Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council Limited

The Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council Limited (AOAC) is a nonprofit organization serving as the independent accrediting authority for osteopathy education in Australia. It operates under Australia’s National Registration and Accreditation Scheme to ensure high-quality standards in osteopathic education and assessment.

Role and Responsibilities

AOAC is responsible for developing and reviewing accreditation standards for osteopathy programs. These standards are used to assess whether education programs for osteopaths meet the necessary requirements for registration in Australia. This process is crucial for safeguarding public health by ensuring that osteopaths possess the requisite skills and knowledge to deliver effective healthcare services.

AOAC also evaluates the qualifications and skills of overseas-trained osteopaths, facilitating their registration to practice in Australia. Additionally, it assesses the eligibility of overseas-qualified osteopaths under the General Skilled Migration program, paving the way for their migration to Australia.

History and Evolution

Prior to July 2014, the organization was known as the Australian and New Zealand Osteopathic Council (ANZOC). The transition to AOAC reflected a shift in its operational focus, primarily towards Australian accreditation processes. New Zealand's osteopathic accreditation is now managed by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand.

Objectives and Impact

AOAC's objectives include maintaining high-quality accreditation standards and processes for osteopathic education and ensuring that osteopaths meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community. By setting rigorous standards, AOAC plays a pivotal role in protecting public safety while supporting the development of osteopathic practice in Australia.

AOAC’s work is integral to the Australian healthcare system, as it ensures that osteopaths receive comprehensive education and training, enabling them to provide effective care to patients across the country.

[1] https://osteopathiccouncil.org.au [2] https://osteopathiccouncil.org.au/program-accreditation/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/449efdf9-39af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/449efdf9-39af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/ba4d3295-6021-ea11-a812-000d3ad1fbf8 [5] https://isaglobal.in/assessing-bodies/anzoc.aspx