To work as a physiotherapist in Australia, you need to apply for and be registered

with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. 

Overseas trained physiotherapists should contact the Australian Physiotherapy
Council to have their qualifications assessed, if their qualifications do not appear on
the Board’s website as approved programs of study for application for general
registration as a physiotherapist in Australia.
As of 4 February 2015, a new process applies for checking criminal history outside of
Australia. This new approach requires certain applicants and registered practitioners
to apply for an international criminal history check from an approved supplier. 

To practice as a physiotherapist you must hold current registration.

Physiotherapists are nationally registered through the Australian Health Practitioner

Regulatory Agency (AHPRA) via the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

Australian Physiotherapy Council

The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) is the national assessing authority in
Australia. The APC assesses equivalence of qualifications by looking at academic
qualifications, knowledge, clinical skills and professional attributes in physiotherapy
for the purpose of migration under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) Categories
or who apply for registration or work as a Physiotherapist in Australia. They require
certified copies of relevant documentation (qualification certificates, thesis/research if
relevant, membership certificates, IELTS results etc) and an application form.
Applicants from NZ, Canada, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA satisfy
the English language requirement for accreditation. There is mutual recognition with
NZ.

Assessment of Overseas Qualified Physiotherapists Seeking General

Registration in Australia

The APC performs the assessments of the knowledge, clinical skills and professional
attributes of overseas qualifications. One way that a physiotherapist, who is not
approved by the Board, can do this is via the three part (3part) APC Assessment
Process. The timeframe for the Initial Assessment is up to two weeks from the time
the completed application is received. If the initial assessment is not passed they will
not be approved to undertake the written assessment.

Initial Assessment
Submit application. APC determines whether the applicant holds a qualification and
is legally able to fully practice in the country where they completed the qualification
and meets the English language requirement.
Written Assessment
Physio must pass a written exam testing their ability to apply the knowledge of
physiotherapy in the context and scope of practice in Australia at the level of a
novice practitioner.

Clinical Assessment
Involves the physio treating 3 patients. Each patient is from one of the major areas of
physiotherapy (cardio respiratory, musculoskeletal and neurology).

APC Final Certificate

The certificate is issued following satisfactory performance with each of the three
clinical cases. The certificate is submitted to the Board as part of the Application for
General Registration.

Registration Standards

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

20 hours pa is required. A registered practising physiotherapist in Australia must
maintain a portfolio documenting participation in CPD that contributes to maintaining
and improving their competence to practice in their chosen scope of practice.

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

A minimum score of 7 in the IELTS or OET with overall pass with grades A or B.
Exempted from ELP test if from tertiary education was assessed and taught in
English from one of the following countries: Canada, NZ, Ireland, South Africa, UK,
USA.
OR
Undertook secondary education in English in one of the countries as above where
English is the native or first language

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)

Practitioners are required to demonstrate that they are covered for the practice by
appropriate PII.

Fitness to Practice
Includes a criminal history check and verification of good standing

Recency of Practice
You must provide evidence of practice within the last 5 yrs.
PHYSIOTHERAPY RELATED COURSES IN AUSTRALIA
University of Canberra – Master of High Performance Sport

University of Canberra - Master of Nutrition

University of Canberra - Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

University of Sydney - Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

University of Wollongong - Master of Nutrition and Dietetics

La Trobe – Master of Physiotherapy Practice

La Trobe - Master of Dietetic Practice

Deakin – Master of Nutrition and Population Health

USQ – Master of Sports and Exercise Science

Bond University – Master of Sports Science

Bond University – Master of Nutrition and Dietetic Practice

Flinders University – Nutrition and Dietetics

UWA – Master of Exercise Science

Edith Cowan University – Master of Nutrition and Dietetics