6 Reasons for Joining PiCSA

By joining PiCSA you join the collective power of hundreds of cardiac physiologists across the country, becoming part of an organisation committed to defining, developing and supporting both you and your chosen profession.

Whether you are a student, teacher, well-established allied health professional, or just embarking on your career, the benefits of PiCSA membership are numerous and varied. Here are 6 of them:

1. Take charge of your career

If you are interested in furthering your career, joining your professional association is a good strategic move.

Even as a student, an important reason to consider membership is to take advantage of our career resources. PiCSA has job listings available only to members. It is a great way to find targeted job postings for your area of interest. As a student member, you receive all the benefits of full membership, and involving yourself in PiCSA events will help you to get a feel for your future career.

For all cardiac physiologists, being a PiCSA member will help keep you up to speed with an up-to-date national perspective, giving you the viewpoint needed to be a good leader (able to help your organisation to avoid falling behind or diverging away from best practice). It is very important to be exposed to more than just the current culture of your university or workplace.

And don’t forget that listing your association membership on your resume is impressive to current or future employers as it shows that you are dedicated to staying connected in your profession. Some employers are now insisting that job applicants have PiCSA membership.

2. Broaden your knowledge

Becoming a member means you can take advantage of the information shared about important issues, insights, and opportunities.

Other benefits include notification about seminars, training or certification classes that may be suitable for you.

3. Meet some amazing people and enhance your network

For most people, creating professional relationships is important. PiCSA has created an online community for all cardiac physiologists. We also provide a calendar of event, and sponsor activities throughout the year that allow you to connect with your peers. You can share ideas, ask for advice, volunteer to be a speaker or become a member of a committee.

By participating in PiCSA you have the opportunity to learn about breaking news in your chosen career, learn new ideas, hear about key achievers in your field, plus meet (and brainstorm) with others who are also looking to share and learn new information.

You may find a mentor to help you with your professional needs, or you may be in a position to mentor someone else. You can make some great friends with the same interests as you.

4. Be eligible for our Bursary

PiCSA offers 2 bursaries each year to enable members to attend conferences. Each bursary is valued at $1500 and can be used to assist with costs of travel, registration and accommodation. To be eligible applicants must have been PiCSA members for at least 12 months.

5. Be supported

When you have workplace issues, remember that PiCSA is there as a resource to advise your local union and your employer about recommended national policies. We have experts who you can contact for specific questions on career matters, including scope of practice and pay issues.

6. Make things happen

The cardiac physiology professions are still being established as legitimate “allied health professional” careers. PiCSA has a vision that every Australian state and territory will recognise, regulate and renumerate their Cardiac physiologists in a fair and responsible manner. We want our career pathways visible and accessible and attractive to the highest calibre of students, and we want to establish and maintain a culture of excellence and professional pride.

Your membership enables PiCSA to exist and to invest in your future. Our success depends on your support.

So, whether you are looking to learn about job postings, network in your professional community, gain access to current events, or just have some fun while meeting new people, joining your professional association is a step in the right direction.