Specialist

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What is the Specialist Scope of Practise?

Developed by the Board to recognise physiotherapists who are practising at an advanced level, Physiotherapy Specialists are expected to demonstrate advanced clinical skills and knowledge, and contribute to the profession through leadership and research.

Who can apply?

Prospective applicants must:

Hold unrestricted registration in the General Scope of Practise with the Board, and
Hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC), and
Have successfully completed a minimum of a master’s degree that:
- requires a Aotearoa | New Zealand Bachelor of Physiotherapy (or equivalent) for entry to the degree programme, and
- is relevant to clinical physiotherapy practice.
Meet all of the following recency of practise requirements:
- at least 1 year of post-qualification, full time employment (FTE) in Aotearoa | New Zealand, and
- at least 6 years of post-qualification, full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical experience, and
- at least 4 years of full-time equivalent (FTE) clinical experience relevant to a nominated area of physiotherapy practice in the 10 year period immediately prior to the date of your application.

What does it cost?

Please refer to our Fees Schedule here. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take?

Once all required documents are confirmed to have been received, Specialist applications are averaging 3-4 months for processing and assessment. Please note these timeframes are subject to change.

To avoid delays in processing your application ensure you include all the required information. Your application may be declined or returned for further work if it is not complete.

What is the process for this application?

Phase 1: Initial Review

After you submit your application, we will review it for completeness. If documents or evidence are missing or we have concerns about your eligibility, we will email you for further information before your application is sent on for processing.

If your application does not meet eligibility criteria for any reason, one of the following will occur:

You are given the opportunity to Withdraw your application.
Your application is Returned.

If your application is complete and meets eligibility criteria it will move on to Portfolio Assessment.

Phase 2: Portfolio Assessment

We select two assessors with appropriate experience levels in your nominated area of practise. Both assessors and the applicant are contacted to ensure there is no conflict of interest. If there are no issues, your application is sent out for assessment.

If your application does not meet criteria after this initial assessment, you are given an opportunity to provide additional evidence. If it doesn’t meet criteria following reassessment, one of the following will occur:

You are given the opportunity to Withdraw your application.
We propose to Decline your application.

If your application does meet criteria, your application is put forward for Registration.

Phase 3: Registration

Applications deemed to meet the minimum requirement for registration are sent to our Registrar for approval. Once this is completed you will receive an email confirmation.

Required Documents:

*Passport or Birth Certificate
*Evidence of Name Change (if applicable)
Relating to your Masters physiotherapy degree:
- *Degree
- *Academic Transcript
- *Curriculum
CV
2x Case Studies
2x Critical Evaluations
Specialist FTE Form
Specialist Competency Evidence Template and Marksheet
Supporting Evidence