International Diploma - MDT Programme
The Diploma Introduction
The Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® is awarded to participants who have qualified in accordance with the criteria approved by The McKenzie Institute International Board of Trustees and is designed to assess competencies in relation to the Diploma Curriculum.
Programme Outcomes
- Provide you with the highest level of competence in the theory and practice of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Develop your skills in accessing, understanding and evaluating research relevant to Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.
- Enhance your understanding of your professional responsibilities, including legal, ethical and cultural issues.
- Enable you to promote critical analysis and clinical reasoning skills.
- Enable you to identify conditions that are suitable/unsuitable for mechanical therapy.
- Further develop your interpersonal and communication skills.
Attainment of the Diploma MDT will place you amongst the very best musculoskeletal clinicians worldwide.
Hear two of our Diplomates speak about their experience undertaking the Diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy:
And here is link to the June 2023 episode of Mechanical Care Forum's podcast talking with several students while they are undertaking the Theoretical Component of the Programme:
Another great resource for prospective students is this recent (Oct 2021) webinar called 'Insights into The McKenzie Institute's Diploma Programme'. It features information from past students, current Faculty and the Diploma Coordinator. It gives a great all round view of what to expect from the Diploma Programme:
Programme Overview
To gain acceptance into the Programme, you must first complete the Institute’s Education programme, including a pass in The McKenzie Institute International MDT Credentialling Examination. Applicants must also be engaged in active clinical practice, hold registration in their respective country of residence, and be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
The Diploma MDT Curriculum consists of two Components:
1. Theoretical Component
Comprises a Distance Learning module presented by The McKenzie Institute International. The module is 12 weeks duration and involves approximately 20 hours per week of self-directed learning. You will need to pass assessments in order to achieve success in this component. There is a Case Report Assessment that is due at the end of the 12th week and forms 50% of the grade for the Theoretical Component.
2. Clinical Component
Consists of a minimum of 360 hours of clinical practice based on a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, and emphasising the importance of “the evidence” of the patient. You will be supervised by a qualified McKenzie clinician, known as a Clinical Educator (and appointed by The McKenzie Institute International), who will determine your proficiency over a series of formal and continuous assessments.
Currently the Clinical Component of the Diploma Programme is offered in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Netherlands, Sweden & the USA.
Programme Duration
Theoretical Component: 12 weeks
Clinical Component: 360 Hours
Note: Both components of the Diploma MDT Programme must be completed within three years of commencement of the Theoretical Component.
New Flexible Pathway
From 2027 onwards, a new opportunity is available to undertake the Diploma Theoretical component as modularised learning.
Choose which weeks to take each year to fit into your schedule. Whilst we do recommend that you take three or four each year, the only fixed requirement is that all modules, plus the submission of the Case Report assignment, would need to be completed within the five-year time frame.
Learn more about this option HERE
Programme Eligibility
Physiotherapists, chiropractors and physicians can currently be accommodated on the MDT Diploma Programme. Those from other professions should enquire to diploma@mckenzieinstitute.org in regards to eligibility, prior to completing their application.
Programme Details
Applications close: 31 October each year
Course commences: February each year
Maximum class size: 25 participants
Fully completed applications will be processed strictly in the order they are received.
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