Specialisation
Note: The new competencies and qualifications for the Specialist scope of Practice came into effect on 1st March 2022. For anyone applying for Specialist Scope of Practice after the 1st March 2022 the new competencies and prescribed qualifications will apply. For reference the new Specialist competencies can be found in the resources section below. The amended prescribed qualifications for the Specialist Scope can be found in the Information Sheet.
The Board’s Specialist scope of practice: Physiotherapy Specialist recognises 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. Applying for registration as a Physiotherapy Specialist is a two-part process: a portfolio assessment and a panel review. Our Specialisation information sheet has an overview of the scope of practice and the application process.
Application costs are met by the applicant:
- The Portfolio Assessment fee is NZ$1430.00 (non-refundable)
- The Panel Review fee is NZ$1700.00 (non-refundable)
Important Information
If you are considering applying for registration as a Physiotherapy Specialist, you must first submit an Expression of Interest form to the Board for an initial evaluation of your eligibility to apply. Following receipt of your Expression of Interest, the Board will be in touch to inform you of whether you can proceed with your application.
The Board will only accept applications from Physiotherapists who are registered in New Zealand with a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC), and who meet the Board’s eligibility criteria (detailed in the Specialisation Information Sheet and Application Guidance Notes). Each application for registration under the Specialist scope of practice: Physiotherapy Specialist is assessed on a case-by-case basis; there is no guarantee of registration under this scope.
You may wish to review the Application Guidance Notes and Application Pack for more details of what will be required when submitting an application.
Please email us if you have any further queries.
Our registrar Ross Johnston outlines when it's okay for physiotherapists to use the term "specialist" and when it's not.
Posted by Physiotherapy Board on Tuesday, 20 November 2018
Resources
Specialisation (information sheet)
Application Pack
The Application pack contains the following sections:
Case Study (information sheet)
Critical Evaluation of Journal Articles (information sheet)
For further information about the process of registering as a Physiotherapy Specialist, please contact us on 04 471 2610 or email the Registration Team..
