Limited Registration of Overseas Trained Physiotherapists

PLEASE NOTE:  National registration is due to commence from 1 July 2010.  It is not yet clear what the requirements for limited registration will be, or whether limited registration for physiotherapists will be available under the national registration scheme.

The Tasmanian Physiotherapists Registration Board recognises that there is a need to provide quality physiotherapy services to communities throughout Tasmania.

In 2003 the Australian Council of Physiotherapy Regulating Authorities Incorporated (ACOPRA) adopted a procedure for limited registration for overseas trained physiotherapists. Applicants must have completed a period of paid employment in clinical practice under conditions equivalent to practice in Australia for at least 12 months out of the previous two years.

This procedure was a response to the national shortage of physiotherapists and attempted to provide a more flexible approach to registering overseas trained physiotherapists who may want to work in Australia for a limited time.

The Tasmanian Physiotherapists Registration Board offers limited registration overseas trained physiotherapists for a period of up to 12 months under conditions including that of supervision, without the requirement to sit the full registration exam.

The criteria governing temporary registration for Overseas Trained Physiotherapists is designed to ensure:

• adequate assessment of overseas trained physiotherapists in relation to their qualifications and work experience; and
• appropriate supervision arrangements by the host facility to ensure public safety.

Before applying for temporary registration, an applicant must first have their qualifications assessed as being eligible for this form of registration. Details of the assessment process may be  found here.

The Tasmanian Board will consider applications for limited registration from overseas trained physiotherapists whose qualifications have been assessed as being eligible for registration.

An application for temporary registration must be made by both the overseas trained physiotherapist and the host facility. Application forms may be found here.

It is recommended that the applications be received by the Board at least four weeks before it is intended to commence practice. The Registrar will advise the applicant and the host facility of the Board's decision regarding an application.

A host which has previously received approval will normally receive automatic approval, provided that approved supervisors are nominated.