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

The Milestone 3 Titling credential is the first step in advancing your career before embarking on Specialisation via the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

The ACP Milestone 3 Titling is available to physiotherapists in the areas of practice listed below. The Titling credential signifies a physiotherapist who is highly qualified in a particular area of practice and has undertaken a rigorous and formalised process to demonstrate their physiotherapy experience and knowledge.

Benefits to you

Formal recognition within the profession and with consumers of your experience and qualifications
Eligible to become a Member of the College of Australian Physiotherapists and use the post-nominal designation, MACP
The first step towards Specialisation/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

Areas of practice – Titling Pathway status

The following areas of practice have pathways to Titling:

Area of practice	Academic Pathway	Experiential Pathway	Evidence Portfolio
Animal physiotherapist	✓	Currently Not Avaliable^#	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Cancer Physiotherapist	Currently Not Avaliable	Grandfathering 1 July 2019 – 31 December 2023	To be confirmed
Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Gerontology Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Lymphoedema Physiotherapist	Currently Not Avaliable	Grandfathering 1 July 2019 – 31 December 2023	To be confirmed
Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist	✓	Currently Not Avaliable^#	To be confirmed
Neurological Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Occupational Health Physiotherapist	Currently Not Avaliable	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Paediatric Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Pain Physiotherapist	✓	Currently Not Avaliable^#	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024
Palliative Care Physiotherapist	Currently Not Avaliable	Grandfathering 1 July 2019 – 31 December 2023	To be confirmed
^*Research Physiotherapist	✓	Not applicable	Not applicable
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist	✓	Applications ceased 30 June 2023	^#Available in the first quarter of 2024

^*Research forms part of the pathway to Fellowship by Original Contribution

^#Application for Titling will become available via the new Evidence Portfolio Pathway.

For more information regarding discipline areas that are to be confirmed, email ng.title@australian.physio

How it works

There are currently three pathways that lead to Titling:

Academic (currently accepting applications)
Experiential (only accepting applications in Cancer, Palliative Care and Lymphoedema (CPCL) Grandfathering Pathway)
Evidence Portfolio Pathway (In Pilot – Phase 3) – Information in the following tabbed section.

Information on the pathways available for each practice area is provided in the ACP Title Information Handbook.

With the introduction of the new Titling Milestone 3 Evidence Portfolio Pathway in 2024, the College has ceased taking applications for the Experiential pathway after 30 June 2023 (with the exception of CPCL Grandfathering).

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 – This pathway ceased on 30 June 2023 (except CPCL Grandfathering)

For CPCL Grandfathering enquiries, email ng.title@australian.physio.

How it works – Evidence Portfolio Pathway

Evidence Portfolio Pathway – Expressions of interest 2024

Titling through the Evidence Portfolio Pathway will open to the profession in the first quarter of 2024. We are seeking expressions of interest from members who intend to apply in 2024 or beyond.

Complete the form to join the waitlist.

About the the Evidence Portfolio Pathway

The Evidence Portfolio Pathway is currently being piloted. This pathway replaces the Experiential pathway. The Titling Evidence Portfolio Pathway is underpinned by the Competence Framework version 7.1. The Portfolio includes three (3) components – SHOW, General Reflection and Cultural Capability Reflection.

The Evidence Portfolio pathway will enable physiotherapists to submit a range of evidence for assessment to demonstrate their competence against the seven (7) roles of the Competence Framework at Milestone 3 (Highly Developed). The Evidence Portfolio replaces the current written examination. Once candidates have satisfactorily met all three components of the Evidence Portfolio, they will progress to the clinical examination (by video).

In preparation for the roll out of the new Titling pathway, Phase 3 pilot commenced on 3 July 2023.

New Titling Evidence Portfolio Pathway timeline:

Enquires about the new Milestone 3, Titling credential can be directed to ng.title@australian.physio

Information about the Evidence Portfolio Pathway is provided in the ACP Title Information Handbook.

Eligibility

Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria and these are listed below.

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 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 AND EXERCISE

Australian Catholic University

Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy
Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy/Master of High Performance Sport

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 and Exercise 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, email ng.title@australian.physio

Fees

2023 Fee Structure

Academic Pathway

Initial application and document assessment

$295 incl. GST

Experiential Pathway

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

2024 Fee Structure

Academic Pathway

Initial application and document assessment

$300 incl. GST

Evidence Portfolio Pathway

Stage 1 – initial application and document assessment	$300 incl. GST
Stage 2 – Evidence Portfolio	$1,400 incl. GST
Stage 2 – re-assement of portfolio (if required)	$500 incl. GST
Stage 3 – clinical practical assessment fee	$1,400 incl. GST

More information is available in the ACP Title Information Handbook.

How to apply

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

More information is available in the ACP Title Information Handbook.

How long does it take to become Titled?

Academic applications are normally processed within 6 – 8 weeks.

Need more information?

Read the ACP Title Information Handbook.

For more information 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

STP Fee Breakdown. All fees inclusive of GST

Application Fee: $295

The STP Program Fee $9,900, paid in two instalments, payable:

on acceptance into the program ($4950);
before commencement of the second year of the program ($4950)
Training Program Fee Payment Form

Clinical Examination and Viva Voce: $3300 (paid in one instalment on acceptance to sit the final examination)

Repeat Final Examinations. Re-sitting of the final examinations for specialisation incurs an additional cost dependent on the components of the examination that are being repeated:

Practical Component (Clinical Cases x2): $2200
Viva Voce Component: $1100
Full Examination: $3300

Additional costs will be incurred throughout the duration of the STP Program including travel, accommodation, conference registration and course fees.

Important dates

6 September 2023: College Information Session – To review the recording go to the 'Need more information?'

16 October 2023: applications will close on at 5pm (AEDT)

18 September 2023: Applications ‘open’ for admission to the 2024 Training Program

8 October 2023: Registrar Day – for current Registrars, Facilitators and Examiners

16 October 2023: Applications ‘close’ for admission to the 2024 Training Program

10 November 2023: Training Program Selection Interviews (virtual)

18-19 November 2023: STP Examinations (Nov)

Mid-December 2023: Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application

1 April 2024: 2024 Specialisation Training Program commences

Applications for Fellowship by Original Contribution may be submitted at any time.

How to apply

Apply now for the 2024 Specialisation Training Program.

Applications will close on 16 October 2023 at 5pm (AEDT).

Download the application form and information for applicants:

Specialisation Training Program Application Form (2024 Intake) - check your downloads folder after clicking this link

Specialisation Training Program Information for Applicants (2024 Intake)

Submit your application to acp@australian.physio

Time In Training

The Specialisation Training Program is designed to be a two-year program, however it must be completed within a maximum of four (4) years, including any period of deferment or undertaking on a part-time basis.

The Clinical Examination (which includes a Viva Voce) is undertaken once all other STP requirements have been successfully completed. The Clinical Examination and Viva Voce must be successfully completed within a maximum of four (4) years, including any period of deferment. Successful completion of the clinical examination and viva voce must be obtained to be awarded Fellowship of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.

Need more information?

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

Review the latest recording to find out more.

Read the Specialisation Training Program Manual.

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

For further assistance, please contact acp@australian.physio

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, complete the Application Form (Appendix 1: Fellowship by Original Contribution) and email to acp@australian.physio

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?

Further information, including the Application Form, is available in the Fellowship by Original Contribution Information Package or contact acp@australian.physio for assistance.

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

If you are a Titled Member (Milestone 3 Titling)

To establish your credentials, physiotherapists awarded Titling by the APA and ACP may only use the following format:

'Ms/Mrs/Mr J Brown, APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist'

As a Member of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, you may use the post-nominal MACP in the following formats:

'Ms/Mrs/Mr J Brown, APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist, MACP’
'Ms/Mrs/Mr J Brown, MACP'

Fellowship by Specialisation (Milestone 4)

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 (by Clinical Specialisation)

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