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APDP

Australian professional development program

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ABOUT APDP

Australian Professional Development Program

The Australian Professional Development Program (APDP) offers supervised placements for international healthcare and allied health workers to satisfy regulatory requirements for Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) registration. This specialised program, pioneered by Dizon & Associates, provides rewarding career opportunities for international healthcare professionals who seek to expand their practice experience in Australia.

The APDP is designed to facilitate and support the integration of international healthcare staff into Australia’s healthcare system. With our extensive employment network of healthcare providers, facilities and services – we deliver a tailored approach to match international professionals with the right employers.  

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International Allied Healthcare Professionals

Our program is currently accepting Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dieticians and Speech Language Therapists from the UK, Scandinavia, Europe, Philippines and North America seeking professional placement rotations across both metropolitan and regional Australia.

Our APDP Benefits

Career Growth

Working in Australia under the high standards of therapeutic and clinical care overseen by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) will significantly elevate your professional standing. AHPRA and SPA registration ensure that your qualifications are recognized internationally, enhancing your career prospects upon returning home.

Flexible Work Locations

You have the freedom to choose your preferred Australian State or Territory. Our national affiliations enable work placement rotations through multiple regions, providing a diverse and enriching professional experience.

Comprehensive Support

From securing employment prior to your arrival to providing ongoing support throughout your stay, we ensure that you feel at home in your new environment. Our program offers comprehensive pre and post-placement care, including guidance on AHPRA and SPA registration, professional development opportunities, and access to trusted employers who value integrity and respect for your profession.

Unique Work Experience

Experience the best of both worlds with 6-month rotations between metropolitan and regional settings in your first year. This unique setup allows you to gain a wide range of professional experiences and cultural insights.

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Facts & FAQ's

Passport Countries Accepted for the Australian Professional Development Program (APDP) for International Healthcare Professionals:
  • Canada
  • Denmark 
  • Finland
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 
  • Philippines
  • Canada: 18-35 years 
  • Denmark: 18-35 years
  • Finland: 18-30 years
  • Republic of Ireland: 18-35 years
  • Netherlands: 18-30 years
  • Norway: 18-30 years
  • Sweden: 18-30 years
  • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: 18-35 years 
  • Philippines: 18 -30 years
  • Occupational Therapist  
  • Speech Language Pathologist / Therapist
  • Nurse (Registered, Clinical, Educator, Developmental Disability, Aged Care, Medical, Acute)
  • Physiotherapist
  • Dietician
  • Psychologist (Clinical or Educational) 

No – the Australian Professional Development Program for International Healthcare Professionals is listed as a critical sector: Health, Disability, Aged Care, Medical 
These critical sectors have pre-approved extensions beyond the 6-month limitation.  

No – the Australian Professional Development Program for International Healthcare Professionals is listed as a critical sector: Health, Disability, Aged Care, Medical 
These critical sectors have pre-approved extensions beyond the 6-month limitation.  

Yes – it is a pre-requisite for the program for candidates to apply for their SPA registration within 6 weeks from their arrival date in Australia. As part of your onboarding with Dizon & Associates, you are required to sign a declaration of commitment and understanding for your SPA registration and provide evidence of your speech pathology qualifications to ensure they align with Australian requirements. 

Yes – you will be contacted by a consultant from the Dizon Healthcare team to complete pre-screening questions. If you are considered appropriate for the program, we complete a virtual interview specific to your occupation and your desired work sector and locations within Australia.  

Yes – there is a once-off program registration fee of AU$1,249.00

The fee is payable upon confirmation of registration, followed by the application and onboarding processes.
The program registration fee is non-refundable.

Yes – as part of our screening process we discuss desired work locations including and financial incentives for employers who preference rural and remote candidates.  
Dizon are affiliated with National Employers who may be able to provide work placement rotations through multiple Australian States or Territories for the term of the visa. 

Yes – each employer has their own internal policies and procedures for onboarding new staff.

No – you will never be requested to pay fees to a potential or guaranteed employer in Australia.  

Yes – we partner with National agencies and employers to provide varying work options for candidates, our aim is to secure suitable employment prior to arrival. In some instances, candidates will choose to travel to Australia then proceed with interviewing for suitable employment through the Dizon Program.  

The Australian Professional Development Program for International Healthcare Professionals is intended for candidates to secure either permanent part-time or full-time employment, or a fixed term contract for the term of the visa.  This provides candidates and employers with assurance that upon APHRA or SPA Registration, the candidate will commence working as a qualified therapist for the organisation.  

As a permanent employee or fixed term contract employee you can accrue paid leave hours such as annual leave and sick leave + more.  

NDIS Allied Health Therapy Assistant, Aged Care Therapy Assistant, Healthcare Habitat Therapist, NDIS Key Worker, Healthcare Liaison Officer, Wellness & Rehabilitation Worker, Lifestyle Program Worker, Therapeutic Care Worker, Residential Therapy Assistant, Clinic Therapy Assistant, Customer Liaison Officer, Intake and Referral Officer, Clinical Administrator (role titles vary for sectors and employers)  

The term “regional, rural and remote” encompasses all areas outside of Australia’s Major cities. People living in rural and remote communities face unique challenges accessing appropriate health services due to their geographical location and can often have poor outcomes than people living in metropolitan areas or major cities.  

Rural and Remote work placements attract value adds: higher hourly pay rates or salaries, additional pay rates or levies, free or subsidised accommodation, fly-in fly-out work models from major cities.  

Healthcare organisations base pay rates and pay scales according to Australian Modern Awards such as;  
Social Community Home and Disability Services Award, Health Professionals and Support Services Award, Aged Care Award, Nurses Award, Clerks Award. 
Employers provide details of awards and pay rate scales prior to accepting employment contracts.  

If you have current AHPRA or SPA Registration, Dizon & Associates will need to confirm your visa eligibility prior to proceeding to Interview.  We will then work with you to secure you employment as a qualified registered therapist with an employer and occupation sector of your choice.  

In Hospital + Outreach Services, Community Social Support Groups, Community In-Home Care – Aged Care, Community In-Home Care – Disability, Community In-Home Care – Rehabilitation, Residential Group Home, Rehabilitation Centres or Clinics, Multipurpose Medical Clinics, Residential Aged Care Homes, Paediatric Clinics + Outreach Services, Education Sector Primary, Education Sector Secondary, Education Sector Tertiary or other, Education Sector Disability  

Where employment is secured in a major city or metropolitan area outside of a major city, employers do not provide accommodation options for candidates.  

Where employment is secured in a regional, rural or remote location in Australia, accommodation options may be available for candidates depending on the employer and agreed location.  

Fully paid accommodation, subsidised accommodation, group and individual accommodation options.

International flights are not included as part of our program. However, in some instances if candidates accept regional, rural or remote employment, the hiring organisation may contribute towards travel costs. These options are discussed directly with the candidate during the onboarding process.  

  • Dizon & Associates Registration Fee AU$1,249.00 
  • 417 Working Holiday Visa AU$635.00  
  • International Drivers Licence
  • International Police Check (fees dependant on provider chosen)  
  • Australian National Police Check – Fees range from AU$50 – AU$85.00  
  • First Aid & CPR Certificate (Course Code HLTAID011) Fees range from AU$95 – AU$135.00 
  • Working with Children’s Check (Employee Card for each State or Territory) Fees range from AU$80 – AU$150.00 
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Worker Screening Check – Fee AU$138.00 

Fees are set by each occupation board 

Sectors: Hospital, Multipurpose, Aged, Disability, Mental Health, Clinic, Paediatrics, Youth 

  • Annual Flu Vaccination or Medical Exemption – All Sectors 
  • 3 COVID Vaccinations or Medical Exemption – All Sectors 
  • Serology – Hospital, Multipurpose Sites 
  • Identification: Passport, Birth Certificate 
  • Name Verification: Change of name documents if passport and birth certificate names do not match
  • Visa Documentation + VEVO Check – https://online.immi.gov.au/
  • International Police Check
  • Australian National Police Check
  • 2 Professional References (must be supervisors or managers + email and phone contacts)
  • International Drivers Licence (if available)
  • Vehicle Registration and Insurance Documents (if available) 
  • First Aid & CPR Certificates  
    Confirmation of booking or physical certificates
  • State or Territory Working with Children’s Check (Employe Card) 
    Application confirmation or physical card
  • NDIS Worker Screening Check  
    Application confirmation of physical card
  • Vaccination Statement or Immunisation Records
  • Manual Handling Refresher Certification
  • Infection Control Refresher Certification
  • Hand Hygiene Refresher Certification
  • NDIS Worker Screening Module Certificates  

No – the choice to hold a valid driving licence to work in Australia is yours. However, please note that this requirement is highly desirable and increases work opportunities in your occupation field. 

International Drivers Licence – eligibility to drive within Australia for a 6-month period only, after this term you are required to apply for an Australian Drivers Licence Permit. 

OUR PROFESSIONAL LICENCE

Dizon & Associates holds the required professional licences to ensure regulatory compliance, quality standards and ethical conduct. Our team consists of registered migration agents, legal practitioners and recruitment specialists.

We are registered with the Australian Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). We are also an accredited foreign placement agency under the Philippines Department of Migration Workers (formerly POEA).
These accreditations reflect our commitment to excellence in both immigration and international recruitment services.

A Trusted Global Partner in International Recruitment

Dizon & Associates provides strategic international recruitment solutions to Australian companies across both the public and private sectors. With offices and affiliate partners in Australia, South Africa, Philippines, India, Ireland and the UK – we work with your business to develop a tailored visa and international recruitment model specific to your company’s workforce needs.

Australian Immigration and International Workforce Solutions

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