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Australasian Podiatry Council (APC)

If you intend to apply for migration to Australia under one of the General Skilled Migration categories, you must have a nominated occupation which is on the Skilled Occupations List at the time you apply. In order to make a valid application, you must have obtained a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

 Do You Qualify For Migration As A Podiatrist?

APC is the assessing authority for the following occupation:

• Podiatrists

To be eligible to undertake the Australasian Podiatry Council assessment process, a candidate:

1. Must have completed a 3 year full-time tertiary degree course in podiatry or its part-time equivalent; and
2. Must have current registration, or be eligible for registration, in the country where the qualification was granted.

The APC assessment process includes proof of the following skills:

Knowledge:

1. The scope, limitations and ideals of podiatry practice;
2. The legal and ethical responsibilities of a podiatrist;
3. The normal structure and function of the foot and leg;
4. Human posture and gait;
5. The aetiology, pathology and clinical features of podiatric abnormalities; and
6. Diseases and abnormalities which may be of concern to a podiatrist.

Competencies:

1. Recognise and understand the diseases and abnormalities which are of concern to a podiatrist;
2. Take a relevant case history, conduct a physical examination and accurately record information;
3. Critically analyse information to formulate a diagnosis;
4. Institute appropriate treatment. This may include the use of podiatric instruments, clinical dressings, topical and oral drugs, local anaesthetics, minor surgical procedures, electrical treatments and the prescription of orthoses;
5. Understand the role of other health professionals and recognise the value of referral to them in the interests of the patient; and
6. Be able to communicate with patients in a manner appropriate to their age and culture.

Qualifications

In order for overseas-qualified podiatrists to be registered in Australia, they are required to undergo examination procedures established by the Australasian Podiatry Council.

These procedures have been designed specifically to assess the theoretical knowledge and practical competencies of candidates, as their qualifications do not immediately meet Australian registration requirements.

These procedures include:

1. A written examination in the multiple choice question format of about 2 hours duration in total (Stage I);
2. A practical and oral examination (Stage II) of a full day's duration;
3. An English test is also required for applicants whose first language is not English; and
4. Evidence of current First-Aid/CPR certification.

Some exemptions may apply, depending on the accrediting institution.

Applicants who are from the UK will be considered on an individual basis provided they have:

1. Current registration;
2. A 3 year tertiary degree qualification in podiatry from an approved school; and
3. All requested documentation received with initial application and approved.

Candidates passing these examinations and requirements will be issued with a certificate, which is recognised by all Registration Boards in Australia.

 Do You Qualify For Migration As A Podiatrist?