Professional Development

Considering professional development requirements

Each allied health professional has to consider many elements to meet the requirements of their professional or registration bodies. There are a range of education and learning options to support these professional considerations.

Continuing professional development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a structured approach to keeping your skills up to date. It can contribute to competence in practice including updating knowledge or clinical skills. CPD is often an ongoing requirement for professional registration and can involve any relevant learning activity. This could include attending a short course or study day or undertaking an online learning module.

Websites with CPD Information
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has information on CPD
- The Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (PEPA) has information on supported placements in specialist palliative care and aged care settings.
- The ACT Government has information on placements, learning and development, and education and research.
- The Mental Health Professionals’ Network offers practitioners across Australia the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary programs
- The European Association for Palliative Care website has a taskforce to examine the diversity of roles, tasks and education of palliative care social workers in Europe
- The Australian Physiotherapy Association provides information on professional development options.

Educating others

As part of your role as an allied health professional, you may be asked to provide education sessions to students, peers, special interest groups, or support groups. Arrangements can be formal or informal, regular or intermittent. Topics could include specific palliative care issues or your understanding of your role in palliative care. There are resources here that can help.

The PCC4U website has information and resources that may be useful: