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THE McKENZIE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONALDIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY™
GENERAL INFORMATION

THE DIPLOMAThe Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is awarded to candidates who havequalified in accordance with the criteria approved by The McKenzie Institute International Board ofTrustees and is designed to assess competencies in relation to the Diploma Curriculum.
The criteria for registration is attendance at the Institute’s Education Programme Parts A-E(Advanced Extremities) and a successful pass in The McKenzie Institute International
Credentialling Examination.
Applicants must be either a physiotherapist, medical doctor or chiropractor. They must also be
engaged in active clinical practice, and hold registration in their respective country of residence.
Applications must be submitted by the 31st of October to commence the Distance Learningcomponent in February of the following year. Registrations are limited to 25 candidates per year.
The tuition fee for the Diploma MDT Programme is USD15,000. (this does not include the fee forthe final exam). The fee is paid in 3 installments.
The language of the Diploma Programme is English. The Institute requires a reasonable standardof English. All candidates from countries where English is not the first language must
provide evidence of English language competency in the form of successful IELTS, TOEFL
or Pearson testing (specific score minimums on page 4). The date of the test results must bewithin two years of applying for the Diploma Programme. So that candidates for whom English is
not their first language are not disadvantaged, their application and supporting documentation canbe submitted without the English language result, however the official result must be sent to theInstitute no later than the 31st of October.
The Diploma MDT Programme and the Final Exam must be completed within three years of acandidate commencing the Programme, unless a waiver is granted due to illness, significant
personal reasons or national / international circumstances.

DIPLOMA CURRICULUM
The Diploma Curriculum has, as its foundation, the teaching of MDT as developed by Robin
McKenzie. It consists of two components: Theoretical and Clinical.

Aims of the Diploma
1.

Enable candidates to develop a high level of competence in the theory and practice of MDT
for spinal and musculoskeletal disorders based on the philosophies of Robin McKenzie.

2.

Enable candidates to identify clinical conditions that are unsuitable for MDT care.

3.

Enable candidates to develop skills in accessing, understanding and evaluating research
relevant to MDT.

4.

Promote critical analysis and clinical reasoning skills.
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5.

Further develop interpersonal and communication skills.

6.

Foster the candidates’ awareness of their professional responsibilities, including legal, ethicaland cultural issues.

Theoretical Component:
The Theoretical Component utilising Schoology, an online learning management system isconducted over 12 weeks commencing in February in any given year. This component involves
280 hours of candidate study and academic work. This consists of set tasks, reflective reading,electronic communication through a discussion board, critical evaluation and analysis of literature
on MDT topics and group work. We highly recommend that candidates do not attempt to work
>50% of their full-time clinical work whilst undertaking the theoretical component.
The educators for the Theoretical Component are Faculty of the McKenzie Institute International.
All teaching will be conducted online and is presented as modules of study. Candidates will require
a computer device with reliable internet access.
A pass in the Theoretical Component of the Diploma Programme is required before commencing
the Clinical Component.
Theoretical Component Outcomes:
1.

Discuss and evaluate the process of critically analyzing the literature and identifying key
steps in the proposal and development of a case report2.

Analyse and interpret the Mechanical Diagnosis assessment process of a given patient
towards a provisional classification3.

Critically evaluate the current evidence and the clinical use of mechanical loading on spinal
and extremity tissue

4.

Discuss and evaluate both the clinical significance of and the current evidence base for the
key principles of MDT

5.

Execute an MDT evaluation and management plan for a patient presenting with extremity
symptoms and define the key principles related to the education of patients with extremity
symptoms utilising MDT management principles

6.

Critically discuss and evaluate the relevance, the ‘pros and cons’ and the supporting
evidence of the disc model for clinicians, patients, and third parties

7.

Discuss and evaluate the process of differentiating between a spinal and/or local source of
pain in patients presenting with primary shoulder pain

8.

Discuss and evaluate the literature relating to three key areas of communication:
Motivational interviewing, language and teach back9. Describe the current understanding of pain and discuss its relevance within the Mechanical
Diagnosis and Therapy of individual patients. Also, to discuss the potential drivers of pain
and / or disability and relate how these factors impact individual patient management

10. Discuss and analyse the roles of the history and examination in the process of differentiating
between potential classifications and demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning through theuse of patient vignettes
11. Develop and prepare an MDT related patient case report
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CLINICAL COMPONENT:The Clinical Component consists of a minimum of 360 hours of clinical practice based on a variety
of musculoskeletal disorders. It emphasises the central importance of “the evidence” of the patient.
There are mandatory self-directed learning tasks for all candidates to complete and submit prior
to arriving at their clinical venue. Failure to submit tasks may result in postponement or
rescheduling of the clinical component. The hours of clinical practice will include: supervised
patient assessments and treatments, formal and informal tutorials and self-directed learning. The
maximum ratio of candidates to a Clinical Educator is limited to two.
Qualified McKenzie practitioners, known as Diploma Clinical Educators, who are appointed by,
and have undergone their training with, The McKenzie Institute International, provide supervision.
The Clinical Educator conducts continuous assessments of the clinical performance of thecandidates and regular formal assessments. Satisfactory proficiency in the Clinical Component isdetermined by the Clinical Educator and/or by The McKenzie Institute International appointed
assessors. Proficiency is determined by performance in both the formal assessments and in thecontinuous assessments.
The clinical component is an intensive learning experience, we encourage candidates to comewith an open mind and a eagerness to learn. The experience is designed to not only advance andrefine your clinical application of MDT but also to progress broader aspects of clinical care andprofessional practice. We encourage candidates to be prepared to be challenged and willing toreflect and engage in critical questioning of their practice under the guideance of the clinicaleducators in all aspects of their patient care.
Clinical Component Objectives:
At the completion of this component the candidate should be highly competent in:
1.

The integration of the theory of MDT and its application in the management of patients.

2.

Examining patients using the MDT history taking and physical examination procedures.

3.

Using the information derived from the examinations to determine an appropriateclassification for the patient.

4.

Documenting the assessment and management of patients.

5.

Effectively and safely managing patients and modifying management as appropriate.

6.

Maximising treatment efficiency, effectiveness by the appropriate provision of education,
self-management procedures, clinician procedures and preventative measures.

7.

The application of the MDT clinician procedures.

8.

The identification of contraindications to MDT and the performance of the pre-manipulative
testing procedures.

9.

Communicating effectively with all persons involved in the management of the patient’s
problems.

Pathways Available for the Clinical Component:
To allow for the varied needs of the Diploma candidates there are a number of alternative pathways
available to complete the Clinical Component of the Diploma.
Clinical Training sites are currently available in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France,
Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and the USA. However, the availability of some of these sites mayvary from year to year, hence there is no guarantee that a Diploma candidate will be able tocomplete their clinical at a specific site.
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If travelling abroad is the only option for your clinical component or you choose to travel abroad,you will likely need a visa for that specific country. Please be aware that you will be responsible
for obtaining your visa and if you are not successful in your visa application, you will not be able tocomplete your clinical in that venue country.
Accommodation and transportation is not provided at any of the Clinical venues. However, theDiploma Clinical Educators will assist candidates to access suitable accommodation. For
accommodation considerations, please keep in mind, that some venues have more than one site,with the clinical time being split between sites.
§

Clinical Training in Australia (Geelong)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x 9
week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
To attend this venue, candidates must have Australian or New Zealand health professional
registration and insurance.

§

Clinical Training in Belgium (Maasmechelen)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in 3 x3 week
blocksThis venue is only available to candidates residing in Belgium or Luxembourg.

§

Clinical Training in Canada (Montreal)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x
9 week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
This venue can accommodate both English and French speakers.

§

Clinical Training in Denmark
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x
9 week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
This venue is only available to Danish speaking candidates.

§

Clinical Training in France (Poitiers/Poulx)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x 9
week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
This venue is only available to French speaking candidates.

§

Clinical Training in Germany (Freiburg)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x 9
week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
This venue is only available to German speaking candidates.

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Clinical Training in Netherlands (Delden/Tilburg/Velp)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in either a 1 x 9
week block, or 3 x 3 week blocks.
This venue is only available to Dutch speaking candidates.

§

Clinical Training in Sweden (Ornskoldsvik/Stockholm/Varberg)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in 3 x 3 week
blocks at 3 separate clinical venues.
This venue is only available to Swedish speaking candidates.

§

Clinical Training in USA (Austin):
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in 1 x 9 week
block.
This venue is for candidates confident to manage and interact with patients in English.

§

Clinical Training in USA for US chiropractors only (Austin):
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in 3 x 3 week
blocks, other formats can also be considered.

§

Clinical Training in USA (Cedar Grove)
Choice of this pathway allows the candidate to undertake their clinical training in 1 x 9 week
block.
This venue is only available to US candidates who are able to obtain a State of New Jersey
Licence and are not in clinical practice within a 50 mile radius of the Cedar Grove Clinical
Venue. It is the candidate’s responsibility to obtain licensure in the State of New Jersey. Thiscan take up to six months.

A pass is required in the Clinical Component of the Diploma to allow candidates to undertake the
Diploma final exam. However, sometimes it may not be possible for the candidate to reach thepassing standard of the Clinical Component of the Diploma in the allotted time. In thesecircumstances it may be possible for the Clinical Component to be extended or repeated. The
decision on whether further clinical education is appropriate is made by the Diploma Clinical
Educator(s) in conjunction with the Diploma Coordinator.
If this is agreed on, the candidate will be provided with a remedial plan which will allow them toundertake preparatory work prior to returning for further clinical mentoring either face-to-face orvirtually. A fee will be payable for any additional clinical face-to-face or virtual mentoring. You will
be advised of the amount of time required for further face-to-face tuition or virtual mentoring by the
Diploma Coordinator.
If the candidate is not successful on the second attempt, after a maximum of three additional weeks
face-to-face clinical or a maximum of 25 hours of virtual clinical mentoring, then no further attempts
will be allowed and the candidate will not be eligible to sit the Diploma final exam.

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FINAL EXAMINATION FOR THE DIPLOMA IN MDT
To be eligible to sit the Final Examination, candidates must have completed and passed both the
Theoretical and Clinical Components of the Diploma Curriculum.
There must be a minimum of two months between completion of the Clinical Component and taking
the Final Exam to allow time for the candidates to prepare for the exam.
The Final Examination is conducted in the English language by Faculty appointed by The
McKenzie Institute International and is supervised by the International Director of Education.
There is a fee for the Final Examination as detailed below. The exam is conducted over two days.
The structure comprises 4 exams of 60-75 minutes duration (3 simulated clinical exams and 1 oralexam). Candidates are required to achieve a Pass in each of the exams to attain an overall Passin the final examination. If a candidate is unsuccessful in one or more of the individual exams,
they are able to retake those failed exams. However, retakes are only possible on two occasions.
No grades will be provided to the candidates for the final examination.
Exams are held online twice per year: April/May and October/November.
Once a candidate has attained a Pass in the final examination, they will be issued with a McKenzie
Institute International Diploma in MDT certificate, their name recorded in the Institute’s
International Diploma Register, and they will be eligible to apply for McKenzie Institute International
Diploma Membership

PAYMENT
Full Diploma tuition fee

USD$15,000

Payment of fees are as follows:•

US1,500 payable on acceptance of your application.

•$US7,500 payable 8 weeks prior to commencing your Theoretical component.

•$US6,000 payable 6 weeks prior to commencing your Clinical component.

You will receive an invoice when the fees are due.
A separate fee of $US1,200 is payable to take the Diploma final exam. This ispayable when your exam date is confirmed.

GENERAL
Upon approval of the application by the Institute’s International Director of Education, aconfidentiality agreement in relation to the Diploma Programme will be forwarded to the applicant
for completion, together with payment details.
Application for the Diploma programme is completed online via the Institute’s website (include
the link here). Supporting documentation will be required to be uploaded, please ensure that you
have this ready when you commence the application process. Any queries should be submitted
to the Diploma Coordinator at: diploma@mckenzieinstitute.org.
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McKenzie Institute International reserves the right to change, cancel or postpone any
portion of the Diploma MDT Programme, and shall not be liable for any claim other than the
proportion of Programme fees which the cancelled portion bears.

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THE McKENZIE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONALDIPLOMA IN MECHANICAL DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPYAPPLICATION FORM
The application is to be submitted online athttps://mckenzieinstitute.org/education/international-diploma-programme/international-diplomaapplication-form/

The information below is what will be needed to complete the application.
First Name:

Surname:Credentials:

Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year)___________

Address:

Phone: (W)Phone: (H)Mobilephone:

Email:

Profession:

Nationality:

Please list any medical conditions or disabilities that may affect your participation in the
Diploma MDT Programme:

Preferred Clinical Diploma Venue: (please indicate your first and second preferences)
Australia - Geelong (Australian and New Zealand candidates only)
Belgium - (Belgium candidates only)
Canada - Montreal (can accommodate English or French speakers)
Denmark - (Danish speaking candidates only)
France - (French speaking candidates only)
Germany - (German speaking candidates only)
Netherlands - (Dutch speaking candidates only)
Sweden - (Swedish speaking candidates only)
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USA - Austin, Texas – (Open to candidates confident to manage
and interact with patients in English)

USA - Austin, Texas (for US Chiropractors only)
USA - Cedar Grove, New Jersey (US candidates only. Candidates must be able
to obtain a licence in the State of New Jersey and not be in clinical practice within
a 50 mile radius of the Cedar Grove Clinical Venue)
Qualifications: (List degrees, diplomas & certificates)
Qualification

Granting Institution

Year

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Clinical experience commencing with most recent:
Employer

Location

Dates: From - To

1.
2.
3.
4.

McKenzie Institute Courses and Credentialling Examination: (Attach copies of Certificates)
CourseLocation

Instructor/Examiner(if known)

Date

Credentialling Examination
Advanced Extremities Course

Reasons for wishing to complete the Diploma Programme:¨ I hereby consent for my name and email address to be provided to other candidates who arealso enrolled in The McKenzie Institute International Diploma Programme.

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Signature:

Date:

Please attach copies of the following:¨

Copy of Academic Qualification eg Diploma/Degree¨

Professional Body registration¨

Photo page copy of passport/identification document¨

Marriage certificate (if there has been a change of name)¨

TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson Test Score Report (only applies to those for whom English is nottheir first language, see “Important Notes” overleaf)¨

McKenzie Institute Credentialling Exam Certificate¨

McKenzie Institute Advanced Extremities Course Certificate¨

Two professional references in writing (related either to employment in a musculoskeletalclinical practice or from a McKenzie Faculty)¨

Full Curriculum Vitae

Please Note: For your application to be accepted, all documentation as detailed above must be
included with your application.

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IMPORTANT NOTESRE ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
The Diploma programme applicant needs to be fluent in English. If you are from a country
where English is recognized as an official primary language and you are considered to be bilingualwith English as one of your languages, then language testing will not be required as part of theapplication process, as long as you can supply proof of having attended MDT courses conducted
in English. Otherwise, successful scores in either IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson are required. There
are no exceptions to this criteria for any candidate from a country where English is not the first
language or the country is not officially bilingual with English as one of those official languages.
Contact your nearest IELTS/TOEFL/Pearson authority to check venue/dates for these tests at least
two to three months prior to application. So that candidates who have to submit IELTS/TOEFL or
Pearson scores are not disadvantaged, their application and supporting documentation can besubmitted without the English Language result, however the official result must be sent to The
Institute no later than 31st October.

IELTS; Academic
Overall score:

Minimum of 6.5

With a Minimum of 6.0 in allcomponents.

TOEFL(Internet-based)
Overall score:

Minimum of 88

Pearson; PTE Academic
Overall score: Minimum of 59

With a Minimum in the following
components:
Listening: 17
Reading:
18
Speaking: 20
Writing:17

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