Pathways to Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists are via Clinical Specialisation or Original Contribution (Research).
Benefits of Fellowship
Fellows of the Australian College of Physiotherapists are sought-after by peers, other health professionals and consumers for their expertise in their chosen field of practice.
As a Fellow, you may contribute to the professional education of your colleagues, actively engage in your own professional development, and be involved in research activities. Other benefits include:
✓ Formal credentialing of your highly developed physiotherapy knowledge, skills and competency
✓ Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists (FACP) post-nominal
✓ FACP Marketing resources
✓ Increased recognition amongst peers and consumers regarding your experience and qualifications
✓ Being part of a network of credentialed physiotherapy professionals
✓ Potential for increased employment opportunities and to lead and become more visible among the profession
✓ Sense of personal satisfaction that you are at the pinnacle of your profession
Overview
Specialist Physiotherapist is awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists to physiotherapists who have successfully fulfilled all requirements of the Specialisation Training Program (STP). Specialist Physiotherapists have attained the highest level of clinical expertise in their chosen field of physiotherapy.
The STP is a two-year program encompassing education, training and assessment in a field of practice.
The STP is structured around four elements:
Development of specialist skills
Participation in education of the profession
Commitment to lifelong learning and professional development
Participation in research activities
Upon successful completion of the two year training program, the registrar will be invited to sit a two-day Clinical Examination, which includes a Viva Voce. The clinical examination and viva voce must be successfully met for the ACP to award Specialist Physiotherapist.
Application for selection into the STP is open to Titled physiotherapists in an eligible field of practice and who meets the selection criteria, including membership of a national group that offers specialisation (listed below).
Fields of Practice
Cardiorespiratory
Gerontology
Musculoskeletal
Neurology
Occupational Health
Paediatrics
Pain
Sports and Exercise
Women’s, Men's and Pelvic Health
Application and fees
How to apply
Applications are now closed for the 2024 STP intake.
Fees
Initial application fee (from 2024)
$300 incl. GST
Program fee ($9900 inc GST), paid in two instalments:
- on acceptance into the program:
$4950 incl. GST
- on acceptance into the second year of the program
$4950 incl. GST
Clinical Examination and Viva Voce fee (paid in one instalment on acceptance to sit the final examination)
NOTE: Applications for Fellowship by Original Contribution are currently not being accepted as a review of the Research Pathway is being undertaken.
Overview
Fellowship by Original Contribution is open to any APA member who is undertaking original research or publish a scholarly book in Physiotherapy and is awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
Original Contribution pathway involves the submission of original scientific and academic/professional work for assessment via two streams:
Original Research (thesis/monograph): A collection of original peer-reviewed research papers, which the candidate must be the sole or first author of at least two publications. The collection of papers must include an introduction chapter, discussion/conclusion chapter and other chapters as necessary to elaborate how the work meets the criteria.
Published Book: the candidate is the sole or main author and the book demonstrates evidenced-based, academic/professional leadership in a field of physiotherapy practice. The book must have been published within three years of the application date.
Original Contribution submissions are assessed on whether they:
are original work,
show academic rigor, and
make a significant contribution to the advancement of an area of knowledge relevant to the physiotherapy profession.
Physiotherapists awarded Fellowship by Original Contribution are acknowledged as leaders in research and academia in physiotherapy.
Further information is outlined in the Original Contribution Handbook and Application form.
Eligibility
Application for entry into Original Contribution is open to any current APA member who is undertaking original research, academic or professional studies or publishing a scholarly book in physiotherapy, and meets entry requirements including current Ahpra registration without restrictions.
The research studies submitted for assessment for the award of Original Contribution cannot be submitted for any other award, including a PhD or Master’s Research thesis.
Application and fees
NOTE: Applications for Fellowship by Original Contribution are currently not being accepted as a review of the Research Pathway is being undertaken.
