Regisitration for Australia as a Paediatric physio - exams or via New Zealand?

Hi,

I hope someone can help advise me! I am hoping to emigrate to Oz but have come across a few problems.

Firstly I am have specialised with Paediatrics for the last 3 years (graduated 2006, 2 years rotational Band 5, then straight into Band 6 and now Band 7 Paeds) - I am worried that I would not pass the ACOPRA exams. I have read numerous posts and no one appears to have mentioned being specialist prior to sitting the exams. (Although the MSH/Cardio/Neuro principles are the same, clinical treatment is very different e.g. I am not sure that neurodevelopment of a neonate would be sufficient!)

Secondly, I have looked in to getting NZ registration instead. On the application you have to provide evidence of which visa you have applied for. What sort of evidence do you have to submit?

Thanks for any help you may offer! It is all much appreciated.

Dee

Dee, I wanted to send you a bit of encouraging news. I live in Melbourne and I *know* that they are having difficulty getting a Peds Physio at the Royal Childrens Hospital. They were trying to get a specialist in with knowledge of gait training and they found no one. Now they are recruiting for a pediatric trainee position for 2 years. It would be perfect for you! Seriously, check out the job description and try to get in touch directly with the head of the department. I say this because there is a way to get your license in a particular setting "For the Public Good". Check out "Over-seas trained physiotherapist" Australian web-pages. I don't think this was an option a couple years ago. Basically you'd be "grandfathered" - I think that's what they call it here - though that term means something different in the USA. While you're doing that specialist job, you could study for the full exam!! Best of luck. I'm just a run-of-the-mill orthopedic manual therapist who's been out of school too long - Much more difficult t get a license. ;o) Maya