Re-entering the Profession

Re-entry program

The purpose of the Re-entry program is to support speech pathologists who have had a break from speech pathology practice to refresh their knowledge and skills and support them to confidently return to practice.

The program involves engagement in continuing professional development with a required minimum 100 hours of learning. Participants develop a learning plan and portfolio of evidence to demonstrate entry level competence against the Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS). The program must be completed within 3 years. Participants have 3 opportunities to submit their portfolio. Members with less than 5 years equivalent full-time practice within the previous 15 years must also participate in a supported clinical experience to demonstrate entry level competence in at least 1 range of practice area.

Completion of the Re-entry requirements allows members to demonstrate they can uphold the standards of the speech pathology profession in Australia and provide safe, best practice services that meet the needs of service users.

For further information about the program contact the Association’s National Office.

Eligibility requirements

You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the Re-entry program:

  1. Previously eligible for Practising membership (up to 2015) or Certified Practising membership (2016 onwards).
  2. Have worked for less than 1000 hours as a speech pathologist in the 5 years prior to application.
  3. Worked as a speech pathologist for a minimum of 1000 hours in the 15 years prior to application or if you completed your speech pathology degree within the past 10 years, a minimum of 200 practice hours following degree completion is required.

In determining if you are required to complete the Re-entry program or if you meet the eligibility requirements please refer to the revised Scope of Practice and definition of practice.

The eligibility requirements for the Re-entry program have been set by the Speech Pathology Australia Board. It is at the discretion of the Board if applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will be accepted. For further information please contact the Association’s National Office

How to apply for the Re-entry Program

  1. Complete the Re-entry Membership Application.
  2. Email the application form and required evidence to Speech Pathology Australia.

Re-entry program participants must join the Association as a Re-entry member and maintain Re-entry membership while completing the program.

Re-entry is a non-practising membership category. Re-entry members are not eligible to receive Medicare or Private Health Fund provider status nor provide services where CPSP status is required.

The Re-entry program guide.