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Minor Group

252 Health Therapy Professionals

ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2022

252 Health Therapy Professionals

Health Therapy Professionals assess, diagnose and treat illnesses and disabilities, and provide therapeutic services such as chiropractic, osteopathy, complementary health, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, podiatry, speech pathology and audiology. Dietitians, Medical Imaging Professionals, Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals, Optometrists and Orthoptists, Pharmacists, Health Promotion Officers, and Orthotists or Prosthetists are excluded from this minor group.

Dietitians, Medical Imaging Professionals, Occupational and Environmental Health Professionals, Optometrists and Orthoptists, Pharmacists, Health Promotion Officers, and Orthotists or Prosthetists are included in Minor Group 251 Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this minor group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks Include:

  • questioning, examining, observing and testing patients to identify and determine nature of disease, disorder, illness or problem
  • designing, developing and implementing treatment plans to address patients' problems
  • providing exercise, dietary, lifestyle and hygiene guidelines and advice, adaptive equipment and correctional aids
  • recording patients' medical histories such as previous injuries, surgeries, general health and lifestyle
  • evaluating and documenting patients' treatment response and progress
Unit Group

2521 Chiropractors and Osteopaths

Chiropractors and Osteopaths diagnose and treat physiological and mechanical disorders of the locomotor system and tissue strain, stress and dysfunction that impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms, and provide advice on preventing these disorders.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • administering a variety of neurological, musculoskeletal and functional tests to identify and assess physical problems and ailments of patients
  • planning and discussing effective management of patients' dysfunction
  • designing, reviewing, monitoring, assessing and evaluating treatment programs
  • assisting and improving the function of all body systems such as musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and genitourinary systems
  • recording detailed patient medical histories, treatments delivered and the patients' responses and progress to treatments
  • referring patients to specialists and liaising with other Health Professionals in relation to patients' problems, needs and progress
  • educating patients, their partners, family and friends in therapeutic procedures, such as home exercises and lifestyle changes, to enhance patients' health and wellbeing

Occupations:

  • 252111 Chiropractor
  • 252112 Osteopath

252111 Chiropractor

Diagnoses and treats physiological and mechanical disorders of the human locomotor system, particularly neuromuscular skeletal disorders, and provides advice on preventing these disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

252112 Osteopath

Diagnoses and treats tissue strains, stresses and dysfunctions which impede normal neural, vascular and biochemical mechanisms, and provides advice on preventing these disorders. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Unit Group

2522 Complementary Health Therapists

Complementary Health Therapists treat patients with physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs by considering the whole person rather than focusing on specific symptoms and by using various therapies, techniques and practices.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

  • assessing patients to determine the nature of the disorder, illness, problem or need by questioning, examining and observing
  • developing and implementing treatment plans using applications such as acupuncture, homoeopathic and herbal medicine, and dance, drama, hypnotic and music therapies
  • evaluating and documenting patients' progress through treatment plans
  • providing dietary and lifestyle advice and guidelines
  • prescribing natural medicines, such as herbal, mineral and animal extracts, to stimulate the body's capacity for self-healing

Occupations:

  • 252211 Acupuncturist
  • 252212 Homoeopath
  • 252213 Naturopath
  • 252214 Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
  • 252215 Traditional Māori Health Practitioner
  • 252299 Complementary Health Therapists nec

252211 Acupuncturist

Treats disorders and illnesses by stimulating the body's defence mechanisms through inserting fine needles into the skin. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 1

252212 Homoeopath

Treats the body's immune and defence systems by assessing the whole person and using minute amounts of natural remedies made from substances such as plants, minerals and animal sources. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 1

252213 Naturopath

Treats internal health problems, metabolic disorders and imbalances through treatment of the whole person using natural therapies. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 1

252214 Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Alternative Titles:

  • Chinese Medicine Practitioner
  • Oriental Medicine Practitioner

Treats imbalances of energy flows through the body by assessing the whole person and using techniques and methods such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, diet, exercise and breathing therapy. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisation:

  • Chinese Herbalist

252215 Traditional Māori Health Practitioner

Diagnoses, assesses and treats patients in accordance with Tikanga Māori (Māori culture and custom) and with the participation of whanau (family).

Skill Level: 1

252299 Complementary Health Therapists nec

This occupation group covers Complementary Health Therapists not elsewhere classified.

Skill Level: 1

Occupations in this group include:

  • Dance Therapist
  • Drama Therapist
  • Hypnotherapist
  • Music Therapist
  • Play Therapist
Unit Group

2523 Dental Practitioners

Dental Practitioners diagnose and treat dental disease, restore normal oral function using a broad range of treatments, such as surgery and other specialist techniques, and advise on oral health.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • diagnosing dental diseases using a range of methods such as radiographs, salivary tests and medical histories
  • providing preventative oral health care such as periodontal treatments, fluoride applications and oral health promotion
  • providing restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairing damaged and decayed teeth
  • providing oral surgical treatments such as biopsy of tissue and prescription of medication
  • performing routine orthodontic treatment
  • restoring oral function with removable and fixed oral prostheses
  • assisting in diagnosing general diseases having oral manifestations such as diabetes
  • educating patients to take care of their mouth and teeth
  • leading a dental team which may comprise Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Assistants and other Dental Specialists

Occupations:

  • 252311 Dental Specialist
  • 252312 Dentist

252311 Dental Specialist

Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, irregularities and malformations of teeth and associated structures in the mouth and jaw using surgery and other specialist techniques. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

  • Endodontist
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
  • Oral Pathologist
  • Orthodontist
  • Paedodontist
  • Periodontist
  • Prosthodontist

252312 Dentist

Alternative Titles:

  • Dental Practitioner
  • Dental Surgeon

Diagnoses and treats dental disease, injuries, decay and malformations of the teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), hard and soft tissue found on the mouth and other dento-facial structures using surgery and other techniques. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Unit Group

2524 Occupational Therapists

Occupational Therapists assess functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provide therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • assessing clients' emotional, psychological, developmental and physical capabilities using clinical observations and standardised tests
  • assessing clients' functional potential in their home, leisure, work and school environments, and recommending environmental adaptations to maximise their performance
  • planning and directing programs through the use of vocational, recreational, remedial, social and educational activities on an individual and group basis
  • providing advice to family members, carers, employers and teachers about adapting clients' home, leisure, work and school environments
  • providing adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and splints, to assist clients to overcome their functional limitations
  • working with other Health Professionals in overall case management of clients
  • working with other professionals in providing specialist advice to specific client groups such as those requiring driver rehabilitation, third-party compensation and medico-legal representation
  • recording clients' progress and maintaining professional relationships in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and ethical guidelines

Occupation:

  • 252411 Occupational Therapist

252411 Occupational Therapist

Assesses functional limitations of people resulting from illnesses and disabilities, and provides therapy to enable people to perform their daily activities and occupations. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Unit Group

2525 Physiotherapists

Physiotherapists assess, treat and prevent disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • administering muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests to identify and assess physical problems of patients
  • designing treatment programs to address patients' problems
  • treating patients to reduce pain, improve circulation, strengthen muscles, improve cardiothoracic, cardiovascular and respiratory functions, restore joint mobility, and improve balance and coordination
  • using the therapeutic properties of exercise, heat, cold, massage, manipulation, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, ultraviolet and infra-red light and ultrasound in the treatment of patients
  • reviewing, continually monitoring, assessing and evaluating programs and treatments
  • consulting with other Health Professionals as required about patients' problems, needs and progress
  • instructing patients and their families in procedures to be continued at home
  • recording treatments given and patients' responses and progress
  • developing and implementing screening and preventative health promotion programs

Occupation:

  • 252511 Physiotherapist

252511 Physiotherapist

Alternative Title:

  • Physical Therapist

Assesses, treats and prevents disorders in human movement caused by injury or disease. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisations:

  • Aquatic Physiotherapist
  • Cardiothoracic Physiotherapist
  • Continence and Women's Health Physiotherapist
  • Gerontological Physiotherapist
  • Māori Physiotherapist (NZ)
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
  • Neurological Physiotherapist
  • Occupational Health Physiotherapist
  • Paediatric Physiotherapist
  • Sports Physiotherapist
Unit Group

2526 Podiatrists

Podiatrists prevent, diagnose and treat disorders of the feet.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

  • examining patients' feet to determine the nature and extent of conditions, deformities and injuries
  • examining and treating foot disabilities caused by diseases such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and other neuropathies
  • prescribing and arranging the fabrication of footwear to correct foot abnormalities
  • performing minor surgery to remove and improve abnormal conditions
  • prescribing and fitting replaceable pads, palliative and functional supports and other devices for the protection and correction of foot abnormalities
  • advising patients about continued treatment and foot care
  • may provide rehabilitation services to the physically handicapped
  • may refer patients to or have patients referred from Medical Practitioners

Occupation:

  • 252611 Podiatrist

252611 Podiatrist

Prevents, diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 1

Specialisation:

  • Podiatric Surgeon
Unit Group

2527 Audiologists and Speech Pathologists / Therapists

Audiologists and Speech Pathologists or Therapists provide diagnostic assessment, treatment, rehabilitative services and management of human hearing defects, and communication and swallowing impairments.

Indicative Skill Level:

In Australia and New Zealand:

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Tasks Include:

  • assessing and diagnosing the extent of client hearing loss using a wide range of techniques, including audiometric tests
  • reporting results of assessments and tests in writing and making referrals to medical practitioners
  • recommending solutions to those with hearing impairment including amplification, implantable devices, medical interventions and assistive listening devices and providing aural rehabilitation programs
  • providing counselling, advice and information to clients and families as a part of overall treatment
  • assisting with the development and management of noise control and hearing conservation strategies
  • administering standardised and informal tests and observing clients to determine the nature and extent of their communication disorders or swallowing difficulties
  • providing treatment and management of speech, language, learning and communication disorders that may be developmental, part of a disability, or acquired as a result of injury or disease
  • advising on the positioning of the body and on the textures of food and fluids which assists an individual to eat and swallow safely without choking
  • providing information and education to health professionals, early childhood educators and teachers, and support and counselling to individuals affected by communication and swallowing difficulties, and to their families and carers.

Occupations:

  • 252711 Audiologist
  • 252712 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist

252711 Audiologist

Provides diagnostic assessment and rehabilitative services related to human hearing defects.

Skill Level: 1

252712 Speech Pathologist / Speech Language Therapist

Alternative Title:

  • Speech Therapist

Provides diagnostic assessment and management of disorders of communication and swallowing through direct intervention, education, consultancy, advocacy, or a combination of these approaches.

Skill Level: 1