What is required to work as a Physiotherapist in Australia?
The physiotherapy profession in Australia is highly regulated. All physiotherapists must have attained a university level qualification and be registered by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia to practice in Australia. The National Board sets policy and professional standards for all physiotherapists registered to practice in Australia.
The core role of the National Board is to protect the public. One of the ways they do this is by making sure that only practitioners who have the skills and qualifications to provide safe care to the Australian community are registered to practice Physiotherapy. Under the National Law, the Board sets Registration Standards, approved by Ministerial Council, that every registered physiotherapist must meet. These standards are designed to ensure patient safety. Registration standards for the National Board are published at http://www.physiotherapyboard.gov.au/
What is general Physiotherapy?
All physiotherapists in Australia must have attained a university level qualification and be must be registered by the Physiotherapy Board of Australia to practice in Australia. On completion of undergraduate training physiotherapists have training and some experience across all fields of the profession. This includes Musculoskeletal, Sports, Neuro, Paediatrics, Cardiorespiratory, Occupational Physiotherapy to name a few. They then may choose to join one of the recoginised clinical groups of the Australian Physiotherapy Association as a Tier 1 physiotherapist. They may then choose to undertake further study to become an APA Physiotherapist (Tier 2) and eventually commit to the 2 year training program and examination process required to achieve the advanced clinical skills of a Specialist Physiotherapist (Tier 3).
What does it take to become an APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist?
To qualify as a Level Two or Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, further study beyond an undergraduate degree is required e.g., a coursework Masters Degree in the specialty field. When a physiotherapist becomes a Titled Member of the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Association they have the right to use the words ‘APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist’ after their name.
What is Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy?
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists have expertise in treating musculoskeletal conditions. They employ advanced clinical assessment and diagnosis methods, and have been trained in a broader range of treatment techniques than many other health professionals. As a result, APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists are world-leaders in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of muscle and joint problems, especially low back and neck pain.
What is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist?
A Specialist Physiotherapist is a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. This individual has attained the highest level of expertise in their particular field of physiotherapy via a rigorous training and examination process. As well, a Specialist Physiotherapist contributes to the professional education of colleagues, actively engages in their own professional development and has had involvement in research activities.
Currently, the pathway to recognition as a specialist is a three tiered process through one of the recognised Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) clinical groups. Firstly, a qualified physiotherapist and APA member joins the relevant group and undertakes appropriate educational and professional development activities. They are a Level One member of the group. To qualify as a Level Two or Titled Member, further study (e.g., a coursework Masters Degree in the specialty field, or study through the alternate pathway established by the clinical group) is required. When a member becomes a Titled Member of, for example the Musculoskeletal physiotherapy group the member has the right to use the words ‘APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist’ after their name.
The third stage in the APA’s specialisation process is that of Level Three member, or Specialist. To achieve the Specialist level, the prospective candidate undertakes a two year training program which includes clinical experience and facilitated clinical development to attain an advanced level of clinical practice as well as evidence of a commitment to education and active participation in a research activity. At the completion of the two year training program, candidates present for final clinical and oral examinations. Specialists are admitted to the Australian College of Physiotherapists, which is the body within the APA that is ultimately responsible for setting the standards and criteria and administering the clinical examinations that Level Three candidates must undertake. Only members of the College have the right to use the words ‘Specialist Physiotherapist’.
http://www.physiotherapy.asn.au/physiotherapy-a-you/specialisation
What is required to work as a remedial massage therapist?
To obtain a Diploma in Remedial Massage, a person is required to complete a twelve month with a recognized educational institution such as the Australian Institute Of Massage, now known as Q Academy. The course must be sanctioned by a governing body to allow registration for health fund suppliers. Therapist with a diploma have increased knowledge of human anatomy and specific remedial techniques. Qualified massage therapists have a health care provider number which means that patients can claim a rebate from participating health funds.
What is Sports Physiotherapy?
Sports Physotherapists are informed about the latest in sports physiotherapy and sports medicine research. Sports Physiotherapists have experience and knowledge of the latest evidence-based practice, skilled assessment and diagnosis of sports injuries, and use effective ‘hands-on’ management techniques to assist recovery and prevent injury.
What does a Clinical Psychologist do?
Psychologists are interested in how people think, feel and behave. They study this at an individual, group, organisational and community level. Psychologists apply this knowledge to assess, diagnose, prevent, and treat problems.
Psychologists use scientific methods to study the human mind and behaviour. They develop theories and test them, which provides new information that adds to the body of established knowledge.
Despite popular belief, most psychologists do not work mainly with people who are mentally ill. The majority help mentally healthy people find ways of functioning better, for example, training people to handle stress in the workplace (from the Australian Psychological Society).
