Australian College of Physiotherapists Information

About the College

The Australian College of Physiotherapists (inaugurated in 1971) was established for the training of clinical specialists and advancing excellence in the practice of physiotherapy. The College now represents the leaders in clinical practice, research, management and academia. Instrumental in developing the career pathway for the profession, the College has governance structures that place it at the apex of an integrated career pathway open to all physiotherapists.

The College is broadening its membership to include new types of Fellowship and relevant credentialing opportunities. Membership of the College will include Fellows in Clinical Specialisation, Research (Original Contribution) and Leadership. Member of the College/Titled Members, Registrars, and adjunct recognition for supporters and industry leaders. The new College encompasses development and integration of career pathways for new and emerging clinical disciplines.

College membership

The College offers two tiers of membership: Titled and Fellow.

Fellowship can be achieved via a clinical specialisation or non-clinical pathways while the Titled members can join as Members of the College.

Membership of the College will be open to APA members who have achieved the level of a ‘highly advanced’ practitioner in their selected discipline, as defined by the Competence Framework. This is the entry level to the College.

The APA physiotherapist Title is a formal recognition of the attainment of a highly developed level of competency in a particular area of practice. An APA member must successfully complete a rigorous process to prove they have the required level of clinical expertise and knowledge to achieve Titled status.

Titling

There are several ways for you to advance your career and gain recognition for your knowledge and experience. Titling is the first step to advance your career before you embark on specialisation qualifications available through the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

Available to physiotherapists in the areas of practice listed below. The APA Physiotherapist Title is a measure of career progress. It represents a physiotherapist who is highly qualified in a particular area of practice. If you attain the APA Physiotherapist Title, you have undergone a rigorous process to demonstrate your physiotherapy experience and knowledge.

Benefits to you

Formal recognition of your experience and qualifications
The first step towards fellowship as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists
Opportunities to lead and become more visible among the profession
Enhanced employment opportunities
Being part of a network of credentialed physiotherapy professionals
Eligible to become a Member of the College of Australian Physiotherapists and use the designation MACP

Areas of practice

The following areas of practice have a titling pathway:

APA Animal Physiotherapist
APA Cancer Physiotherapist
APA Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist
APA Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist
APA Gerontological Physiotherapist
APA Lymphoedema Physiotherapist
APA Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
APA Neurological Physiotherapist
APA Occupational Health Physiotherapist
APA Paediatric Physiotherapist
APA Pain Physiotherapist
APA Palliative Care Physiotherapist
APA Research Physiotherapist
APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist

How it works

There are currently two pathways that lead to Titling – academic and experiential (outlined below). Information on the pathways that are available in each practice area is provided in the APA Title Information Booklet.

Note: A portfolio pathway is being developed aligned to the APA Career Pathway. This pathway will enable physiotherapists to present a range of evidence to demonstrate their attainment of competence across the seven roles in the APA Career Pathway Competence Framework at milestone level 3 – Highly Developed. We anticipate a staged rollout as we build capacity in our assessment pool across national groups, commencing in the second half of 2022.

More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.

Academic pathway

Research stream - complete an Australian Master’s by Research or Master of Philosophy and meet the eligibility requirements (Doctor of Philosophy is also eligible as this is a higher level qualification)
Animal stream - complete an APA-recognised Master’s degree and meet the eligibility requirements
All other streams - complete an APA-recognised post-graduate Australian Master's degree by coursework and meet the eligibility requirements

More information on the eligibility requirements is provided in the Eligibility section below.

Experiential pathway

Meet the eligibility requirements and complete the written and clinical practical assessments. This pathway is suited to members who have not completed an Australian post-graduate coursework masters’ degree or those who have completed a masters’ which is not on the APA ‘recognised’ list (provided in the Eligibility section below).

There are three stages to this process, you must pass each stage before you can move to the next stage:

1. Submit Application Form
2. Complete Written Assessment
3. Complete Clinical Practical Assessment*

* Exception: Occupational Health physiotherapists are assessed on a portfolio and post portfolio discussion in lieu of written and clinical practical assessments.

Once you have successfully completed one of these pathways, you have the right to use the APA Titling nomenclature in your professional title.

Example: Jane Smith completed the Titling process in the practice area of sports and exercise physiotherapy. Jane can now refer to herself as an ‘APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist’.

Please refer to the Australian Physiotherapy Board guidelines for the use of titles.

More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.

Eligibility

Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria, listed below are the minimum requirements for all pathways.

All pathways

You must have:

Current AHPRA registration without restrictions
Current membership of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Current member of the national group (except those applying for APA Research Physiotherapist title – national group membership is not a requirement)
Meet minimum continuous practice area experience requirements
Meet minimum recency of practice requirements
Undertaken 30 hours CPD in your selected practice area within the past three years.

More information is available:

Academic Pathway

You must have successfully completed an APA-recognised postgraduate master’s degree:

Research stream - complete an Australian Master’s by Research or Master of Philosophy and meet the eligibility requirements (Doctor of Philosophy is also eligible as this is a higher level qualification)
Animal stream - complete an APA-recognised Master’s degree and meet the eligibility requirements
All other streams - complete an APA-recognised post-graduate Australian Master's degree by coursework and meet the eligibility requirements

Recognised courses

These are the Australian postgraduate coursework master’s degrees that are recognised for the academic pathway to titling.

University

Course Name

ANIMAL

The University of Queensland

Master of Animal Studies (Animal Physiotherapy)

Hartpury University, United Kingdom

Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy

University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy

Royal Veterinary College, University of London, United Kingdom

Master of Science in Veterinary Physiotherapy

CARDIORESPIRATORY

The University of Melbourne

Master of Physiotherapy (Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy)

The University of Sydney

Master of Health Sciences (Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy)

CONTINENCE AND WOMEN'S HEALTH / WOMEN'S, MEN'S AND PELVIC HEALTH

The University of Melbourne

Master of Physiotherapy (Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)
Master of Physiotherapy (Pelvic Health)

Curtin University

Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women's Health Major)

GERONTOLOGY

Australian Catholic University

Master of Rehabilitation (Gerontological)

Flinders University

Master of Applied Gerontology

LaTrobe University

Master of Gerontology

MUSCULOSKELETAL

The University of Melbourne

Master of Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)

The University of Queensland

Master of Physiotherapy (Manipulative Physiotherapy)
Master of Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy)

University of Western Australia

Master of Manual Therapy

University of South Australia

Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
Master of Orthopaedics, Sports and Manual Physiotherapy
Master of Manual and Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Musculoskeletal)

The University of Sydney

Master of Health Sciences (Manipulative Physiotherapy)

LaTrobe University

Master of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

Curtin University of Technology

Master of Manipulative Therapy
Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Manipulative Therapy Major)

Griffith University

Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy

NEUROLOGY

The University of Western Australia

Masters Program Neurological Rehabilitation

The University of Sydney

Master of Health Sciences (Neurological Physiotherapy)

The University of Melbourne

Master of Physiotherapy by Coursework (Neurological Physiotherapy)

Flinders University

Master of Clinical Rehabilitation (Neurological Physiotherapy)

Australian Catholic University

Master of Rehabilitation (Neurological)

PAEDIATRIC

The University of Melbourne

*Master of Physiotherapy (Paediatric Physiotherapy)

The University of Sydney

Master of Health Sciences (Paediatric Physiotherapy)

The University of Queensland

Master of Physiotherapy in the field of Paediatrics

Monash University

Master of Advanced Paediatric Physiotherapy Practice

PAIN

The University of Sydney

Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management)

SPORTS & EXERCISE

Griffith University

Master of Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy

The University of Queensland

Master of Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy)

University of South Australia

Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Manual and Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Orthopaedics, Sports Manual Physiotherapy
Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports)

The University of Sydney

Master of Health Sciences (Sports Physiotherapy)

LaTrobe University

Master of Sports Physiotherapy

Curtin University of Technology

Master of Sports Physiotherapy
Master of Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy Major)(Master of Clinical Physiotherapy)

The University of Melbourne

Master of Sports Medicine Master of Physiotherapy (Sports)

Eligible for Titling via the academic pathway

This list contains courses that may no longer be offered, however they remain eligible for academic titling under the rules that applied at the time.

Please note: If your Australian postgraduate coursework master's degree does not appear on this list, and you believe it is recognised, please contact the Titling Officer

Phone: (03) 9092 0888

Email: ng.title@australian.physio

Experiential pathway

You must have:

Completed any pre-requisite course(s) for the Title you are applying for (or demonstrate attainment of an equivalent). More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.
Demonstrate performance, skills and knowledge at the Titling level of Milestone Level 3 Highly Developed, APA Career Pathway Competence Framework v6.0, page 5.
Complete at least five practice sessions as part of your preparation for the Clinical Practical Assessment (the instructions and marksheets are provided as an appendix in the APA Title Information Booklet). These are subject to change from time-to-time, and we will provide the current versions once you’re up to that stage.

Fees

Stage 1 – initial application and document assessment	$295 incl. GST
Stage 2 – written assessment fee (experiential only)	$1,370 incl. GST
Stage 2 – remarking of written assessment (if required)	$500 incl. GST
Stage 3 – clinical practical assessment fee (experiential only)	$1,370 incl. GST

OHPA: $295 application fee + $1,370 Portfolio assessment and post portfolio discussion

More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.

How to apply

You can apply for Titling at any time by completing the required forms listed below:

More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.

How long does it take?

Applications are normally processed within 2 - 4 weeks.

Experiential pathway: the written assessment usually takes around 8 weeks to complete plus a few weeks for marking, the video recorded clinical practical assessment takes around 12 weeks to complete plus a few weeks for marking and conducting the tele/videoconference/viva.

If there are any delays, we will let you know by email or phone.

More information is available in the APA Title Information Booklet.

Need more information?

Read the APA Title Information Booklet.

If that doesn’t answer your question, contact the Member Support Team on (03) 9092 0888 or 1300 306 622.

Clinical Specialist

Available to titled physiotherapists who meet the entry requirements.

Specialisation as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists is conferred to physiotherapists who have attained the highest level of expertise in their particular field of physiotherapy. These physiotherapists have undergone a rigorous training and examination process.

Once you achieve specialisation, you are known as a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, the pre-eminent professional body representing specialist physiotherapists in Australasia. Fellows are sought-after by peers, other health professionals and consumers for their expertise. 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.

Benefits to you

Formal recognition of your experience and qualifications
Something that sets you apart in the eyes of consumers and your peers
Sense of personal satisfaction that you are at the pinnacle of your profession
Opportunities to lead and become more visible among the profession
Enhanced employment opportunities
Being part of the network of clinical physiotherapy leaders, not only in Australia but worldwide
Potential for financial benefits

Areas of practice

The following areas of practice have a specialisation pathway:

Cardiorespiratory
Gerontology
Musculoskeletal
Neurology
Occupational Health
Paediatrics
Pain
Sports and Exercise
Women’s, Men's and Pelvic Health

How it works

There are 3 steps to specialist recognition by the College:

Step 1: Achieve titled membership in one of the eligible areas of practice (listed above)

Step 2: Apply to the two-year training program of the College in an eligible area of practice

Step 3: Successfully complete all elements of the training program including practical and exams.

The training program 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

The two-year training program is a formal period of education, facilitated by a Fellow of the College in the area of practice you’ve applied to. It involves some facilitated clinical training. You will be required to provide evidence of quality practice.

At the end of the program, you undergo examinations. These run over a two-day period and require demonstration of specialist-level skills.

Eligibility

You must be a titled member of a national group that offers specialisation (see above list) and meet entry criteria to be considered for Fellowship by Specialisation.

Fees

$110 application fee + $9 900 program fee (including GST)

The program fee is paid in two instalments:

On acceptance into the program: $4950

On commencement of the second year: $4950

Clinical Examination and Viva: $3300

Exam repeat (if required) $110 per segment.

(Fees quoted are subject to change without notice)

Dates

Intake opens: 14 September 2022

Apply by: 1 November 2022

Program commences: 1 April 2023

How to apply

To apply, complete the application and payment forms, and submit before 31 October 2022.

Make sure you have the following supporting documents ready:

A detailed curriculum-vitae
Contact details of three professional referees
Expression of interest statement

How long does it take?

Your application will be processed by mid-December.

Registrar has a maximum of four consecutive years to complete the training program and a further four consecutive years to complete the examination program.

Need more information?

Find out more by viewing the recording of the specialisation information session below.

Read the Specialisation Training Program Manual.

The Australian College of Physiotherapists holds a live-streamed Specialisation Training Program information evening in September each year.

Go to the PD Search and use ‘College’ as the keyword for further details.

If your question hasn’t been answered by any of these resources, email the Manager of the College.

You can also write to us or call us:

ACP Manager, Specialisation and Fellowship Programs

PO Box 437, Hawthorn BC VIC 3122 Australia

Phone: +61 3 9092 0873

Fellowship by the Original Contribution (Research)

Available to any member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association who is undertaking original research or publishing a scholarly book.

Fellowship by Original Contribution is an academic pathway to Fellowship of the College. It involves an application process, then the submission of original work that is scientific work, professional, academic or all three. Fellows by Original Contribution must not call themselves a clinical specialist.

Once your work is passed by the Board of Examiners, you are known as a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. Fellows are sought-after by peers, other health professionals and consumers for their expertise. 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.

Benefits to you

Formal recognition of your experience and qualifications
Something that sets you apart in the eyes of consumers and your peers
Sense of personal satisfaction that you are at the pinnacle of your profession
Create opportunities for yourself to lead and become more visible among the profession
Enhanced employment opportunities
Be part of the network of physiotherapy leaders, not only in Australia but worldwide

How it works

You can submit either original research or a published scholarly book or monograph as part of your application to become a Fellow.

Book or monograph

For a book, simply fill out the online application form below. You will be notified if you are accepted. The next step is to submit three copies of your manuscript. Your work will be assessed by two examiners.

Original research

For original research, the process is slightly different.

Step 1: Complete the application form including an outline of your proposed work.

Step 2: If your application is successful, you become a Member of the College.

Step 3: You work with your allocated supervisor to prepare your work for submission. This must happen within two years.

Step 4: Two examiners assess the work and provide their assessment.

Whether you submit original research or a book/monograph, all submissions are assessed on whether they:

Are original work
Show academic rigor
Have made a significant contribution to the advancement of an area of knowledge relevant to the physiotherapy profession.

Eligibility

For all applications:

You must be a registered physiotherapist and a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
The work you submit cannot be submitted for any other award, including a PhD or master’s thesis.

There are also separate eligibility criteria depending the type of work you submit.

Original research

A collection of at least three peer reviewed papers.
As the applicant, you must be the sole or first author of at least two.
At least two papers must relate to original research you have undertaken.

Book or monograph

As the applicant, you must be the sole or main author.
The work demonstrates academic or professional leadership in a field of physiotherapy practice.
The work is evidence-based, not simply a synthesis of knowledge.
The work must have been published within 3 years of the application date.

Fees

$110 application fee + $2200 review fee of final work submitted

Each resubmission of work with major revisions: $2200

(Fees quoted are subject to change without notice)

Dates

Applicants can submit their application at anytime throughout the year.

How to apply

To apply, fill out the application form.

Make sure you have the following supporting documents ready:

a detailed curriculum-vitae
certified copies of academic transcripts (including undergraduate and graduate records)
contact details of two professional referees (it’s strongly recommended that one of your referees is a Fellow of the College)
statement of purpose outlining why you want to become a Fellow by Original Contribution

Once your application is accepted, you will be asked to submit one soft copy and up to three hard copies if requested.

How long does it take?

It takes up to six weeks to process your application.

If you are submitting a collection of papers, you have up to two years to do this.

Once your work has been submitted, assessment takes approximately six weeks.

Need more information?

Read the information package on Fellowship by Original Contribution.

If that doesn’t answer your question, contact the ACP Manager of the Fellowship and Specialisation Tranining Program.

You can also write to us or call us:

ACP Manager, Fellowship and Specialisation Training Program

Australian Physiotherapy Association

PO Box 437, Hawthorn BC VIC 3122 Australia

Phone: +61 3 9092 0873

Leadership Fellowship

Fellowship as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists is conferred to physiotherapists who have met the criteria for Leadership—being designed in 2022

College Governance

Regulations, Policies and Procedures

College Policies and Procedures are available
in Appendix 14 of the Specialisation Training Program Manual.

Using College Titles

Make sure you know what the law says about using a specialist title. At this time, specialist titles for physiotherapists are not yet recognised under national registration. For more information refer to the Physiotherapy Board of Australia: Information on the use of Specialist Titles in Physiotherapy.

As of September 2022, the APA is pleased to recognise the significant achievement and contribution to the profession by awarding the title of Doctor to any member who has successfully been awarded Fellowship with the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

The use of the Doctor title is optional to any member who has successfully been awarded Fellowship. Use of the Doctor title will be at the discretion of the Fellow. When applied as described, the expression of Doctor title remains consistent with the advertising guidelines under the National Law. The requirement under the National Law is to be clear with the public that the practitioner is not claiming to be a medical doctor.

If you are a Fellow

To avoid misleading the public, physiotherapists who have been awarded Fellowship by Specialisation are required to refer to their expertise in a way that establishes their credentials. The following format must be used: Jane Doe, Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 20YY).

Australian College of Physiotherapists must be spelled out in full. Physiotherapists should only use the term ‘Specialist’ when they establish their credentials in the way outlined above. Specialist Fellows can also use the post nominal ‘FACP’ to establish their credentials: John Doe, FACP.

If you’re not a Fellow by Clinical Specialisation

You are not to use the term ‘Specialist’ in any way to refer to your expertise, area of study or area of practice.

Find out more about the correct use of titles
Further information on Standards, Guidelines and Codes can be accessed on the Physiotherapy Board of Australia (Ahpra) website
Find out more about using the College logo