APC Equivalence of Qualification pathway (for skills assessment)

[Jimmy Mook]

Hi,

My partner and I are considering moving to Perth/surrounding areas over the next 18 - 24 months.

I understand there are 2 pathways to the skills assessment with the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC):

1. Standard pathway - full eligibility assessment (UK), written exam (UK), and practical exam (in Australia). Cost circa 7000 AUD. Can take up to 2 years; or
2. Equivalence of Qualification pathway - can be as quick as 6 weeks; costs circa 2200 AUD.

Number 2 is the more attractive option, however, my partner's qualification is not listed on the APC's list of equivalent qualifications (she graduated in 1999 and has 15+ years experience as a physio in both the NHS and private sector).

There is an option to request that her qualification is assessed, subject to provision of documentation from her University:

• Official statement of entry requirements and course length
• Official statement naming the accreditation authority for my course
• Official statement of requirements for course completion and qualifications of course head or leader
• Program Schedule/Course Map
• Completed Australian Standards template
• Subject/unit descriptions for all subjects/units in program
• Document outlining clinical education program/model
• Document detailing infrastructure and resources available
• Quality systems and review procedures document
• Graduation certificate .
• Official results transcripts

Does anyone have experience of going down this route (which I believe is a relatively new option with the APC). What are the potential hitches to look out for? Ideally, we want to avoid the standard pathway, but also know that there is no guarantee with the equivalence pathway either and might end up having to to the standard pathway anyway if her qualification is not recognised on the equivalence pathway.

Thanks in advance.

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[Jimmy Mook]

Giving this thread a gentle bump

[fletcher-tj]

Hello,

I have just got off the phone to the APC now after having a full conversation about this. I am actually doing it on behalf of my partner as I find it hard to believe that she needs to be supervised here in Australia because her bachelor degree was only 3 years and not 4 (as they study here).

She was going to apply but was frightened off by the high cost and risk of not meeting the criteria (which im told is extensive) and there is no refund.

[Ciaran87]

Hello,
I am in the same situation currently working in the U.K. but planning a move to oz in the next 12 months. I am looking into option 2 also the equivalence of qualification route, does anyone know much about it? Is it difficult to source all the information from the uni? Are UK courses generally found to be equivalent?

[fayebee87]

Hello,

I am also looking at starting the Equivalence pathway for registration to work in Australia. I have been doing as much research as possible but cannot seem to find out if many UK qualified physios have been successful with this route. Does anyone know of successful applications/registration with this pathway.

I believe I meet the requirements to apply for the equivalence pathway but the non-refundable cost is a little off putting...

How is everyone else getting on?

Thanks,
Faye

[PujaShah]

Hi,

Any luck with above questions?
As i am trying from ireland, i am practicing here since 1 yr but my education is from india.

Any help / suggestions would be grateful

Thanks

[Smylavarapu]

Indian qualified physiotherapist here with masters in USA I want to apply for the substantial equivalence pathway but I am not sure if I’ll be able to qualify for that and when asked about the standard pathway the board said they have a 2 year waiting for clinical assessment.

Also so I am looking for options in Ireland if anybody is registered there kindly guide me through that process as well.

[Sandhudr22]

Hi Pooja
I am also from India. I have applied for my recognition to Coru . Can you guide me about period of adaptation.
Regards prabhjot