Allied health professionals benefit from new Transition to P2 Program

Up-and-coming allied health professionals and those newly employed in senior roles are receiving specialised career development support through WA Country Health Service’s new Transition to P2 Program (T2P2).

This purpose-built six-month program is designed to help new and aspiring senior allied health professionals build a range of practical knowledge and skills.

The program helps participants understand the roles, responsibilities and expectations of a senior allied health professional and navigate WA Country Health Service processes relevant to the functions of a senior role.

It focusses on critical skills including leadership, clinical governance, team management and performance, supervision, communication and interpersonal skills.

Participants receive onboarding support from a dedicated T2P2 coordinator and relevant professional leads, as well as clinical supervision and twice-monthly education and training sessions.

They also have the chance to participate in peer learning groups where skills and knowledge are consolidated and shared.

The program is available for allied health professionals who have taken up a P2 role in the past 12 months, as well as aspiring P2s with a minimum three years’ clinical experience.

T2P2 Coordinator Anne Herbert said there had already been strong interest among staff.

“The inaugural cohort commenced in August 2025 with 30 participants, including 25 new to senior roles in the past 12 months, and five future senior staff,” Anne said.

“This novel program provides timely onboarding and support to staff commencing in a senior allied health role in WACHS for the first time, as well as helping to ‘grow our own’ future seniors.”

The program is currently open to audiologists, physiotherapists, social workers, podiatrists, speech pathologists, dietitians and occupational therapists, with exploration occurring to expand to other allied health professions.

Among the inaugural cohort of ‘future seniors’ is Karratha-based Speech Pathologist Niamh Doherty, who said the T2P2 program had been a fantastic professional development opportunity.

“I’ve found it to be a nice balance of theory, practical strategies, reflection and peer discussions,” Niamh said.

“The check ins and goal setting have meant that my involvement in the program could be tailored to my current experience and to achieving goals that are meaningful to me and my career development.”

Niamh recommended the program to any allied health professionals looking to progress towards a P2 position.

“I’ve already been able to apply my learnings to my current role and look forward to continuing to implement and put theory into practice in the future,” she added.