FACT SHEET EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION NEW PROGRAM. What Do I Need to Provide?

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1 FACT SHEET EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION NEW PROGRAM What Do I Need to Provide? Most of the required documentation for the Equivalence of Qualification New Program will need to be sourced from your university. Before you make an application, you should check that your university can provide you with the documents below, including the listed details. The list below has been designed to help you collate your application, but this is a guide only in order for your application to be successful you will need to demonstrate sufficient evidence to meet the assessment criteria. See APPENDIX ONE: Equivalence of Qualification Assessment Criteria for more information on the requirements your program will need to meet and the evidence and indicators against which your application will be assessed. APPENDIX TWO Additional Information Requirement 3: Quality Systems provides greater explanation on how to meet Requirement 3: Quality Systems. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate your qualification as it existed at the time of your studies, so all documentation will need to relate to this period (not the current program). Keep in mind that programs which were completed more than ten years ago may have difficulty meeting the assessment criteria if the university did not maintain records dating back to when you commenced your course. It is also possible that programs completed more than ten years ago may have insufficient evidence related to evidence based practice across the scope of the academic and clinical programs. If you are unable to obtain the required information, it is unlikely that your application would be successful. In this case, we would encourage you to make an application through our Standard Assessment Pathway. Once you have completed your online application and made payment, in order for this to be processed you ll need to post us two certified copies of each document. Passport photo identity page Evidence of change of name (if the name on your passport is different to that on any of your other documents Graduation certificate for your initial physiotherapy qualification Academic transcript/statement of marks for your initial physiotherapy qualification A list of each individual subject in your entire physiotherapy course; The grade or result you were awarded for each subject; and The official university stamp. Official university document regarding your clinical education The name of each hospital or clinic and the start and finish dates of each period of clinical education; and The types of conditions treated, and the treatments provided during each period clinical education. Current registration certificate OR evidence to practice without restriction in country of training OR Certificate of Life Membership with the Indian Association of Physiotherapists (if you completed your qualification in India) Map to Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds template, completed by your university. Official university document that names the accreditation authority for your course Official university document that describes the entry requirements for the course and the normal length of the course, in years, semesters and weeks Official university document that details the qualifications of the course head/leader Official university document that details the qualifications, teaching areas, and research expertise of each member of teaching staff Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017

2 FACT SHEET EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION NEW PROGRAM Official university document that describes the program schedule or contains a curriculum map. This must include: The subjects/units that are taught in each semester/term; Any periods of clinical placements/clinical education; Any periods of assessment; and Any periods of vacation/holidays. Official university document that provides detailed descriptions for all subjects/units in the program. Each subject/unit description must state: Name of the subject/unit; Teaching period/term/semester in which the subject/unit is taught; The learning outcomes for the subject/unit; The teaching methods for the subject/unit; The week by week schedule of topics/content covered; The textbooks or reference materials used by students in the subject/unit; Details of subject/unit assessment, including timing, type and length of assessment task, pass mark and weighting for each assessment task within the subject/unit; and Details of the selection criteria and appointment process for the teaching staff for the subject/unit. Official university document that details the clinical education program/model. This must include: The areas of practice that are covered by all students; The types of clinical settings that are covered by all students; The types of conditions that are covered by all students; The level and type of supervision that is provided for each placement; and Details of how clinical placements are assessed. Official university document that details the infrastructure and resources available at the university to physiotherapy students. This must include: A list of the type of anatomical specimens that are used in teaching physiotherapy students; A list of the physiotherapeutic and electronic equipment used in teaching physiotherapy students; Details of the library facilities and resources that can be accessed by physiotherapy students; Details of the computer facilities and online resources that can be accessed by physiotherapy students; and Details of the practical laboratories/teaching rooms and resources that can be accessed by physiotherapy students. Official university document that describes the quality systems and review procedures from your course. This must include: The timing and processes for curriculum development and review; Monitoring of program and graduate outcomes, including relevant policies and evaluation methods, examples of data collection, evaluation of findings, and implementation of changes/improvements; Involvement of staff and students in planning for research related to physiotherapy; Procedures to deal with cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct by students, including while on clinical placements; Access to current policies, procedures and program information; and The procedures for student appeals. Official university document that details the requirements for course completion Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 2

3 FACT SHEET EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION NEW PROGRAM What Are Certified Documents? Certified documents must: Be high quality reproductions of original documents Be initialed on every page by the certifier. Annotated on the last page as appropriate e.g. I have sighted the original document and certify this to be a true copy of the original and signed by the certifier. List the name, date of certification, and contact phone number and profession/position number (if relevant) and have the stamp or seal of the certifier (if relevant) applied Photocopies of previously certified documents will not be accepted. Who can certify my documents? In Australia, the following people are authorised to certify documents: Health professions: Chiropractor, Dentist, Medical practitioner, Nurse, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist Legal professions: Legal practitioner, Patent attorney, Trademarks attorney Court positions: Bailiff, Justice of the Peace, Judge, Magistrate, Registrar, or Deputy Registrar, Clerk, Master of a court, CEO of a Commonwealth court Commissioner for Affidavits, or Commissioner for Declarations (dependent on jurisdictions) Government representatives (elected): Federal, State or Territory or Local Public servants: Federal, State or Territory or Local employed for five years or more. Bank officer, building society officer, credit union officer, finance company officer employed for five years or more Veterinary surgeon Accountant (member of ICA, ASA, NIA or CPA, ATMA, NTAA) Minister of religion, or marriage celebrant Member of: - Chartered Secretaries Australia - Engineers Australia, other than at the grade of student - Australian Defence Force (an officer; or a non-commissioned officer with 5+ years of continuous service; a - warrant officer) - Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Notary public Holder of a statutory office not specified in another item in this Part Police officer Sheriff or Sheriff s officer Teacher (full-time) at a school or tertiary education institution Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 3

4 FACT SHEET EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION NEW PROGRAM Who can certify my documents? (cont.) Outside Australia, the following people are authorised to certify documents: Justice of the Peace Notary public Australian Consular Officer or Australian Diplomatic Officer (within the meaning of the Consular Fees Act 1955) Employee of the Commonwealth or the Australian Trade Commission who works outside Australia. What If My Documents Aren t in English? If your supporting documents are written in a language other than English, please provide: Certified copies of all supporting documents in the original language; and Certified copies of an official translated version of all documents. The Council reserves the right to request applicants to provide translations completed by a translator accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Why Can t I Send My Original Documents? We advise you send certified copies of your documents and keep your originals so these don t get lost in the post. Also, the Council will not return your original documents so best you keep these for yourself. Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 4

5 APPENDIX ONE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ASSESSMENT OF EQUIVALENCE OF QUALIFICATION The Australian Physiotherapy Council provides advice to the Physiotherapy Board of Australia regarding qualifications that are substantially equivalent to an approved Australian physiotherapy qualification. The advice is based on the assessment of the qualification of individual applicants. Qualifications that are substantially equivalent demonstrate evidence for each of the five requirements: 1. Program Attributes 2. Academic Program 3. Quality Systems 4. Clinical Education Program 5. Resources and Infrastructure Elements The evidence or indicators for each requirement is described in the following pages. The requirements for substantial equivalence are derived from the Australian Physiotherapy Council Accreditation of Entry Level Physiotherapy Programs - A Manual for Universities. USEFUL LINKS Australian Qualifications Framework: Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 5

6 APPENDIX ONE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA EVIDENCE/ INDICATORS FOR EACH REQUIREMENT REQUIREMENT 1: PROGRAM ATTRIBUTES 1.1: Program and Degree Nomenclature The program title includes the word Physiotherapy. The program leads to a degree title that includes the word Physiotherapy. There is no reference to a specialisation in physiotherapy in the degree title. 1.2: Duration of Program An entry level physiotherapy program leading to a degree at bachelor level is the equivalent of no less than four academic years of full-time study, based on entry following a satisfactory level of achievement at Year 12 level or equivalent. An entry level physiotherapy program leading to a coursework degree at Masters level is the equivalent of no less than two academic years of full-time study based on entry following a satisfactory level of achievement in a three or four-year university-based baccalaureate degree and the successful completion of defined prerequisite areas prior to a student commencing the physiotherapy program 1. An entry level physiotherapy program leading to a degree at doctoral level is the equivalent of no less than three academic years of full-time study following a satisfactory level of achievement in a three or four year universitybased baccalaureate degree and the successful completion of defined prerequisite areas prior to a student commencing the physiotherapy program 1. The physiotherapy component of a double degree program is the equivalent of no less than two academic years of full time study following successful completion of defined prerequisite areas. 1.3: Entry-level Doctoral Program Learning outcomes are related to education in the professional practice of physiotherapy and in physiotherapy research. Course requirements include development of a research proposal to a stage that could be submitted for ethics approval. Course requirements include demonstration of profession specific clinical knowledge and skills at a higher level than graduates of a baccalaureate level physiotherapy degree. 1 The defined prerequisite areas are the sciences fundamental to physiotherapy including the biomedical sciences of cell biology, anatomy, physiology (including comprehensive exercise physiology), pathology, the physical sciences including biomechanics, and the behavioural sciences including psychology, sociology and public health. If these areas are not prerequisites, then the equivalent content must be covered in the physiotherapy qualification. Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 6

7 APPENDIX ONE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA REQUIREMENT 2: ACADEMIC PROGRAM 2.1: Pedagogy The program is structured to ensure that all the key areas of physiotherapy practice are core components of the program. The teaching plan for each unit of instruction includes a range of teaching, learning and assessment methods appropriate to the achievement of the specific learning outcomes for the unit and accommodates the learning styles of the students. The program schedule includes adequate time for consolidation of student learning. 2.2: Research/Evidence-based Practice Students are given adequate grounding in relevant research methods and research ethics. Students have skills to conduct all contemporary forms of searches for research based evidence for physiotherapy practice. Students can critically analyse and evaluate the usefulness of research papers and presentations. The content of all units in the program is supported by relevant and up-to-date reference material which includes references to journal articles. 2.3: Curriculum The curriculum is structured to include lectures, tutorials, practical classes and clinical education experiences that are sequenced and integrated to ensure effective learning and include: - The sciences fundamental to physiotherapy including the biomedical sciences of cell biology, anatomy, physiology (including comprehensive exercise physiology), pathology, the physical sciences including biomechanics, and behavioural sciences including psychology, sociology and public health; - The practice of physiotherapy including but not limited to assessment, diagnosis, interpretation, planning, interventions, measurement of outcomes and reflection on practice; and - Aspects of broader professional practice including but not limited to professional ethics and legal responsibilities, leadership, administration, education, consultation and collaborative health care provision. The content of the curriculum and the organisation of the learning experiences foster a commitment to continuing professional growth including learning through self-directed, independent study. The content of the curriculum addresses contemporary clinical practice and professional issues. Students undertake formal practical classes as part of their coursework in professional physiotherapy skill development. The curriculum is developed and regularly reviewed at a university level by the appropriate university board/committee and by academic staff of the program with input from the program advisory group, representatives of the profession, the student body and other interested groups. 2.4: Assessment The breadth and depth of knowledge of the core areas in physiotherapy is adequately assessed. The program utilises a range of assessment methods appropriate to the learning outcomes for both formative and summative purposes. Students must pass all units in order to complete the program. Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 7

8 APPENDIX ONE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA REQUIREMENT 3: QUALITY SYSTEMS 3.1: Program Outcomes * The university undertakes regular progressive monitoring of program outcomes using a range of appropriate and valid methods. 3.2: Graduate Outcomes * The university collects data from graduates and employers to determine how the graduates are able to meet the professional and graduate attributes defined by the university. 3.3: Research Environment and Outcomes Staff and students are actively involved in and are planning for research and scholarship related to physiotherapy. * see APPENDIX 2 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENT 3: QUALITY SYSTEMS for a greater explanation on the evidence and indicators for these requirements REQUIREMENT 4: CLINICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM 4.1: Clinical Education Model Students are given sufficient grounding in professional ethics prior to undertaking supervised clinical practice. There is adequate coverage of professional knowledge and skills within the program for all students prior to beginning their first clinical placement. Clinical education is sequential and integrated within the program. The clinical education model includes progressive exposure to a variety of clients with problems of increasing complexity. Periods of supervised clinical practice are scheduled following relevant theoretical and practical education. The supervised clinical practice experience provides opportunities for students to: - integrate theoretical and practical concepts into clinical practice. - perform professional responsibilities under appropriate levels of supervision. - observe professional role models. - receive timely and constructive feedback regarding their professional skills and clinical reasoning. - reflect on practice. - progressively build and develop clinical and professional expertise. 4.2: Clinical Placements All students have assured access to clinical placements in all core areas of practice and across the lifespan. There are specific procedures established for communication between the clinical educators and the students for both issues of client care and for teaching and learning whilst on clinical placements. Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 8

9 APPENDIX ONE: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 4.3: Clinical Educators Clinical educators are experienced and trained in the key areas of physiotherapy, in a range of settings (acute, rehabilitation and community) and in physiotherapy management of clients of all ages. Students are supervised on all clinical placements by a person or persons with qualifications and experience appropriate to the particular environment. There are specific procedures established for communication on professional, curriculum and administrative matters between the clinical educators and the academic staff. REQUIREMENT 5: RESOURCES AND INFRASTRUCTURE ELEMENTS 5.1: Academic and Research Leadership Is the program lead by a physiotherapist with a higher qualification? 5.2: Academic Staffing The areas of expertise of the physiotherapy academic staff are sufficient to cover the key areas of physiotherapy practice in Australia, any elective units and research. 5.3: Physical Resources Students have access to high quality human anatomical specimens, preferably in wet laboratories. The equipment, particularly physiotherapeutic and electronic equipment relevant to physiotherapy technology, and consumables enables the provision of effective learning and research experiences. The university library provides assured access to a comprehensive and up-to-date range of physiotherapy texts, monographs and journals in hardcopy and electronic formats. The university library provides substantial and widespread access to appropriate biomedical, behavioural and physiotherapy sciences databases as well as commonly used online resources. 5.4: Organisational Structure The qualification achieved by the graduate is aligned to an Australian qualification of the same level as defined by the Australian Qualifications Framework. 5.5: Policies The selection criteria for entry to the program are clearly stated and are compatible with the requirements of the program including appropriate prerequisite knowledge. 5.6: Procedures Appropriate procedures are in place to deal with cases of plagiarism or other instances of unethical conduct. Students have assured access to current policies, procedures and program information particularly related to the learning outcomes, assessment, progression and requirements for graduation, appeals processes, costs and academic review processes. Procedures are in place to ensure students on placement conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner. Appropriate procedures are in place to deal with student appeals. Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/2017 9

10 APPENDIX TWO: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIREMENT 3: QUALITY SYSTEMS 3.1: Program Outcomes The philosophy and learning outcomes of the program are clearly stated and are consistent with the professional practice of physiotherapy and the Australian Standards for Physiotherapy. Indicators: The Assessor will evaluate the evidence to report whether: The university undertakes regular progressive monitoring of program outcomes using a range of appropriate and valid methods Examples of evidence include excerpts from documents such as: Relevant policies Details of the evaluation methods that are used Details of the process of implementation of the evaluation methods Details of when the evaluation is undertaken Details of the university s continuous quality improvement cycle, its embedding and its implementation 3.2: Graduate Outcomes Universities offering entry level physiotherapy education have clearly defined graduate attributes that must be developed in conjunction with profession specific knowledge, skills and attributes. Graduate attributes may include: Indicators: a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge of the profession capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning cultural competence and ethical and social responsibility based on understanding and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity - cognitive, analytical and problem-solving skills. The university must provide evidence through the collection and evaluation of longitudinal assessment data that graduates of the program demonstrate profession specific attributes for physiotherapy in conjunction with the graduate attributes defined by the university. The Assessor will evaluate the evidence to report whether: The university undertakes evaluative procedures, including standard surveys and mechanisms selected by the individual university, to assess graduates and their employers in terms of the profession specific attributes for physiotherapy and the graduate attributes defined by the university The university takes action in response to the findings of the evaluation of student and graduate outcomes to improve the standard of graduates The university implements strategies to ensure the sample of graduates and employers and response rate are sufficient to reach valid conclusions regarding the standard of graduates Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/

11 Examples of evidence include: Student self-reported attainment of graduate attributes and profession specific attributes for physiotherapy Annual surveys of graduates and employers Course experience questionnaires and other surveys Details of efforts made to optimise return rates of annual surveys of graduates and employers Other review mechanisms such as focus groups or interviews with graduates and employers The return rates of annual surveys of graduates and employers and participation in other review mechanisms Evaluation of the results of surveys and other review mechanisms Comparison of evaluation findings with those of previous year(s) Feedback of evaluation findings to employers, graduates, academic staff, clinical educators and program advisory committee(s) Planned and implemented responses to address the evaluation findings Formal mechanisms for re-evaluation Australian Physiotherapy Council Version: 11/12/