As of 2026, the following four education institutes are accredited and offer approved physiotherapy practitioner programmes. Auckland University of Technology, North Shore Campus, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of TechnologyPhysiotherapy Department University of Auckland, Newmarket Campus, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau University
Currently, the Physiotherapy Board does not require physiotherapists to maintain CPR training. In some settings, physiotherapists may wish to complete CPR training as part of their CPD, however it is not mandatory.
The Board is the only accurate source of information about the Board’s processes and requirements. You should not rely on information sourced elsewhere as it may not be accurate.
The Board’s position is that acupuncture falls inside the general physiotherapy scope of practice and can be performed by any physiotherapist with the appropriate skills and training, as per the Physiotherapists practicing in a defined field standard. However, physiotherapists who incorporate acupuncture in their practice will now need to be mindful
Yes, you are required to hold an APC even if you are practising under supervision.
If you intend to practise as a physiotherapist in Aotearoa New Zealand, you are legally required to be registered with the Board and hold a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC) for the practising year you intend to work during. This applies to any position, voluntary or paid, where your physiotherapy skills or knowledge are
International General and Express applicants must provide one of the following as evidence that they are able to comprehend and communicate effectively in English in a physiotherapy setting. Option A – Confirmation that English is your first language. There are many types of suitable evidence for this option, you are welcome
Once an application is submitted there is no further application status information provided on the portal until a final decision is made. However, applicants are emailed with updates as their specific application is processed. Processing timeframes are listed on the specific pages for applications on our website.
No. We cannot expedite any applications. They are processed on a first‐in, first‐out basis. Important Legal Information It is illegal to call yourself a physiotherapist or practise as a physiotherapist in any capacity in New Zealand without registration and a current Annual Practising Certificate (APC). This includes any role, paid
With regards to acupuncture, this comes under the Physiotherapists Practicing in a Defined Field standard. There is no separate registration required with the Board for acupuncture. From the Standard: As autonomous practitioners, physiotherapists choose the defined fields in which they practise. In all cases, a physiotherapist must demonstrate an adequate
No. Under the HPCA Act the practice of physiotherapy in New Zealand is limited to humans. An extract from the prescribed General Scope of Practice: Physiotherapist is shown below (with emphasis added). Physiotherapists are registered health practitioners who are educated to practise autonomously by applying scientific knowledge and clinical reasoning to
The Board requires police clearance certificates as evidence of your good character within a country. These are sometimes referring to as a criminal history checks, police certificates or penal records. How do I know what countries I need a police certificate from? You will need to provide us with a
