FAQ - Nursing in Australia

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

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? 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.

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 and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT as an evidence of your English language evidence, but not OET. Currently, OET is not applicable for certain professions including osteopathy, chiropractic and psychology applicants.

Initial registration refers to the requirements that applicants are required to meet to be a health practitioner in Australia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

*Note: If you receive an eligibility letter or referral to a bridging program, it will not be considered as an evidence of registration.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

A bridging program is generally preferred by the overseas nurses who are not qualified for registration by the AHPRA and requires further study and assessment. Completing the course successfully enables one to meet the NMBA’s standards for practice.

If you don’t want to undertake a bridging program, 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.

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

A registration is only guaranteed if the bridging program completed is approved by the NMBA. Also, if you complete a bridging program successfully but not have been assessed and referred by NMBA immediately, you may get a refusal for registration.