Before you start practising and using the title of physiotherapist, you must be registered with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia via Ahpra.

‘Physiotherapist’ is a protected title in all Australian states and territories and the Board’s role is to maintain public safety and trust in the profession by ensuring that only those who are suitably skilled and qualified become registered physiotherapists.

Once you are registered, you can work as a physiotherapist anywhere in Australia.

If you are set to complete your approved physiotherapy program within the next three months, apply for registration now.

The Board will start assessing your application while we wait for your graduate results.

Kim Gibson, Chair of the Physiotherapy Board, encourages all graduates and students to familiarise themselves with the role of the Board, which includes:

 •    registering physiotherapists and students
•    developing standards, codes and guidelines for the physiotherapy profession
•    handling notifications and complaints about physiotherapists and, when needed, handling investigations and disciplinary hearings
•    assessing overseas-trained practitioners who wish to practise in Australia
•    approving accreditation standards and accredited courses of study.

‘It is a legal and ethical requirement for all practising physiotherapists in Australia to abide by the shared Code of Conduct for registered health practitioners and it is also important for you to understand the principles that underpin the code,’ Kim says.

Kim says physiotherapy is a highly rewarding career and the profession collectively contributes enormously to the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.

‘To all recent physiotherapy graduates and those who are about to graduate, the Board congratulates you and wishes you well as you embark on your career, be it in private or public practice, research, teaching or regulation,’ Kim says.

How do I apply?

Applications for registration are processed online via the Ahpra website. Click here to and create an account to use the online services portal. Upload your documents and pay the required fees.

Check that you have provided all required documentation to prove you have met the registration standards, including certified copies of your photo identification.

Once the Board receives graduate results from your education provider and is satisfied that you have met all the requirements for registration, it will finalise your application.

When you are registered, the Board will publish your name on the Register of practitioners and you can start working as a physiotherapist.

Get your application right

Avoid delays by providing as much information as possible when you submit your application, including, if relevant, any criminal history or health impairments.

'While we can’t finalise your application until after we’ve received your graduate results, we begin to assess your application beforehand so that it is ready to go pending your results,' Kim says.

'We will let you know via email when we have assessed your application and are awaiting your graduate results. If we need any further information, we will contact you.'

Click here to see the shared Code of Conduct for physiotherapists and other registered health practitioners.

On the Physiotherapy Board of Australia website, see the Board’s webinar for graduates here at and click here for the Board’s video for graduating students.