Primary Physiotherapy Qualification and Experience

1.

I have a full time four-year undergraduate physiotherapy degree that is sufficiently similar to the New Zealand undergraduate degrees

Applicants who have gained their primary physiotherapy qualification overseas who have a physiotherapy qualification from a four year full time undergraduate degree programme sufficiently similar to the physiotherapy curricula undertaken by undergraduates in New Zealand are eligible to apply for registration without showing evidence of additional post-qualification physiotherapy practice experience. [Note: the physiotherapy curricula undertaken by undergraduates in New Zealand have been developed to meet the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand].

2.

I have a full time three-year (or four-year part time) undergraduate physiotherapy degree programme as your primary qualification

A minimum of one year full-time post-qualification physiotherapy practice experience as a fully registered physiotherapist (i.e. with unconditional registration).

This experience must be gained in a professionally supported environment, carried out under the supervision of a more senior physiotherapist and include observed practice and guidance for professional development.

OR

Evidence of successful completion of a formal course of university level physiotherapy study additional to their primary physiotherapy qualification i.e. Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters.

3.

I have a Diploma of Physiotherapy as my primary physiotherapy qualification.

Applicants with a Diploma of Physiotherapy (non- University based programme) will need to provide evidence of the successful completion of a formal course of University level physiotherapy study undertaken in a country with a similar healthcare system to New Zealand. For example – a Graduate Diploma, A Bachelor degree, a Postgraduate Diploma or an entry level Masters degree in Physiotherapy. This is in addition to your primary physiotherapy qualification, and must include supervised clinical experience.  Applications are assessed individually taking into account the similarity of the Diploma programme to the current NZ undergraduate programmes, the applicant’s post qualification experience, further education and supporting evidence.
(Note: If your Diploma was awarded prior to 1995 please contact the Board as this may not apply to you).

4.

I have a graduate entry level physiotherapy qualification (accelerated programme) as my primary physiotherapy qualification.

A minimum of one year full-time post-qualification physiotherapy practice experience as a fully registered (i.e. with unconditional registration) physiotherapist is required. This experience must be gained in a professionally supported environment, carried out under the supervision of a more senior physiotherapist and include observed practice and guidance for professional development.