Qualifications required

An occupational therapist (OT) works with a client to help them achieve a fulfilled and satisfied state in life through the use of "purposeful activity or interventions designed to achieve functional outcomes which promote health, prevent injury or disability and which develop, improve, sustain or restore the highest possible level of independence.” Occupational Therapists in Australia are represented by OT Australia, the peak professional body for the profession. ).

Physiotherapists treat disorders of movement that have resulted from disease or injury. Some physiotherapists specialise in areas such as aquatic physiotherapy, cardiothoracic physiotherapy, gerontology, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, paediatrics physiotherapy, sports physiotherapy, ergonomics and occupational health. Physiotherapists in Australia are required to be registered with the physiotherapists registration board in the state or territory they practise in. Physiotherapists in Australia are represented by The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).

Exercise physiology is a growing allied health specialty. Exercise physiologists and sports science specialists assist individuals to achieve improved health through exercise, health and well-being programs. The peak professional organisation in this field is the Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). 

Psychologists are experts in human behaviour. They use scientific methods to study the factors that influence the way that people think, feel and learn, and evidence-based strategies and interventions to help people to overcome challenges and improve their performance. Psychologists must be registered with a registration board in the relevant state or territory in order to practise in Australia and to use the title psychologist. The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is the largest professional association for psychologists in Australia. 

Rehabilitation Counsellors are Allied Health professionals who work within a counselling and case management framework to assist people who are experiencing disability, a health condition or social disadvantage to participate in employment or education, or to live independently and access services in the community. The Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (ASORC) is the largest professional association for Rehabilitation Counsellors in Australia. 

Speech pathologists treat disorders of communication, such as disorders of speech, voice, language, fluency, articulation, swallowing and pragmatics. Speech pathologists practising in Queensland are required to be registered with the Speech Pathologists Board. Other states do not require registration. Speech pathologists in Australia are represented by Speech Pathology Australia, a national body with branches in states and territories. 

A social worker helps people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers work with many populations, including children, people with disabilities, and people with addictions.  The Australian Association of Social Workers is the professional body for social workers.

Orthotists assess, prescribe, apply specially designed and fitted orthosis (brace or appliance) to control biomechanical alignment, aid healing and rehabilitation, and improve mobility. Orthoses are devices that are applied externally to a part of the body. Prosthetists manufacture individually designed artificial devices that replace missing body parts, such as artificial limbs. Orthotists and prosthetists in Australia are represented by the Australian Orthotic and Prosthetic Association.

Nurses and midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, and meet the NMBA's registration standards, in order to practise in Australia.  The nursing and midwifery registration types are: 

general registration

• limited registration 
• non-practising registration
• student registration 
• provisional registration.

Osteopathy Australia is the peak body representing the interests of osteopaths, osteopathy as a profession and consumer rights to access osteopathic services.   Today Osteopathy Australia represents osteopaths in every state and territory across Australia. The core external focus of the association is raising awareness of osteopathy, lobbying, policy development and clinical quality; while its focus for membership services includes a wide array of information and advice, clinical excellence and guidelines, continuing professional development, healthcare business and support.

The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) is the peak body representing chiropractors in Australia.  In Victoria and Western Australia, licensed chiropractors are eligible to provide workplace rehabilitation services..