Members taking a break from their careers, either to travel, for parental leave, or to work in a different field, may mean they are not eligible for registered membership (see definition below) and may need to update their membership status/details.
Please complete an online change in membership status application form to advise the association of any change to your employment status.
Parental leave:
For those going on parental leave (where you are returning to your same employment - usually within 12 months), please provide the start and end dates of your maternity leave in your change in membership status application form. This will impact your CPD requirements for that period. You remain a registered member with a not working status.
Going travelling or on a career break:
Members leaving their employment as an SLT to travel, enjoy a career break, or take extended parental leave need to apply to become associate members for this period. Associate members are not required to submit CPD, do not hold an annual practising certificate, and are not voting members.
On return to working as an SLT (see definition), please complete another change in membership status application form to apply for a return to being a registered member. Please check for additional information for those thinking of going overseas.
Definition of a registered member:
Every speech-language therapist (SLT) currently engaged in the activities of speech-language therapy as a practitioner, administrator, manager, educator, researcher, or any combination thereof is entitled to become a registered member of the NZSTA.
Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions or need help determining your correct membership status.
