Working as a Physiotherapist in Australia

On May 9, 2008 / By Mrs. E / In Accreditation, Migration, Physical Therapy

The following information is directed to Physiotherapists from overseas wanting to gain employment in Australia. It was lifted from the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

Step 1 – Get your Skills Recognised
This is undertaken by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.

Step 2 – Register with a Physiotherapist Board
Physiotherapy Registration Boards are statutory authorities responsible for the registration of physiotherapists. Primarily the functions of the Physiotherapists Registration Boards in each State are:

To protect public health and safety.

Maintenance and promotion of professional standards of physiotherapy practice in each State and Territory

To register physiotherapists

To advise the Minister on matters relating to the standards of physiotherapy practice;

To distribute information pertaining to Physiotherapy Registration Acts and the Regulations to physiotherapists, consumers and other interested persons.

You must register with the appropriate Physiotherapists Registration Board before practising as a physiotherapist in Australia.

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory – Ms Janette Steele, Registrar; Phone: (08) 8999 4157; Fax: (08) 8999 4196; Email: healthprofessions.ths@nt.gov.au
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Western Australia
Victoria

Step 3 – Join the Australian Physiotherapy Association
Apply for membership here.

Step 4 – Purchase Professional Indemnity Insurance
It is recommended that indemnity insurance be obtained before commencing employment.

Step 5 – Obtain a Working Visa
The Department of Immigration can assist you with your applications for a working visa permit to work in Australia.

Step 6 – Find Employment
For a detailed listing of national vacancies, use the APA Classifeds.