Options for Equivalence, General Registration or Limited Registration

[Pfizio007]

Hi all,
Like others before I'm a little confused about the Australian system. I have a MSc in Rehabilitation Science from Glasgow Caledonian University (2yr course) and an Exercise Science BSc. I have around 12 years experience as a practising physio, many of which in the elite sports field.

A practice Manager in Canberra has offered me a job on a 457 Visa (Sponsored). However, I am unsure as to how this sits with the Australian Physiotherapy Council. The 457 Visa is valid for 4 years, but unless I'm given Certification of Equivalence or Gain Full Registration by doing their exams in 2 years time (something I feel very strongly about not having to do) I'm presuming I can only work for 2 years under Limited Registration ?

Does anybody have experience of this system and how best to go for a Sponsored Job on a 457 Visa and which way to go on the Australian Physiotherapy Registration side ! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

The fact that we allow any Australian physiotherapist to practice in the UK and yet cannot gain the same 'rights' over there is another subject, and something I think we as a profession need to confront head on. In essence, the Australian system is saying that our courses do not 'come up to scratch' and that we are 'poor physiotherapists'. In my opinion, if their system is that far in advance of ours, then surely that could weed out those suitable from those unsuitable in their 'interview process' and not ask people who have been qualified for many years, to go back and study the areas of physiotherapy that are simply not relevant to their career path ?

Any thoughts or help ?

Thanks in anticipation
PF

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[trirun4]

Hi

I can't help with the Limited Reg as I am currently trying to sort it out my self, but I understand before a person can have limited reg they have to undertake the written exam. then they can apply for the limited reg and work under the supervision of another physio.

I agree with your last comment about the Austrian PT's able to work in the UK, and UK PT's needing to do months of expensive exams, so we can work with them.

[Magpie]

Hi there,

As a recruiter dealing with people from overseas i believe you can now apply for equivilance through the APA and they will assess your qualifications and experience and grant you full registration.
Physiotherapy has been on the skills shortage list for a bit in Australia so you should get a visa no problems once you have had your quals assessed

Yes unfortunately that is the way they do things and it does not seem fair but that is the way you have to play ball to practice here.

Some people choose to get registered in New Zealand and then come through on a Trans Tasman registration as that is an easier path to take

Cheers

[Magpie]

Equivalent University Programs ? Australian Physiotherapy Council

Also your university appears to be listed here so, I would apply for equivilancy and Im sure with your expereince you should get general registration, well I hope you do

[Fyzzio]

Some people choose to get registered in New Zealand and then come through on a Trans Tasman registration as that is an easier path to take

As a recruiter, you should know that applicants for NZ registration have to sign a statutory declaration that they intend to practice in NZ.

[Magpie]

No I wasn't aware of that and people I have assisted may not have been either thank you for the info