nc126

I think the APS assessment is the required assessment for the Visa. The AHPRA process starts afterwards when you want to work as a Psychologist... It's a couple of years since I did this, so I may be out of date, but hope that helps. Good luck with your application, nc126

Hi WilliamsClarke. I am Psymann's partner. Happy to answer any questions on this thread or via PM. The exam was - to be honest - challenging because multiple choice rarely does justice to tricky ethical dilemmas or assessment/intervention considerations. I was also unimpressed with the extent of the medical model (e.g. client x has the following symptoms, what is their diagnosis?), and I wondered if some of the answers actually contradicted the official APS guidelines, which I'd dutifully read. I'm all for evidence-based practice and consider myself to be more aligned to the medical model than some of my colleagues, but the exam took this, in my opinion, to a new level. AHPRA ensure that candidates sign a confidentiality agreement prior to taking the exam, so I'm not able to share much more info about the questions. However, I'm happy to share the material I used to prepare, if that helps.

I don't know re: exemptions - I initially asked about this before applying, and was just sent the provisional registration and transitional program forms, and told to complete them. So, I assumed I wasn't eligible for an exemption. But it may be worth pursuing - especially with growing evidence that transitional programs are difficult to come by. I was also wondering whether the enquiring emails from AHPRA (I received one of these, as did you I think, ailey?) are evidence that not many transitional program forms are being submitted?

Ok, some positive news...... I have been offered a job (as a Clinical Psychologist - not a fruit picker, which I was beginning to consider!) with a large nonprofit-making organisation in Perth WA. They say that the lack of medicare provider number is not a problem for them, and that they can provide board-approved supervisors. They were very flexible with Skype interviewing, and seemed generally enthusiastic about the prospect of employing somebody, despite not actually being in Australia yet. It's a job I'm really keen to do - so I haven't had to settle for something I wasn't happy with. So far so good, will let you know if I hit any hurdles. So, I guess I'm saying there are organisations (or at least one!) out there that are not put off by the AHPRA conditions, in addition to the options already described by Zoe (state sector, private sector if they like your application enough/you're a 'good fit'). Hang in there and keep going - there is a shortage of Clin Psys out there, so logically there should be employers keen to make things work. Fingers crossed for everybody - and I will continue to follow this thread (hint hint to let everybody know how you all get on!). Natalie

Hello, Sorry to hear you're finding it stressful. Hopefully (as you say), public sector jobs will work out better, and approaching supervisors directly is still a good alternative, I think! As I'm not in Australia yet, my experience may not be a fair reflection - I'd hope that you being in Australia (and able to meet people face-to-face) would help? I've had one private practice say that they are keen to 'work out how we could do this [i.e. transitional programme and lack of medicare provider number - they mentioned the possibility of me seeing EAP referrals only] - I'll get back to you' (they haven't, and I'll leave it a polite time before chasing!). Another practice has said that they would not employ somebody under provisional registration. The last practice I applied to has advised me to contact them again when I'm closer to arriving in Perth (so, August). WA has a public sector jobs freeze at the moment, so that's not an option. From what I remember reading, you have the whole year of your provisional registration to find a transitional programme, and AHPRA will review this when they renew your membership. So, unless your year is nearly complete, I guess you should be ok to still look? Alternatively, is it worth feeding back to AHPRA your/our experiences just to keep them informed that their requirements are making things a little bit challenging? Natalie

Hi, I needed documents certifying for AHPRA (regulatory body for allied health professionals). I contacted my local county court, arranged an appointment, and the magistrate signed the copies, with an official court stamp (I had to ask the Clerk of the court for this) for about £25 I think. Definitely much cheaper than the £100 I was quoted at a solicitor's. So, check with ANMAC who can certify your documents, and I'd recommend the court route if they say a registered Justice of the Peace can do so. I'm not sure how many you need I'm afraid - I checked the AHPRA guidelines and went from there - I suspect ANMAC will have similar guidelines/requirements? Good luck! Natalie

Thank you Zoe, that's really helpful - I hadn't realised that the state sector didn't include Medicare. I've still got a lot to learn about the system - I thought Medicare was the equivalent of our NHS (but outsourced to private providers). It's also reassuring to know that there is a demand (in Melbourne, at any rate!), and potentially people not put off by the internship. Natalie

Hello, Here's an update a couple of months down the line for those pursuing a similar path..... I've responded to two job adverts (for Clinical Psychologists) in private practices so far in Perth WA. Both sounded keen - they replied within a few hours, said I had the qualifications and experience they were looking for, and that they had board approved supervisors (required for the Transitional Programme). However, upon looking into Provisional Registration and the Transitional Programme it was noted that under Provisional Registration I would not be eligible for a Medicare Provider Number, which was (as one potential employer eloquently put it) a 'sticking point'. So, mixed news I think? People seem keen, but need to find a way to make the Transitional Programme work. I've now offered to work voluntarily for one of the above employers for the 3 month Transitional Programme to counter-balance the inconvenience, and am waiting to hear back. Alternatively, I guess practices with fewer Medicare referrals (do these practices exist?) might be able to meet the requirements. I assume that the state sector is entirely out of reach as it would all be Medicare? I had a quick look at Internships on the Psychology Board of Australia website, and they recommend contacting supervisors directly to set up placements. However, the requirements for an Internship look more substantial than what is required of the Transitional Programme, and I was a little unsure as to what I would ask. But this looks like the next step if I don't get any further responding to job adverts. I'd be very happy to hear that somebody else has already navigated this system, found a willing employer and is now happily working - any takers?! Natalie

Hello. I am also in this position - AHPRA have confirmed that I'm provisionally registered upon condition of submitting (and having approved) a transitional programme and passing the exam. I share concerns about employers - but hope to start applying for jobs in the next couple of months so will let you know how I get on. Please keep this thread up to date with your progress too! I'm also concerned that we may not be able to provide medicare services whilst provisionally registered, making us even less employable? I'm looking in the Perth area, where I'm told there is a shortage, but will have to wait and see. I worry a bit that AHPRA haven't really thought this through, but I could be doing them an injustice.... Maybe it'll all be plain sailing! Natalie

We used The Emigration Group - the process was pretty much hassle-free, and despite some problems with the Australian on-line system, the visas came through under 2 months after the EOI was lodged. So, I'd recommend them.