How to get certified

Select the course and date and fill in the online application form here

Selection criteria:

Careful consideration is given to each application by the PINC & STEEL selection committee and suitable applicants will be notified by email on their selection into the course.  This is done to ensure we have:

• Suitably experienced participants on the course 

• A geographical spread of certified clinics to ensure we can support people in urban and rural areas 

• Adequate facilities to ensure safe and quality patient care 

• A commitment from your practice/workplace  to serving people affected by cancer and their families in your community 

Course Participants will learn how to help cancer patients maximise their recovery, function at optimal levels and improve their quality of life whether their cancer is cured, in remission or they live with cancer as a chronic disease.

The PINC and STEEL cancer rehab certification courses provide training for selected health care professionals to provide a full range of rehabilitation services to females (PINC) or men (STEEL) during all stages of their treatment and recovery, from pre op, post op, during treatment and after treatment.

The individualised rehabilitation programming is chronologically formatted into 4 phases. Timing of each phase is dependent upon the patients physical condition, the length of the healing process, the type of surgery involved, and the courses of adjuvant treatments.

• Pre-Op Phase – designed to help patients before cancer surgery and involves a pre-op assessment and education to identify any factors that may affect recovery from surgery and return to work.

• Post-Op Phase – designed to assist the healing process post-surgery. It aims to restore strength and flexibility to particular joints and muscle groups that have become weak and inflexible as a result of surgery.  Includes modified exercises to maximise recovery from surgery, education, and functional guidance for home and work. 

• Adjuvant Cancer Treatment Phase – designed to improve energy levels and maintain health during cancer treatments to reduce the impact on physical functioning and overall conditioning.  It aims to help patients manage fatigue, restore post-op flexibility and strength, and reduce time off work, muscle wasting, and functional impairment.

• Survivorship/Fitness Phase – Designed to facilitate overall conditioning to increase physical stamina after treatments are completed to maximise return to work and a full and productive life.   It aims to improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility to increase endurance, improve muscle tone and body composition.  Designed to motivate and encourage good exercise habits for life.

Course Objectives

• To help cancer rehab therapists understand the entire  cancer process from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, prevention of treatment side effects, and contraindications
• To facilitate recovery from all cancer and reconstruction surgeries and adjuvant cancer treatments
• To help reduce the side effects of treatment
• To promote individual prescribed rehabilitation for anyone affected by cancer
• Understand the philosophy and vision of the PINC & STEEL Programs 
• To empower people diagnosed with cancer and inspire them to take their rehabilitation seriously

Course Modules 

• Module Four – Advanced Cancer and Palliative care and Marketing to increase referrals for oncology rehabilitation 

Participants will receive course material each week for 12 weeks of the certification course.  This will include research articles, course handouts, PowerPoint presentations, video presentations, interviews with medical experts, and case studies.   The coursework can be accessed and completed in your own time during the week. 

By completing certification you will reap all the current and future benefits of being a PINC or STEEL Certified Oncology Clinician. 

We will provide marketing of your services through our website and ongoing professional support through our Online Learning Centre and closed Certified Facebook Group Forums.  Certified Clinicians will also have the exclusive opportunity to do our practical NEXT STEPS and PaddleON Courses; and participate in our professional development program.  Other certification resources and entitlements include:

• Recognition as a certified PINC or STEEL cancer rehabilitation therapist

• You will have access to a comprehensive resource pack which includes a manual and certificate

• Full access and authorisation to use PINC & STEEL-certified support marketing material and physiotherapy/OT resources including assessment forms, patient handouts, marketing files, standard medical referral information, brochures, posters, and presentations

• Online learning centre - access the latest research and literature

• Certified therapist's clinics are posted on the PINC & STEEL Patient website - to help link patients in your community to your services

We will provide ongoing professional support through our Continuous Online Learning Centre,  and closed Facebook Group Forums that will allow you the opportunity to link up with other Certified Therapists

There is a continuing professional development program that you will need to participate in to keep updated on the latest advances in cancer research, oncology rehabilitation, lymphoedema, and oncology rehab best practices. Click here for more information.