New CPD Education Program for both novice and expert therapists in Assistive Technologies
Would you like a refresher or learn new skills related to prescribing and using assistive technologies with your clients?
CQUniversity's Melbourne Campus is delighted to announce a new CPD program in assistive technologies. CQUniversity has partnered with SWEP (State Wide Equipment Program) to deliver a continuing professional development and competency assessment program for SWEP allied health prescribers that is also available for all occupational therapists and physiotherapists who don't prescribe for SWEP.
The program is called the CQU-SWEP Assistive Technology Continuing Professional Development Program (CQU-SWEP AT CPD Program), and will be run as half day and full day workshops. SWEP has a system of grading the kinds of prescriptions therapists can make with Green meaning Introductory, Amber meaning Intermediate, and Red meaning Advanced (including making the most complex assistive technology prescriptions or working with complex clients). All workshops are highly recommended for new and existing SWEP allied health prescribers. This program is also available for all occupational therapists and physiotherapists who do not prescribe for SWEP, however, require knowledge and specialist skills in assistive technology prescription.
Here are some quick fact, questions and answers about the program:
What topics will be covered in the workshops?
The program will deliver approximately 17 full and half day workshops each year across Green/ Introductory, Amber/ Intermediate and Red/ Advanced levels. The topics are:
1. Basic prescription for children and adults, concepts of reasonable and necessary, MAT (Mechanical Assessment Tool), clinical justification and clinical reasoning. This workshop is ideal for all new graduates, and mandatory for any therapist who wants to prescribe for SWEP (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
2. Mobility aids for children and adults (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
3. Wheelchairs and seating (including pressure, posture, car seats) for children (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
4. Wheelchairs and seating (including pressure, posture, car seats) for adults (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
5. Bathing & toileting for children and adults (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
6. Specialised transfers (including hoists and slings) for children and adults (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
7. Beds & mattresses (including pressure, posture/ positioning) for children and adults (for occupational therapists and physiotherapists).
8. Vehicle modifications (for occupational therapists).
Additional topics that will be offered through CQUniversity include powered mobility aid assessment and training, and the Driver Assessment course which will be offered in partnership with Swinburne University.
Where will the workshops be held?
The CQU/SWEP AT-CPD workshops will take place at CQUniversity Melbourne Campus, centrally located at 120 Spencer St Melbourne (opposite Southern Cross Station). Some Green/ Introductory workshops may be offered in regional centres - please watch the website https://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/structure/schools/hhss/community-engagement/assistive-technology-continuing-professional-development-program
Who will teach the workshops?
The workshops will be delivered by clinical and educational experts in the field. Each workshop will have a limited number of participant places and two staff members, to ensure a high quality educational experience.
I don't prescribe for SWEP, can I still attend a workshop?
Yes, these workshops are for all occupational therapists and physiotherapists
How much do the workshops cost?
The workshops cost between $170 and $450. Half day workshops include morning or afternoon tea and full day workshops include lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Do I get a certificate of participation, and do I have to take any tests?
A certificate of participation will be issued to all workshop attendees. In addition, clinicians who prescribe for SWEP at Amber and Red levels will participate in a competency assessment quiz at the end of each workshop.
How do I know when the workshops are being held?
Visit our website for regular schedule updates https://www.cqu.edu.au/about-us/structure/schools/hhss/community-engagement/assistive-technology-continuing-professional-development-program
How do I book and pay for a workshop?
Follow the links as you work through the website. The schedule of topics and dates has the booking and on-line payment link for each workshop.
We look forward to welcoming you to a workshop soon.
Lindy Johnson
