Physiotherapist Qualifications

Our physiotherapists’ qualifications

Each of our physiotherapists holds at least a Bachelor of Physiotherapy and are highly skilled in their field. They are all required to be registered with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). Read below for a more detailed explanation of what our teams’ qualifications mean.

APA Specialist Physiotherapist:

Physiotherapy qualifications are categorised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF is used to provide an outline of the knowledge, skills and skill application that can be acquired under different educational pathways. Each type of qualification that can be obtained in Australia, matches to a level of the AQF, between 1 and 10.

Specialist physiotherapists have achieved the highest level of qualification for physiotherapy (AQF level 10) after completing a two-year Specialisation Training Program, consisting of: case presentations; clinical and oral exams; teaching master’s students; marking and grading physiotherapy student’s assessments; and professional development.

Following completion of Specialisation, physiotherapists may use the title of Dr and are admitted into the Australian College of Physiotherapists as a Fellow & Specialist Physiotherapist.

Titled Physiotherapists (see below) are able to apply for specialisation if they meet the eligibility criteria set out by the APA.

City Baths Physio is fortunate to have three Specialist Physiotherapists consulting at our clinic:

Specialist Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist – Michael Vadiveloo

Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist – Alicia Rayner

Specialist Musculoskeletal & Vestibular Physiotherapist – Alastair Flett

APA Titled Physiotherapist:

Has completed recognised Australian master’s degree or Australian research Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as paediatrics or women’s health.

In addition, Titled physiotherapists must have completed 30 hours of CPD (continuous professional development), in their area, over 3 years.

Titling can be obtained without completion of a Master’s degree, however, practitioners must still pass written and practical assessments, and demonstrate their proficiency and knowledge in their area.

Senior Clinician (Equivalent Grade 3 physiotherapist):

Physiotherapists may also be Graded based on fundamental skills and behaviours, the grading system is common in hospitals and grades range from 1-4. Professionals at a higher grade are able to demonstrate a wider range of skills and abilities. The Victorian Department of Education outlines the attributes expected of each grade. A key attribute of Grade 3 physiotherapists is their involvement in professional guidance and mentoring of less experienced practitioners, as well as their autonomy in dealing with complex matters.

Our Senior Physiotherapist, Lynne Kruger, has over 25 years’ experience in private practice, teaches beginner and advanced courses for Pilates in a Clinical Setting, mentors our younger staff members and has an interest in more complex presentations.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy/Master/Doctor of Physiotherapy:

A Bachelor of Physiotherapy is obtained following 4 years of undergraduate study. Graduates obtain a broad range of knowledge and skills but have not undertaken post-graduate study or chosen a Specialty. BPhys graduates are expected to be capable of applying their knowledge and skills to provide advice and services, and to have the basis for further learning and development.

After completing an undergraduate degree, in fields such as science, medicine or another area of allied health, graduates may complete a postgraduate course to achieve a physiotherapy qualification.

Professional Development (PD) & continuous learning:

As APA registered physiotherapists, our team must complete a minimum of 20 hours of professional development each year to keep their registration valid.

Our Specialists lead mentoring sessions with our physiotherapists to ensure that they not only meet their PD requirements, but are also constantly upskilling and developing their knowledge, learning from practitioners who are among the most experienced in their field.