APEP Success Story September 2026: From Rajasthan to Australia as an Overseas Physiotherapist

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Summary:

Mahima, an Indian physiotherapist with experience in hospitals and sports physiotherapy, shares her success story after clearing the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) written assessment. She discusses why she chose Australia, differences she observed between physiotherapy practice in India and Australia, and the importance of patient-centred and evidence-based care. She also explains her APEP preparation strategy, including pre-reading, active participation in lectures, practising questions, mock tests, revision, and guidance from Academically. Her experience offers practical insights for physiotherapists preparing for the APEP assessment and planning an international career in Australia. 

Key Takeaways

  • Understand how an Indian Physiotherapist transition their career to Australia.
  • Understand why Australia is great opportunity as Physiotherapist.
  • Explore differences in Australian and Indian Physiotherapy practice.
  • Get practical APEP preparation tips.
  • Understand what are important concepts for APEP Exam.
  • See how consistent preparation and structured guidance can help internationally qualified physiotherapists work towards their Australian career goals.

Clearing the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) written assessment is an important milestone for internationally qualified physiotherapists planning to move to Australia. Mahima Sisodia's success story reflects how clinical experience, structured preparation and an understanding of patient-centred physiotherapy can help professionals prepare for this examination.

Speaking about the moment she received the APEP September 2026 Result, Mahima says the experience was overwhelming after the amount of hard work she had put in.

“It was just like a hustle, like a real hustle. This moment is very overwhelming. I am super excited and very overjoyed.” 

After working towards this goal, clearing the assessment became a moment she wanted to celebrate and remember.

APEP Exam September 2026 Success Journey of Mahima Sisodia

Successful CandidateMahima Sisodia
Educational Background

Bachelor's degree- Rajasthan

Master's degree in Biomechanics- Karnataka

Gained professional exposure

Gained experience in different clinical environments by travelling to Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Worked in her native town as well in hospitals.

Currently working withNational and International Sports Organisation
Why she choose AustraliaBecause of patient-centred care
What helped her during APEP preparationAttending lectures from Academically and consistently practising questions
ResultPass

Clearing the APEP written assessment marks an important step in Mahima's plans to pursue a physiotherapy career in Australia. Her achievement reflects the combination of her academic background, professional experience, and focused preparation.

From completing her education in Rajasthan and Karnataka to gaining experience across different parts of India and working in sports physiotherapy, Mahima has built a diverse professional foundation.

The APEP September 2026 Result now represents another milestone in her international career journey.

Why choose Australia for Physiotherapy as a career destination?

Australia's approach of physiotherapy was one of the factors that attracted Mahima towards the country.

She says that while India also has several physiotherapy specialities and many professionals who deliver quality care, what particularly had emphasis on her was that Australia gives more importance on how treatment is delivered.

According to her, clinical practice is not only about knowing what to do. The way a physiotherapist approaches a patient, understands the individual's needs, and selects an appropriate treatment approach also plays an important role.

She highlights patient-centred care as one of the aspects she finds particularly appealing about the Australian system.

Another aspect of Australian healthcare that stood out to Mahima was the referral system. Based on her experience in India, she explains that some postoperative patients may receive basic exercise advice directly from surgeons or physicians instead of being referred to a physiotherapist for comprehensive rehabilitation.

She points to areas such as musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, and occupational therapy as examples of how different professionals can contribute to patient care.

She explains this with the example of patients recovering from ACL surgery or total knee replacement (TKR).

According to Mahima, postoperative rehabilitation involves much more than asking a patient to move the knee or perform ankle exercises.

Mahima Sisodia says that  “The postoperative journey is more complex than the pre one.” 

Factors such as stiffness, persistent swelling, mobility limitations, family support, and environmental challenges can all affect rehabilitation. Mahima says that this is where appropriate professional involvement and timely physiotherapy can make an important difference.

She also appreciates the fact that healthcare professionals in Australia have clearly defined areas of responsibility. Physiotherapists can work within their scope of practice, while other professionals contribute according to their expertise.

How to prepare for the APEP Written Assessment

After deciding that she want to pursue the Australian pathway, Mahima focused on understanding the requirements of the Australian Physiotherapy Pathway Assessment and preparing in a structured way.

Mahima credits Academically by saying: “You guided us throughout, from start to end.”

According to Mahima, the preparation strategy was based on a combination of pre-lecture preparation, active participation, question practice, and mock assessments.

 Preparation strategy for APEP Exam by Mahima

Preparing before the lecturesMahima reviewed the topic before attending each lecture. This made it easier for her to understand the discussion and participate actively during the live sessions.
Staying active during live sessionsRather than simply attending the sessions, Mahima used them as opportunities to clarify concepts and interact with the trainers.
Practising Questions and Mock TestsMahima worked on mock assessments to practise as much as possible because repeated exposure to questions helps improve confidence and application of knowledge.
Focus on Evidence-based and Patient-centred PracticeMahima says, physiotherapists need to take what they already know and apply it in a way that is more evidence-based, patient-centred, and aligned with good clinical practice.
Making Quick Notes and Revising Important ConceptsInstead of preparing lengthy study material, she found it more practical to focus on important concepts and create short notes that could be revisited regularly. She combined these notes with lecture material and mock tests to reinforce her learning.

How To Make APEP Preparation More Manageable

Mahima says that candidates should never assume that they need to start learning physiotherapy all over again. They already have the academic and clinical foundation.Their focus should instead be on understanding what the assessment expects and how physiotherapy is approached in the Australian Healthcare System.

Her clinical experience also helped her connect theoretical concepts with practical situations.

Physiotherapists who are already working in hospitals, clinics, sports settings, or other healthcare environments can use their professional experience while preparing for the assessment.

Expert Advice to Physiotherapists Preparing for APEP Exam

When asked about her preparation strategy, Mahima keeps her advice quite simple:

  • Clear your basic concepts
  • Prepare before lectures
  • Participate actively
  • Attend the lectures regularly
  • Practise questions consistently
  • Understand the reasoning behind an answer instead of memorising it

For experienced physiotherapists, she believes the preparation becomes easier when existing clinical knowledge is connected with evidence-based, patient-centred Australian practice.

To conclude with....

Mahima's APEP success story reflects that international career goals require more than just ambition. They require consistent preparation and an understanding of the professional expectations of the destination country.

Her experience also highlights an important lesson for Indian physiotherapists: existing clinical knowledge can provide a strong foundation, but understanding patient-centred care, evidence-based practice, professional scope, and clinical decision-making is essential when preparing for an overseas pathway.

After the long preparation period, Mahima can finally celebrate a milestone she worked hard to achieve.

FAQs

What is APEP for physiotherapists?

The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) is a pathway for internationally qualified physiotherapists seeking to meet the requirements for practising physiotherapy in Australia. The assessment process is designed to evaluate professional knowledge and competencies. International applicants should review the latest requirements, eligibility criteria, and assessment stages with the relevant Australian authorities before beginning their application.

How can Indian physiotherapists prepare for APEP?

Indian physiotherapists can prepare by understanding the assessment requirements, revising core physiotherapy concepts, strengthening clinical reasoning, and becoming familiar with patient-centred and evidence-based practice. A structured study plan can include pre-reading, live lectures, practice questions, mock assessments, and regular revision. Candidates should also use reliable and updated resources while preparing for the assessment.

Is APEP difficult for Indian physiotherapists?

The difficulty of APEP can vary depending on a candidate’s academic background, clinical experience, preparation, and familiarity with Australian physiotherapy practice. Candidates may find questions challenging when they require clinical reasoning and application rather than simple recall. Understanding the assessment format, revising important concepts, practising questions, and becoming comfortable with patient-centred decision-making can help make preparation more structured.

What should I study for the APEP written assessment?

Preparation should focus on the areas covered by the current APEP requirements and should include core physiotherapy knowledge, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, patient-centred care, and professional decision-making. Revising foundational concepts is also useful, particularly for physiotherapists who completed their degree several years ago. Always refer to the latest official assessment information to identify the current content and expectations.

Are mock tests useful for APEP preparation?

Mock tests can be an effective part of APEP preparation because they provide an opportunity to practise applying knowledge to different clinical situations. They can also help identify weaker areas and improve time management and confidence. Regular question practice is more valuable when candidates review why an answer is correct rather than simply memorising the correct option.

Why is patient-centred care important for physiotherapists in Australia?

Patient-centred care involves considering the patient’s goals, preferences, needs, circumstances, and functional requirements when planning treatment. It encourages physiotherapists to involve patients in decisions about their rehabilitation rather than focusing only on the clinician’s treatment objectives. Understanding this approach can help internationally qualified physiotherapists become familiar with the principles that guide professional practice in Australia.

How is physiotherapy practice in Australia different from India?

Physiotherapy practice can differ between healthcare systems in areas such as referral pathways, professional roles, scope of practice, documentation, and clinical decision-making. Australian practice places strong emphasis on patient-centred care, evidence-based decision-making, and defined professional responsibilities. The exact experience can vary between workplaces and clinical settings, so candidates should learn about the current standards relevant to their intended area of practice.

Can physiotherapists with clinical experience prepare for APEP more easily?

Clinical experience can provide a useful foundation because it gives physiotherapists exposure to patient assessment, treatment planning, communication, and real-world clinical situations. However, experience alone does not replace assessment-specific preparation. Candidates still need to understand the expectations of Australian practice and become familiar with the assessment requirements. A structured approach combining clinical knowledge with focused preparation can be helpful.

What is the best way to prepare for an Australian physiotherapy career?

Preparation should begin with understanding the registration and assessment pathway applicable to your qualifications and circumstances. Strengthening clinical knowledge, evidence-based practice, communication, documentation, and patient-centred care can support professional readiness. It is also useful to research Australian healthcare standards, workplace expectations, and scope of practice. Official regulatory information should remain the primary source for current requirements.

What are the benefits of working as a physiotherapist in Australia?

Australia offers physiotherapists opportunities to work across areas such as musculoskeletal care, sports, rehabilitation, aged care, community health, and other clinical settings. The profession also operates within a multidisciplinary healthcare environment where different professionals contribute according to their expertise. Career opportunities, registration requirements, salaries, and employment conditions vary by location and role, so candidates should research these factors before planning their move.
Dr. Saniya Zikre

Medical Content Writer Intern

BDS

about the author

Dr. Saniya Zikre is a dental professional and Medical Content Writer Intern at Academically Global Healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree and brings a clinical background in patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical documentation, and healthcare communication. Her transition from clinical dentistry to medical content writing reflects her interest in scientific communication, research, and evidence-based healthcare content.

With a foundation in clinical practice and training in scientific writing and health research, Dr. Saniya focuses on creating accurate, clear, and engaging medical content. She is passionate about translating complex medical information into accessible content for healthcare professionals, students, and general audiences. Through her work, she aims to combine clinical knowledge with strong communication skills to contribute to meaningful, evidence-based healthcare education and communication.