Title
Cardiothoracic physiotherapists wanted – must be committed, motivated and competent in this specialty area
Publication Details
Williams, M., Patman, S., Smith, M., Paratz, J., & Alison, J. (2005). Cardiothoracic physiotherapists wanted – must be committed, motivated and competent in this specialty area. Australian Physiotherapy Association 9th National Cardiothoracic Group Conference.
Abstract
Eligibility to join the physiotherapy profession is achieved through successful completion of a recognised tertiary program and registration with an appropriate state or territory board. After this point, opportunities to formally demonstrate focused clinical expertise both within the physiotherapy profession and to the broader health, tertiary and government communities have been associated with the completion of postgraduate coursework or research degrees. While opportunities to pursue postgraduate education exist throughout Australia, advanced professional clinical competencies might also be demonstrated by behaviours and attributes other than holding a postgraduate qualification. The majority of physiotherapists are likely to be able to name cardiothoracic physiotherapists who demonstrate admirable assessment and treatment skills underpinned by a contemporary body of knowledge and enviable communication, critical thinking and problem– solving skills. The Clinical Standards Committee of the National Cardiothoracic Group (NCG) is responsible for developing and assessing the competencies in order to be eligible for the title of ‘cardiothoracic physiotherapist’. The development of advanced cardiothoracic skills may occur through a variety of formal and informal educational experiences which may not always include the completion of a postgraduate degree. Titled membership should be attainable by cardiothoracic physiotherapists committed to working in the area. This presentation will clarify the aim and role of the titling process, the application and assessment procedures and the breadth of evidence which could be used to support each of the clinical standards competencies. In short: cardiothoracic physiotherapists wanted — must be committed, motivated and competent in this speciality area.
Williams, M., Patman, S., Smith, M., Paratz, J., & Alison, J. (2006). Cardiothoracic physiotherapists wanted – must be committed, motivated and competent in this specialty area. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(1), S23.
ISSN: 0004-9514
Comments
The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy is published by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and may be accessed here
The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy may be accessed from the National Libray of Australia here