The APA Physiotherapist Title is a measure of career progress. It represents a physiotherapist who is highly qualified in a particular area of practice. If you attain the APA Physiotherapist Title, you have undergone a rigorous process to demonstrate your physiotherapy experience and knowledge.
But aren’t all physiotherapists the same?
Well yes and no. Essentially a Physiotherapist is anyone who has graduated from an accredited undergrate (bachelor) or graduate entry (master) of Physiotherapy course. Some physiotherapists will remain with there qualification at this level for their whole careers.
If a Physiotherapist chooses to, they can commence a ‘titling’ pathway in their clinical area of expertise. There are two main ways in which this can be done.
· The Academic pathway requires completion of a Master’s degree and a minimum 2 years of clinical experience in their chosen discipline.
· Experiential pathway which requires a minimum of 5 years clinical experience in their chosen discipline, completion of course work as well as written and practical examinations.
These pathways typically take 5-10 years to achieve after completion of undergraduate study.
Upon completion the physiotherapist obtains the APA title for their chosen discipline e.g.” APA Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist”.
Following becoming a ‘Titled Therapist’ A Physio can then undertake a 2 year fellowship with the Australian College of Physiotherapists to become a ‘Specialist in there chosen field. Alternatively this could also be awarded due to original contributions to research.
So in summary, whilst we are all Physiotherapists there is certainly levels to Physiotherapy, with each level having to demonstrate more knowledge and experience along the way.
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