examinations and visual tests to assess the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities
• prescribing, preparing and dispensing visual aids

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

060901  Optometry
060903  Optical Technology
060999  Optical Science, n.e.c.

Optometry is the study of measuring and assessing vision, and prescribing lenses for visual correction.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• vision testing apparatus operation
• ocular diseases and treatment
• vision testing
• visual aids prescription

Orthoptics. This is included in Detailed Field 061799 Rehabilitation Therapies, n.e.c.

Optical Technology is the study of preparing and dispensing corrective lenses according to prescription.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• lens design
• lens surfacing
• multifocal lenses

This detailed field includes all Optical Science not elsewhere classified.

Veterinary Studies is the study of identifying, preventing and treating disease and injury in animals, and their general veterinary care.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of normal growth, development and functioning of animals including their nutritional needs, behaviour, breeding and care, and an understanding of principles and procedures used in the diagnosis, treatment, control and prevention of illness, disease and injury in animals. It also involves developing an ability to assess and evaluate clinical observations to arrive at diagnoses and determine the appropriate courses of action.

Courses in Narrow Field 0611 Veterinary Studies develop skills in:

• administering anaesthetics to animals
• administering and prescribing drugs and treatments to animals
• applying medical and surgical procedures to animals
• advising clients about the care of animals
• assisting with treating and caring for animals
• diagnosing and treating as a result of evaluating and interpreting clinical observations and tests
• observing, monitoring and reporting changes in an animal’s condition

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

061101  Veterinary Science
061103  Veterinary Assisting
061199  Veterinary Studies, n.e.c.

Veterinary Science is the study of diagnosing and treating animal diseases, ailments and injuries, and preventing and containing the spread of animal diseases.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• veterinary pathology
• animal health
• medical and surgical procedures on animals

Veterinary Assisting is the study of caring for sick, injured and infirm animals undergoing treatment in veterinary clinics.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• animal care and treatment assistance
• veterinary surgery preparation
• post-operative animal care and monitoring
• veterinary nursing practical skills

This detailed field includes all Veterinary Studies not elsewhere classified.

Public Health is the study of the principles and practices of protecting, promoting, maintaining and restoring the health of the community.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the goals of public health including the promotion of health and the prevention of disease, premature death and disease-induced discomfort and disability in the population. It also involves developing an understanding of environmental factors affecting health.

Courses in Narrow Field 0613 Public Health develop skills in:

• advising on measures to reduce injury and disease
• educating the community on health risks, safety procedures and techniques
• evaluating, observing and recognising factors which may cause illness in the workplace and the community

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

061301  Occupational Health and Safety
061303  Environmental Health
061305  Indigenous Health
061307  Health Promotion
061309  Community Health
061311  Epidemiology
061399  Public Health, n.e.c.

Occupational Health and Safety is the study of recognising, evaluating and controlling environmental factors associated with the interaction of individuals and the workplace.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• principles of health and safety in the workplace
• national occupational health and safety standards
• workplace health and safety programmes
• hazard management
• ergonomics

Environmental Health is the study of recognising, evaluating and controlling environmental factors affecting public health.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• environmental pollution effects on health
• communicable disease management systems
• food-borne disease prevention techniques
• public hygiene

Indigenous Health is the study of the health of the indigenous population within the broader context of socio-economic development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• indigenous health care delivery approaches
• indigenous caring and healing practices
• indigenous child health
• indigenous community health
• indigenous primary health care

Health Promotion is the study of promoting a healthy lifestyle and influencing behaviour to improve health.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• health promotion programme planning
• health promotion principles, goals and concepts
• social perspectives of health
• health promotion strategies and evaluation

Community Health is the study of health practices in the community which support and assist the management of disabilities and illness.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• current issues in Australian community health
• disabilities and illnesses as community issues

Epidemiology is the study of the incidence, distribution and possible control of infectious and chronic diseases as they effect groups of people.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• disease and injury evaluation and surveillance
• infectious and chronic disease prevention

This detailed field includes all Public Health not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• social health
• tropical medicine
• infection control

Radiography is the study of technologies which use ionising and non-ionising (e.g. ultrasound) radiation for producing diagnostic images and administering radiation therapy.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the principles and practice of radiographic imaging and treatment.

Courses in Narrow Field 0615 Radiography develop skills in:

• calculating duration and intensity of radiation doses
• positioning patients, screens and equipment accurately
• preparing radioactive materials and operating imaging equipment

This narrow field comprises the following detailed field:

061501  Radiography

Radiography is the study of technologies which use ionising and non-ionising (e.g. ultrasound) radiation for producing diagnostic images and administering radiation therapy.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• medical imaging equipment operation
• radioactive materials preparation
• radiation exposure factors
• radiographic examination methods
• radiological dosimetry

Developing diagnostic imaging systems. This is included in Detailed Field 039903 Biomedical Engineering.
Radiology. This is included in Detailed Field 060115 Radiology.
Dental radiography. This is included in Detailed Field 060799 Dental Studies, n.e.c.

Rehabilitation Therapies is the study of the practices and principles that restore a person to an optimal quality of life. It includes treating individuals so that they can return to normal duties after being affected by accident or disease.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of normal and abnormal movement and mobility, and the musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiopulmonary systems. It also involves developing an understanding of the principles and practice of rehabilitation using a variety of activities, and the development of speech and its interrelationship with language and personality development.

Courses in Narrow Field 0617 Rehabilitation Therapies develop skills in:

• evaluating and interpreting a patient’s emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities
• monitoring and recording patients’ activities, responses and progress
• planning and administering treatment programmes on individual and group bases
• selecting appropriate forms of therapy, and advising and instructing on the use of aids
• teaching, assisting and monitoring a patient’s progress in learning or relearning the skills of normal function

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

061701  Physiotherapy
061703  Occupational Therapy
061705  Chiropractic and Osteopathy
061707  Speech Pathology
061709  Audiology
061711  Massage Therapy
061713  Podiatry
061799  Rehabilitation Therapies, n.e.c.

Physiotherapy is the study of assessing people with temporary and longer term physical injuries and movement disorders, and restoring maximum movement and functional ability.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• electrotherapy and electrophysical agents
• movement training and rehabilitation
• normal and abnormal musculoskeletal function

Occupational Therapy is the study of treating physical, cognitive and psychiatric conditions through activities in order to optimise functioning and independence in daily life.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• patient’s independence level assessment
• tailoring treatment programmes
• occupational rehabilitation
• occupational role development

Chiropractic and Osteopathy is the study of assessing and relieving disorders of the body through manipulating and treating the musculoskeletal system.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• posture, and preventative and corrective exercises
• manipulation and adjustment

Speech Pathology is the study of assessing and treating speech and language disorders.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• communicative functioning assessment and evaluation
• stuttering, abnormal articulation and other verbal disorders remedial exercise programmes
• language and voice disorders

Audiology is the study of assessing and treating hearing disorders.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• audiometry
• fitting hearing aids
• testing for hearing loss

Massage Therapy is the study of treating disorders through massage of the soft tissue.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• reflexology
• postural massage techniques
• deep tissue techniques

Podiatry is the study of assessing and treating physical ailments of the human foot and lower limb.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• foot and lower limb abnormalities
• podiatric appliances
• foot and gait disorders

This detailed field includes all Rehabilitation Therapies not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• diversional therapy
• orthoptics
• exercise rehabilitation
• orthotics and prosthetics

Complementary Therapies is the study of the prevention and treatment of health problems using natural and traditional remedies.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the importance of diet, exercise and lifestyle factors which influence health and wellbeing, the use of natural substances and acupressure to heal disease, and professional responsibility in relation to individuals and the community.

Courses in Narrow Field 0619 Complementary Therapies develop skills in:

• diagnosing diseases and prescribing natural remedies
• advise clients of natural treatment options

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

061901  Naturopathy
061903  Acupuncture
061905  Traditional Chinese Medicine
061999  Complementary Therapies, n.e.c.

Naturopathy is the study of treating diseases using natural therapies.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• pharmocognosy
• herbal medicine
• phytotherapy
• naturopathic diagnosis

Acupuncture is the study of treating diseases through influencing points on meridians using fine needles.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• acupuncture therapy
• channels and points
• identification of acupuncture sites
• acupressure

Traditional Chinese Medicine is the study of treating diseases through traditional Chinese therapies.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• Chinese herbal medicine
• Chinese therapies
• moxibustion
• patterns of disharmony
• pharmocognosy of Chinese herbs

This detailed field includes all Complementary Therapies not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• aromatherapy
• homeopathy
• iridology
• kinesiology

This narrow field includes all Health not elsewhere classified.

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

069901  Nutrition and Dietetics
069903  Human Movement
069905  Paramedical Studies
069907  First Aid
069999  Health, n.e.c.

Nutrition and Dietetics is the study of the nutritional and dietary needs of humans.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• nutritional assessment and evaluation
• food intake measurement
• nutrients and metabolism

Human Movement is the study of the nature, cause and control of movement. It includes posture and balance, and the science of human performance.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• biomechanical basis of movement
• motor control and learning
• injury prevention and management 
• sports and exercise science

Paramedical Studies is the study of the emergency treatment of the sick and injured prior to and during transfer to a hospital or medical facility.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• ambulance principles and practice
• fundamentals of paramedicine
• pre-hospital health service delivery issues
• out of hospital practice
• patient transport attendance
• specialist life support equipment

First Aid is the study of skills necessary to aid the ill and injured until medical aid arrives.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• casualty assessment
• first aid treatment
• resuscitation

This detailed field includes all Health not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• pain management
• respiratory science