Specialisation

The Australian Physiotherapy Association defines a Specialist Physiotherapist as a member who 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.

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA), as the national professional body for physiotherapists, has long supported the concept of specialist physiotherapists in specific clinical areas.

Currently, the pathway to recognition as a specialist is a three-tiered process through one of the recognised APA clinical groups.

TIER 1: A qualified physiotherapist and APA member joins the relevant national group and undertakes appropriate educational and professional development activities.

TIER 2 (Titling): A Level One member of a APA clinical group, is required to undergo further study (e.g., a coursework Masters Degree in the specialty field, or study through the alternate pathway established by the clinical group). When a member becomes a Titled Member of, for example, the sports physiotherapy group the member has the right to use the words ‘APA Sports Physiotherapist’ after their name.

TIER 3 (Specialisation): 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’.

At this time, the Australian College of Physiotherapists has a growing number of Specialist Fellows, who have undergone the rigorous training and examination that now entitles them to be recognised as Specialists. The APA and The Australian College of Physiotherapists, with a growing critical mass of specialists, are now working and lobbying government and health insurers at several levels to ensure appropriate external recognition of Specialists within the wider community.

For information on how to apply for specialisation please click here.

For an application form and relevant documents for the 2 Year Training Program please click on the relevant links:

Use of Specialist Title

The Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council deferred its decision whether or not to allow physiotherapists to register as specialists pending the development of criteria to assess applications by registration boards. We have recently been told that the criteria will be developed by Health Workforce Principal Committee (HWPC) and that they will have another round of consultations which will take at least another year to develop.

Both the APA and the Physiotherapy Board of Australia are concerned about the confusion that this delay could cause amongst the public and other health professionals. The Physiotherapy Board has therefore issued guidance to physiotherapists using the title.

Click here to download their advice.