Professionalism and Professional Standards for Physiotherapists is a CPD course designed for physiotherapists practising in New Zealand who want to strengthen professional conduct, accountability, and safe patient care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, competence concerns, or fitness to practise processes under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and oversight from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, but is equally valuable for physiotherapists seeking to maintain high standards of professionalism in everyday clinical practice.

The course explores the core attributes of professionalism, including integrity, honesty, accountability, respect, cultural safety, and maintaining professional competence. Participants will examine how these principles apply in real-world physiotherapy settings such as communication with patients, managing rehabilitation plans, maintaining professional boundaries during hands-on care, and ensuring accurate documentation. Common professionalism concerns — including over-treatment, delegation risks, poor communication, lack of cultural awareness, and inadequate record keeping — are addressed alongside their professional and regulatory implications within the New Zealand context.

Through practical case-based learning, reflective exercises, and structured guidance, participants will develop the skills to maintain professional standards, manage challenging situations appropriately, and respond constructively to complaints or competence reviews. By the end of this course, physiotherapists will be better equipped to demonstrate professionalism, maintain patient trust, and practise safely and effectively in accordance with New Zealand regulatory expectations.