Physiotherapy Assistants

With the increase of the physiotherapy assistant workforce within Australia over recent years in response to workforce demands, the development and ratification of a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Physiotherapy) highlighted the increasing sophistication in the physiotherapy assistant skill level.

In recognising and valuing the role of Physiotherapy Assistants (PTA) in contributing to the delivery of physiotherapy services, Constitutional changes approved at the 2007 Annual General Meeting, saw the introduction of Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) membership for Physiotherapy Assistants commencing 2008.

This offers an exciting opportunity for Physiotherapy Assistants to become founding members in this new APA membership category- to join the Organisation representing the health area they have chosen to contribute to.

Which Physiotherapy Assistants are Eligible to Join?

The APA determines a person to be eligible for APA membership under the PTA category if they have completed a Certificate IV Allied Health or equivalent. However, until more Cert IV qualifications are being offered and completed, for current membership purposes one or more of the following apply;

• minimum academic qualification of Cert III Allied Health working as a PTA;
• international physiotherapy graduate not eligible for Australian registration working as a PTA;
• PTA working for 5 years as vouched for by an APA member employer.

Benefits of APA Physiotherapy Assistant Membership

• Access to a large range of APA member services including money-saving commercial benefits and discounts.
• Networking opportunities to receive information about, and contribute, to issues specific to PTAs.
• Monthly inmotion magazine to keep informed about what is happening in the profession.
• Demonstration of professionalism and commitment to contributing to health care, both to colleagues and to the people being cared for.
• Helping advance the careers of those who work in the physiotherapy and physiotherapy assistant arena by adding a voice to the APA advocacy agenda.
• The APA thrives on active participation by members. As PTA membership and contribution grows, so will the advantages of membership.

Last Updated - Friday, 12 September 2008 17:28