Practitioner Upgrade Pathway Guidelines
Principle Alignment
- Bushidō (Way of Integrity): Ensures upgrade pathways are fair, transparent, and rigorous, so every graduate meets national and professional standards.
- Oubaitori (Blossoming in One’s Own Time): Recognises the unique professional journey and background of each practitioner, with multiple pathways and individualised support.
- Kaizen (Continuous Improvement): Regular review and refinement of the upgrade process based on new standards, stakeholder feedback, and sectoral change.
1. Purpose
To define the eligibility, assessment, and evidence requirements for practicing and legacy-qualified Shiatsu practitioners seeking upgrade to the current Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies (HLT52215), ensuring compliance with the latest qualification and RTO standards and recognition of prior skills and experience.
2. Scope
Applies to all practitioners seeking upgrade to HLT52215 who hold legacy qualifications (e.g., HLT50207, HLT50212, HLT50202 or comparable), whether currently in practice or seeking re-entry, and relevant ASC staff supporting upgrades.
3. Upgrade Pathway Decision Map
Pathway 1: Hold HLT50207 or HLT50212
- Are you currently in practice?
- Yes: Participate in upgrade pathway/assessment.
- No:
- Have you been in practice in the past 5 years?
- Yes: Participate in upgrade.
- No: Begin supervised practice and log 200 hours, 60 client treatments (can include resits of Zen/Classical/Barefoot as needed).
- Have you been in practice in the past 5 years?
Pathway 2: Hold HLT50202 or Earlier
- Enrol in full current Diploma (HLT52215).
- RPL or CT considered for prior shiatsu study and other qualifications (e.g., Remedial Massage—see RPL, RCC & Credit Transfer Policy).
- Prepare required evidence for mapping (see checklist below), undertake transition assessment tasks.
Pathway 3: No Recognised Qualification
- Not eligible for upgrade. Apply through standard enrolment and RPL (if applicable) as a new student.
4. Evidence and Documentation Requirements
Applicants must submit the following for assessment and mapping:
- Completed Enrolment Form (including USI, ID, citizenship/PR status).
- Current CV (comprehensive, including clinical/practice experience).
- Certified or original prior academic transcripts.
- Current First Aid Certificate.
- Successfully completed ASC LLN/Digital Skills Assessment.
- Logbook with evidence of at least 200 hours of practice (and 60 client treatments) in past 5 years; further hours may be required if returning after lapse in practice or to meet mapping needs.
- Professional Learning (CPD) Plan and completed Professional Biography.
- All required assignments and assessment tasks (see below).
5. Assessment Framework
Assessment for upgrade is built around four core professional job tasks, aligning to HLT52215 core/elective units:
Job Task 1: Clinical Practice Management
- Evidence: Professional bio, WHS & Infection Control quizzes, Safe Work Self-Assessment, business strategy plan, legal/ethical assignment, successful logbook completion.
Job Task 2: Client Treatment
- Evidence: Clinical case studies, in-class and home treatments, logbook (200 hrs, 60 treatments), observation/mentor/practical assessment, chronic illness and mental health case studies.
Job Task 3: Client-Therapist Relationship
- Evidence: Critical reflection, knowledge of diversity, inclusive communication, referrals, client feedback, cultural competency tasks, simulation or in-person presentation.
Job Task 4: Critical Professional Reflection
- Evidence: Critical reflection tasks, professional development plan, group and case conference participation.
Assessment Tools/Tasks Used:
- Professional Bio (CV, transcripts)
- Clinical Practice Log (ASC format)
- Five clinical case studies (in-class or supervised)
- Chronic illness case study
- Mental health case study
- Cultural competency critical reflection and presentation
- Business strategy plan
- Knowledge quizzes (anatomy, physiology, communication, legal/ethical, WHS/infection control)
- Legal & ethical assignment
- Practical treatment skills observation (if required)
- Supplementary observation/simulation (as per gap analysis)
- Safe work practice quizzes, hazards assessment, and CPD plan
6. Practitioner Upgrade Checklist
A checklist (to be completed by applicant and assessor) covers:
| Requirement | Satisfactory (Y/N) |
|---|---|
| Paid in full | |
| Enrolment form, USI, ID | |
| Current CV | |
| Prior academic transcripts | |
| Current First Aid | |
| LLN & Digital Skills Assessment | |
| Clinical Practice Log (200 hrs / 60 tx) | |
| CPD/Professional Learning Plan | |
| Critical Reflection (tasks, presentation) | |
| Business Strategy Assignment | |
| Knowledge Quizzes (incl. A&P, infection control, communication) | |
| Case Studies (and case conference) | |
| Legal & Ethical Assignment | |
| Chronic Illness, Mental Health, Diversity Reflections | |
| Any required practical assessment |
This checklist is referenced in the upgrade application and is signed by both the practitioner and the upgrade assessor or Program Coordinator.
7. Payments and Agreements
- Base upgrade fee (as published). Gap training may incur additional fees.
- Payment plans are available; all agreements signed and retained per ASC policy.
8. Further Notes and Suggestions
- Gap Identification: The upgrade coordinator uses a mapping/assessment matrix to clarify what, if anything, is missing and what must be additionally undertaken before issuing HLT52215.
- Supporting Documents: Practitioners may be offered template logbooks, case study format/guides, and sample reflection prompts.
- All submitted evidence is kept secure and archived per the Records Retention & Archiving Policy and Privacy Policy.
9. Related Policies & Documents
- RPL, RCC & Credit Transfer Policy
- Student Enrolment Policy
- Records Retention & Archiving Policy
- Privacy Policy
- Superseded Training Product Transition Policy
- Assessment Tools and Logbook Templates (ASC upgrade suite)
10. Upgrade Student FAQ/Quick Reference
Who can apply for an upgrade?
– Practitioners with HLT50207, HLT50212, or earlier/overseas quals (subject to eligibility).
What do I need?
– See the Checklist! (CV, certificates, transcript, LLN test, First Aid, logbook, etc.)
Do I need current client experience?
– Yes. Some recent practice (within 5 years) and logbook evidence are required, or you may need to start supervised practice.
How much does it cost?
– The base upgrade fee is published each intake; additional gap training may incur extra fees.
What assessments do I complete?
– Professional Bio, Practice Log, Clinical Case Studies, Knowledge Quizzes, Reflection Tasks, Business Plan, and gap tasks (as requested).
How is my eligibility confirmed?
– Directors/Admin will review your documentation and may call you for an interview.
Can I pay in instalments?
– Yes, we offer payment plans for upgrades; financial agreement required.
Who do I contact for more info?
– Email [info@australianshiatsucollege.edu.au] or call (03) 9387 1161