Introduction

NZSTA has created a clear and specific Qualifications Approval Process (QAP). This procedure guides the Executive Officer and the Qualifications Approval Committee when reviewing applications for membership of NZSTA when the applicant was trained overseas and does not meet the criteria of the Mutual Recognition Agreement. It also serves to demonstrate to applicants, and related professional bodies, that the NZSTA has a robust procedure in place for assessing qualifications.

The fee for the Qualifications Approval Process is NZ$1,200 and is non-refundable.  Please note that this will increase to $1,226.67 from 1st October 2010 as GST is increasing from 12.5% to 15% from that date.

Membership Categories

The QAP is used when assessing applications for membership of NZSTA. If the criteria for Full Membership is not met, then an individual may be granted Provisional Membership.

Full Membership

In addition to an acceptable Speech-language Therapy/Pahtology Qualification the following criteria must be met for eligibility to become a Full Member of NZSTA:

1. A minimum of 2 years clinical Speech-Language Therapy/Pathology experience, the most recent of which must be less than 5 years ago (i.e. at least one of the two years of clinical experience must be within the last five years).
2. Demonstrated competency in communication disorders and dysphagia. The guidelines for dysphagia competency are available here
3. Evidence of a record of Continuing Professional Development.
4. Meet English language requirements in the International English Testing System (IELTS) if the Speech-Language Therapy qualification was completed in a language other than English or if English is a second language.  An average score of 8 across each of the four categories with a minimum score of 8.5 in the spoken module or above is required.

    

Provisional Membership

Individuals who do not meet the criteria for Full Membership (see above) but are in the process of completing requirements for Full Membership are eligible for Provisional Membership.

Where Provisional Membership is granted, the following conditions apply:

• an individual with less than 2 years clinical experience must complete 12 months as a Provisional Member, in adherence to the NZSTA Provisional Membership Guidelines
• an individual with less than 300 hours of clinical experience as a Speech-Language Therapy student must complete the required supervised hours within three months
• an individual who meets the minimum International English Testing System score of 8 must complete 12 months as a Provisional Member, in adherence to the NZSTA Provisional Membership Guidelines
• an individual who does not meet the "five year rule" must complete 12 months as a Provisional Member, in adherence to the NZSTA Provisional Membership Guidelines

If the applicant has less than two years clinical experience, they must provide evidence in the form of a Clinical Hours Log from the University programme attended. This log must show:

• a minimum of 300 hours clinical experience, only 25 of which may be observation
• experience across a range of disorders, both communication and swallowing
• experience with a range of client groups, from childhood through adulthood

Qualifications Approval Committee

Applications are submitted to the Qualifications Approval Committee (QAC). This committee is made up of the President and the Professional Standards portfolio leader with administration assistance.

Application Processing

The following process applies in processing applications:

1. Applications are processed by the Executive Officer within 5 working days of receipt of the application.
2. The Executive Officer completes the Qualifications Approval checklist and may, where necessary, request  more information from the applicant.
3. If an applicant does not meet the minimum International English Testing System score of 8, their application will not be processed further until they meet the minimum requirement.
4. The checklist and supporting documentation is forwarded to the QAC.
5. The QAC reviews the application. The following outcomes are possible:

• the application is approved, and Full Membership is granted
• Provisional Membership is granted if the criteria for Full Membership have not been met
• additional information is sought from the applicant prior to approving or declining the application
• where concerns exist around the educational standards of an applicant, the application is reviewed by a senior academic from an NZSTA accredited programme. A decision is then made on the basis of their recommendations
• the application is denied

6.   Applicants are advised in writing of the outcome of their application.

Appeals

The decison of the Qualifications Approval Committee is final. Applicants may not appeal the decision.  The application fee is non-refundable.

Making an Application

To apply to become a Member of NZSTA through the Qualifications Approval Process, simply download and complete the Qualifications Approval Application Form.  Full information is included on the form and the documentation required.

The guidelines for dysphagia competency are available here

Applications should be sent to:

Qualifications Approval

NZSTA

P O Box 38 070

Parklands

Christchurch 8842

New Zealand

For further information, please contact National Office.