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, or in the process of completing, Certificate IV Allied Health or equivalent,
Or have a minimum Certificate III Allied Health, and are working as a PTA,
Or is an international Physiotherapy graduate not eligible for Australian registration working as a PTA,
Or have worked as a PTA 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.