There is a high demand of overseas nurses in Australia as it faces an ageing population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 1 In 7 Australians are aged 65 years and older. This, alongside increases in chronic non-communicable diseases and longer life expectancy, is creating great demand for health care in urban and especially rural areas of Australia.
ASSESSING AUTHORITY IN AUSTRALIA
As part of its public protection role, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) in partnership with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) is responsible for assessing registration applications from internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) to ensure they are suitably trained and qualified for registration in Australia. To work as a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, nurse practitioner or midwife in Australia, you must be registered with the NMBA.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council holds the authority for the Department of Home Affairs to assess the eligibility of register for migration.
BENEFITS FOR NURSES IN AUSTRALIA
- Opportunity for flexible work
- Travel and work between different states
- Large and modern hospitals
- Excellent rates of pay
- Opportunities for further study and professional development
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA
There are multiple job opportunities for nurses in range of different specialisations with experience in ICU, CCU, midwifery, theatre and chemotherapy and mental health. Aged care is a growing industry in Australia, and more importantly in rural areas.
VISA PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIA
To work as a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, nurse practitioner or midwife in Australia, you must be registered with the NMBA. The NMBA will commence assessment of International Qualified Nurses and Midwifes (IQNMs) from eight assessment criteria’s to three criteria in the second half of 2019. All IQNM’s will have their qualifications assessed and only IQNMs qualifications that don’t meet all the required assessment criteria will be directed to the outcomes-based assessment pathway. Some IQNM’S may need to complete an NMBA approved program of study if they do not hold a relevant qualification.
Those who have done their Bachelor of Nursing from overseas and have not begun practising may have their credit transferred and complete a Bachelors Degree in Nursing in Australia and complete the course in 1.5 years instead of 3 years. In some cases, depending on where you obtained your qualification, you may not have to complete your Bachelor of Nursing if your qualification is recognised in Australia.
To become a registered nurse, you must undertake a Bachelors in Nursing in Australia. This requires completion of Year 12 or overseas equivalent and have a basic English IELTS score of 7.0 overall with no band lower than 6.5 or equivalent. Individual institutions or universities may require a higher or lower IELTS score.
Alternatively, international students with no previous nursing background can also study a Diploma of Nursing and become qualified as an enrolled nurse in 12 to 18 months. As above, this requires the completion of Year 12 or equivalent, and the expected English IELTS score from the education provider or equivalent in one of the other accepted English exams.
GETTING ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions or would like us to assist you with your migration queries to migrate to Australia, contact us without delay. At Migration Centre of Australia, we are well-trained to handle highly complex matters. Book one of our agents for professional advice by calling 02 4626 1002 or email us to book in a time at info@migrationcentreofaustralia.com.au. We also speak fluent Hindi, Nepalese, Punjabi, Turkish, Tamil, Portuguese and Marathi. If one of these isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
