Pilates Association Australia (PAA) has confirmed the qualification requirements for health fund therapeutic Pilates provider recognition.
The PAA is committed to maintaining nationally recognised education standards while also recognising the experience of practitioners who entered the profession before Diploma qualifications became available.
Qualification pathways
For therapeutic Pilates health fund rebates, it is a requirement to be a member of an association where Pilates is covered as a modality. For PAA members, the requirement is to be at Pilates Practitioner Level 2 or above. If not at that level, the pathways available are:
Pathway 1 – Diploma
Completion of a PAA-approved Diploma in Pilates plus 3000 hours of practical experience since completion of the Diploma.
Pathway 2 – Comprehensive Studio Course with Diploma Bridging
Completion of a PAA-approved Comprehensive Studio course in Pilates plus 3000 hours of practical experience after completion of the course. It will also be a requirement to complete bridging units to Diploma. More information will be provided on the available options with the existing recognised Registered Training Organisations.
Pathway 3 – Pre-2004 Qualifications
Practitioners who completed a PAA-approved qualification before the introduction of the first Pilates Diploma in 2004 will be recognised under grandfathering arrangements once they have accrued the 3,000 hours of practical experience since obtaining their qualification.
Note: All other requirements around insurance, professional development, therapeutic service requirements, etc still apply.
Health fund recognition
The PAA determines the eligibility criteria for Therapeutic Pilates provider endorsement and has adopted the Diploma as the educational standard for future endorsements.
These requirements are consistent with the PAA’s commitment to strengthening professional standards while recognising appropriate transitional arrangements for experienced practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the PAA adopted the Diploma as the educational standard?
The Diploma provides a nationally recognised qualification that supports consistent education and professional standards for Therapeutic Pilates.
How can I complete Pathway 1 (PAA approved Diploma qualification)?
You can complete a PAA approved Diploma through the following Professional Training Providers:
How can I complete Pathway 2 (Comprehensive studio course plus bridging to PAA approved Diploma qualification)?
You can complete a PAA approved Comprehensive Studio course through the following Training Providers:
Followed by bridging to Diploma with one of the Professional Training providers below:
When do my 3,000 hours start?
For practitioners completing a comprehensive studio course, the required 3,000 hours of practical experience will be measured from completion of the comprehensive qualification.
For Diploma graduates, the 3,000 hours are measured from completion of the Diploma.
What if I qualified before the Diploma existed?
Practitioners who completed a PAA-approved qualification before the first nationally recognised Pilates Diploma became available in 2004 are eligible under the pre-2004 qualification pathway.
Does this affect my current provider recognition if I am an allied health practitioner?
No. You will still be recognised as a provider under your allied health registration. However, to be a member of the PAA, you must have completed an PAA approved Pilates instructor training course.
I’m planning to study Pilates. Which course should I choose?
Students intending to become Therapeutic Pilates providers should ensure they complete a pathway that leads to a PAA-approved Diploma. That can be directly through a Diploma or through a PAA-approved comprehensive studio course plus bridging units to Diploma. Explore PAA approved training courses.
I am not currently a PAA member. What if I received my qualification through the APMA?
There are several scenarios:
- If your qualification is an APMA Diploma, you will be eligible if you have completed 3000 hours of experience post-qualification.
- If your qualification was before the APMA Diploma course was registered, you will need to do the diploma bridging units in addition to the 3000 hours of experience
- If your APMA qualification was pre-2004, the diploma bridging units are not required. However, you will need 3000 hours of experience post-qualification.
What if I have the Graduate Certificate in Pilates from UTS?
If your UTS Graduate Certificate was pre-2004, the diploma bridging units are not required. However, you will need 3000 hours of experience post-qualification.
If I obtained my qualification overseas, do I need to do the bridging units?
If you are not currently at PAA Practitioner Level 2 or above, you will be required to bridge to Diploma
If I have an Advanced Diploma, am I still required to complete 3000 hours of experience?
We are waiting for final confirmation from the health funds. Please call us to discuss your individual circumstances.
What if I don’t wish to be recognised for therapeutic Pilates through the health funds?
That is fine. There will be no change to your PAA membership status
If your question isn’t answered above, please reach out to us at info@pilates.org.au
Comments are closed.