Introduction to the APC Clinical Assessment
After you choose the standard assessment pathway, you will have to clear the APC written assessment and clinical assessment. The APC clinical assessment is designed to evaluate the clinical competence and readiness of physiotherapists to practise safely and effectively in Australia. It assesses candidates' ability to apply their knowledge, skills, and clinical reasoning in real-life scenarios, ensuring they meet the high standards set by the profession. It contains three practical assessments:
- Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
- Neurological physiotherapy
- Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
Structure of the Assessment
The Clinical Assessment typically lasts about 75 minutes and consists of four main segments:
Reading Time (10 minutes): Candidates review background information about the patient.
Verbal Summary Time (5 minutes): Candidates give the Assessors a verbal summary of the patient's information.
Patient Time (50 minutes): Candidates conduct an assessment and treatment of the patient.
Oral Reporting Time (10 minutes): Assessors can ask for clarification and discuss the candidate's treatment approach.
The assessment consists of multiple components, each designed to evaluate specific aspects of a candidate's clinical proficiency:
Reading Time: This is where candidates review patient information provided to them. It could include summary notes, referral notes, test results, and, in some cases, acute medical notes. Once Reading Time starts, you can't withdraw from the assessment without it counting as an attempt.
Verbal Summary Time: After Reading Time, candidates have up to 5 minutes to summarise the patient information for the Assessors. After this, candidates can collect any equipment they think they'll need for the assessment. Setting up in the gym is part of the Patient Time, and any extra time taken before Patient Time officially begins could lead to it starting early.
Patient Time: Candidates have 50 minutes to assess and treat the patient in the treatment room. There will be time checks at the 20-minute and 40-minute marks. Patient Time can end early if agreed upon by everyone or if the Assessors have safety concerns. During this period, Assessors will not speak unless it's for safety reasons, clarification, or if asked to assist. If the candidate needs additional equipment, they must fetch it without pausing the timer.
Oral Reporting Time: After Patient Time, Assessors may use up to 10 minutes to discuss the candidate's treatment plan and rationale. They might also inquire about ongoing patient management.
Key Components Assessed
The components assessed in the APC clinical assessment include:
- Collection of patient information and formation of a preliminary hypothesis
- Designing and conducting a safe assessment
- Interpretation and analysis of assessment findings
- Development of a physiotherapy intervention plan
- Implementation of safe and effective physiotherapy intervention
- Evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of physiotherapy intervention
- Communication
Preparation for the APC Clinical Assessment
Here are some things you should keep in mind when you prepare for the APC clinical assessment.
Ensure Professional Indemnity Insurance
To participate in the APC clinical assessment, you need professional indemnity insurance with a minimum coverage of $5 million. You must provide the Australian Physiotherapy Council with a Certificate of Currency as proof. Most candidates receive free professional indemnity insurance through associate membership with the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Complete the Council's Orientation
Before your assessment, watch the Council's orientation video and explore other related resources. This orientation will help you understand what to expect during the clinical assessment.
Review the Simulation Equipment List
Familiarise yourself with the equipment that will be available in the simulation lab for your clinical assessment. This list will help you plan your assessment and ensure you know what tools are at your disposal.
Read the Clinical Assessment Information Booklet
Carefully review the clinical assessment information booklet. This document explains the assessment format, marking criteria, important guidelines for the day, and other key information to help you prepare. Make sure you understand the rules and expectations to avoid any surprises on the day of your assessment.
Conclusion
The APC clinical assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of physiotherapy graduates' readiness for professional practice in Australia. By assessing candidates' clinical skills, knowledge, communication abilities, and professionalism, the assessment ensures that future physiotherapists meet the high standards expected of the profession. Through thorough preparation and dedication, candidates can successfully navigate this milestone on their path to becoming competent and compassionate physiotherapy practitioners.
