Question Categories:
- Employing an overseas practitioner
- Leaving New Zealand?
- Osteopath's title
If you have a question that is not included in the list, you can send it to us by emailing: [email protected].
Q. I want to employ a practitioner from overseas. Will s/he have to pass an assessment?
A.
All overseas applicants (except those registered in Australian states
and territories) must have their qualifications assessed by OCNZ.
Details of the assessment can be found on this website.
Q. Can overseas applicants get temporary registration whilst their qualifications are being assessed?
A. No - there is no provision for temporary registration.
Q. I've been told it's not possible for practitioners to get a
work visa for New Zealand prior to leaving their home country. Is this
correct?
A. New Zealand Immigration Service has advised us
that work visas/permits will not be issued until it has proof of
registration. There is, however, a special category of visitor policy
for people coming to New Zealand to obtain occupational registration
(see NZIS policy manual reference V3.45). Once registration is obtained
the practitioner can apply for a temporary work permit or permanent
residence without having to leave New Zealand.
(Note: because NZIS policy changes, it pays to ask NZIS for an update
before making any plans, including the policy on which qualifications
are acceptable and whether a New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
assessment of the qualification is required!)
Q. Does the Council keep a list of practitioners who are looking for work?
A. No. This is not one of the Council's statutory functions.
Q. If I leave New Zealand, can I stay on the register?
A. Yes, you will remain on the register until you request to be removed unless removed following HPDT penalty.
Q. If the Council proposes to take me off the register, can I object?
A. Yes - provided your removal is not as a result of disciplinary or competence issues.
Q. What if I want to come back to New Zealand to work?
A. You should apply
for a new practising certificate at least a month before you want to
start work. Before issuing you with a new practising certificate the
Council has to be sure you're competent to practise so will want to know
whether or not you have been working overseas and have participated in
continuing professional development training. If you have participated
in continuing professional development training, you will need to
provide evidence of having participated in each course for which you are
claiming credit.
Q. Now that I'm registered with the Osteopathic Council, what description do I put on my business card, etc.
A. The Council recommends that you use the description ‘osteopath' or ‘registered osteopath'.
In terms of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003,
no-one can describe himself/herself as an osteopath unless s/he is
registered. So the use of the word ‘registered' is in a sense
superfluous; however, its use may give a stronger message to members of
the public.
Note: It is incorrect to describe yourself as a
"member of the Osteopathic Council". Only those who have been appointed
to the Council by the Minister of Health in a governance role might be
described as members of the Osteopathic Council.