Accredited (Practitioner) Membership Academic Qualification Requirements

Accredited membership is the practitioner category of membership. This category is the only category suitable for a practitioner.

To meet the academic qualifications required by ATMS, an applicant must have successfully completed study in a course accredited by ATMS; or successfully completed a non accredited course within Australia and which in the opinion of ATMS is of an equivalent standard to the applicable ATMS academic criteria.

Overseas Qualifications

ATMS does not accept overseas qualifications. The additional action required by a person wishing to join ATMS who has qualification(s) gained overseas depends on the modality category for which the person is seeking ATMS membership accreditation.

For Aromatherapy, Homoeopathy, Kinesiology, Naturopathic Nutrition, Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, Reflexology, Remedial Massage, Traditional Chinese Massage (Tuina) and Shiatsu, it is necessary for the person to attend a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) which is also accredited by ATMS, and undertake a Recognised Prior Learning Process. Although additional study may be required, the end result is that the person will be issued with a Health Training Package qualification recognised by most relevant organisations within Australia.

For all other modalities accredited by ATMS, the person needs to approach a College recognised by ATMS to inquire what credits they will receive for their existing study, and how much additional study might be required.

You will find ATMS recognised Colleges on the ATMS web site. If you hold an overseas qualification and are uncertain about what you might need to do, please contact the ATMS Registrar and we will help you as much as possible.

Applicants from a Non English Speaking Background

ATMS considers that a competent knowledge of English is essential for the safe practice of natural medicine in Australia. To practise safely, a practitioner must be able to communicate competently in English in all applicable circumstances, including with patients, their families and other health care practitioners.

All new applicants whose first language is not English must have obtained an English proficiency level of a minimum overall band 6 or higher in academic or general testing under an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. IELTS contact details are:
IELTS Australia
Level 8, 535 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
Tel: 61 3 9612 4400
Email: ielts@idp.com
Website: http://www.ielts.org

Applicants with other documentary evidence of an equivalent or higher English language proficiency may submit that evidence for consideration instead of an IELTS exam result. (ATMS may not necessarily accept that evidence, and/or may require additional information/testing.)

Permisssion to Work in Australia

A person applying for accredited membership must have permission to work in Australia.

Other Eligibility Criteria

The above eligibility criteria are the primary membership criteria. Other eligibility (for example relevant Statutory Registration) might apply, and all applicants to ATMS must be of good character, provide a residential address and supply other documentation. Please see the Membership Information and Application Form for more information.

Additionally ATMS may amend its membership eligibility criteria at any time, and that criteria will be applied regardless of whether or not it is published here or in the Membership Information and Application Form.

Cost and Benefits of ATMS Accredited Membership

ATMS accredited membership is very affordable. Membership fees for the 2011/12 financial year are $155.00 plus $15.50 GST (total $170.50). There is also a joining fee of $40 plus $4 GST (total $44).

The major benefits of ATMS accredited membership include:

• Membership of Australia’s largest natural medicine association with permission to use of the ATMS logo on clinic stationery, advertising etc.
• Dedicated professional full time staff serving the needs of members.
• Potential eligibility for up to 43 health funds. (ATMS is recognised by all major health funds. However health funds set their own eligibility and actual eligibility depends on each person’s qualification.)
• Access to professional indemnity insurance cover offered exclusively to ATMS members.
• A free listing of practice details on the ATMS web site with a link to members’ professional practice websites.
• Free entry in the ATMS Qualified Natural Therapists’ Membership Directory.
• Subsidised entry to ATMS Continuing Professional Education Seminars held in capital cities and major regional centres.
• A practitioner referral service.
• Subscription to the Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (a peer review quarterly publication).
• Free advertising in the Noticeboard section on the ATMS website.
• Merchandising Products, eg Marketing Postcards, Polo Shirts, Pens, with all products at or below cost price.
• National media advertising to promote ATMS members in the community.
• Eligibility to apply for one of 10 x $1,000 educational grants offered each year.
• Lobbying with Government bodies, political parties and regulatory authorities on a wide range of issues affecting the practice of natural medicine.

Applying For Accredited Membership

An accredited membership application form can be acquired by telephoning the ATMS office on 1800 456 855, by sending an email request to info@atms.com.au or by downloading the application form as a PDF file from here:

Download accredited (practitioner) membership application form

Student Membership

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP OF ATMS IS FREE!

Student membership is open to all students studying accredited courses at ATMS recognised teaching institutions.

Download student membership application form

Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to anyone who supports ATMS and the promotion of the study and use of natural medicine within Australia. Applications for Associate Membership may be made on the accredited membership application form.

Download accredited membership application form

Information updated on 30 May 2011.