Professional Development Guidelines
Are PDs self-managed?
It is the responsibility of members to ensure they complete and update their Professional Development. Members are now able to load their PD activity via their members portal, check PD record requirements and their accumulated PDP tally, based on self-recorded information.
When PD activities are complete, members need to fill in a PD Record Form (Formal or Informal) available via your members portal.
At the time of renewal, members must have at least 20 documented PDPs to demonstrate compliance with MA's annual PD target for the concluding PD cycle. A mandatory 4-PDP in the Formal (in-person) category and the remainder 16-PDP in the In-Formal category.
Can you choose the topics, activities and presenters to suit your interests, growth areas and learning style?
The increase in hours is offset by increased flexibility and greater options for ongoing learning and development. Each member will now be free to choose the topics, activities and presenters which suit their specific development needs, interests and learning style.
PD is divided into two types - Formal Activities and Informal Activities
FORMAL PD ACTIVITIES:
MA and MA Accredited Courses, Seminars, Conference and Workshops
Formal degree/Post-graduate study
Units (not assessed) from Myotherapy and other Allied Health degree programs
INFORMAL PD ACTIVITIES:
Webinars/DVDs/Online videos
Online learning Portal tasks (e.g. Coursera, Medbridge, Physiopedia, Clinica/Edge)
Attendance at 'In Service' activities
Participation in MA-endorsed volunteer events
Podcasts (30 minutes and over)
Related Association Memberships
Peer-Reviewed Journal Subscriptions
Journal Articles/Book Chapters
Do you need to complete a PD Record Form for each activity and submit to MA?
Members are required to complete PD Data Record forms - Formal
or Informal - for each activity [available when you log into your members portal and load your activity].
Read the PD Guidelines to know specific documentation requirements for
each activity.
Will MA conduct random audits to ensure compliance?
Audits of PD records will occur during the year and will determine whether PDPs allocated are consistent with the guidelines and whether all requirements have been met. Audited members whose professional development is deemed to be inadequate will be required to rectify their PD records by completing additional PD. Failure to rectify within an agreed time period may result in the suspension of membership including cancellation of health fund provider numbers.
Members may be subject to random auditing and therefore need to keep PD documentation for 5 years as outlined in the guidelines.
Can I apply for an exemption?
Upon application to the PD committee an eligible member may qualify for PDP's to be reduced or waived and include certified illness, maternity leave and extended overseas travel (prior approval required). Please refer to the Professional Development Guidelines for how to apply for an exemption and fill in the attached form.
If you have any questions please email or phone the MYOTHERAPY ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA Office on (03) 9418 3913.
How do I seek accreditation as a workshop provider?
Workshop provider seeking MA Professional Development Accreditation are required to complete a Workshop Accreditation Application Form to be assessed by our PD Committee. You will be required to pay a $50 non-refundable application fee for your application to be considered and assessed.
Read more about applying to be an MA Endorsed Learning Resource provider here.