FAQ – Nursing in Australia

What is probability of getting a PR if I have studied nursing in Australia?

Chance of getting a PR for nursing profession is very high in Australia.

Why do I need to meet the English Language standards for registration?

Fulfilling the English Language skill registration standards is one of the five main requirements to get eligible to practise nursing in Australia. Demonstrating your ability in language enables to practise your profession in a safe manner.

There are so many English tests. Which one I should prefer?

a. The tests which are considered by the National Boards to determine the language proficiency of applicants are also used by Department of Home Affairs to determine visa eligibility.

b. Even though the formats of tests are different, the scores required to meet the standard are set at equivalent levels across all the tests. You can either choose IELTS (International English Language Testing System), PTE Academic, OET (Occupational English Test) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT as an evidence of your English language evidence.

I have been already granted a Skilled Migration Visa. Why do I need to demonstrate to meet the standard?

The registration standard set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia is applicable to all the applicants willing to practise nursing in Australia as enrolled nurse registered nurse or midwives in Australia. Hence, you must meet this standard regardless of the language background or visa status.

What is NMBA?

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is responsible to carry out the functions set by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in each state or territory. It develops professional codes, guidelines and standards for practice by considering the necessities for professional and safe nursing in Australia.

What is AHPRA?

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is an agency responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia. NMBA and AHPRA work together closely to regulate Australia’s registered nurses, midwives and students to protect the public.

What is ANMAC?

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is responsible to maintain the health and safety of Australian community by developing high standards for nursing education, training and assessment.

How long does it take for AHPRA to issue license once you have registered?

Generally, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for AHPRA to complete the assessment of an international application. However, in some cases the process may get extended to 8 to 10 weeks.

How do I know if I am a registered nurse or midwife in Australia?

The name usually appears on AHPRA’s online public register of practitioners if someone holds a current registration with the organisation.

Once registered, can I work in other states or territories?

Yes. Once you are registered with AHPRA and have your skills assessed, you can work in all states and territories of Australia.

Can I work as a personal care assistant (PCA) while I am studying to be a registered nurse, midwife or enrolled nurse?

Yes, you can work as a personal care assistant while studying to be an enrolled or registered nurse. However, your position description must reflect the actual work you are undertaking and demonstrate you are not working as a registered nurse.

Besides, the conditions imposed on your designation should be clear and you should be aware of if in any case an adverse clinical outcome is taken into account.

What is a unit?

A unit refers to the actual class you have attended in the process of completing a course.

What is point test?

The point test is a part of visa application process created to help Australia select candidates with the right traits and skills. Generally, an applicant needs to score at least 60 points to get eligible for the invitation of visa by the Department of Home Affairs.

What is SkillSelect?

SkillSelect is an online service that allows skilled workers and potential migrants to express their interest of migrating to Australia through Expression of Interest. Applicants filling the details in the SkillSelect can either be nominated for Skilled visas by Australian employers/ state and territory government or get invited by the Australian government to apply for the visa.

What if I don’t want to complete for OBA? What is the process then to be eligible to work in Australia?

If you don’t want to undertake Outcome Based Assessment, you can advance your knowledge, skills and qualification either in Australia or in any other country. If you choose to study in other country, make sure it meets the accreditation requirements of criteria 2 and 3.

How do I define the status of my application if I am referred to OBA program?

Once you are referred Outcome Based Assessment, your application gets closed. You can make a new application for registration after the successful completion of bridging program.