How to Become a Registered Nurse in Australia

Who is a registered Nurse?

A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country or state licensing body in order to obtain a nursing license. An RN's scope of practice is determined by local legislation governing nurses, and usually regulated by a professional body or council.( Wiki)

How to become a registered nurse ?

To become a registered nurse, education qualifications are almost similar in all the countries, but many countries requests the candidates to sit for a licensure exam to  practice nursing with a title as registered nurse. Some countries allow their nurses (graduated within the country) to practice as a registered nurse after getting registered in the board with out further formalities , except for those who attained their qualification outside the country and for foreign candidates. There are some exemptions, but usually it is needed for most of the Asian candidates if they wish to work in other countries.

How to become a registered nurse in India?

To become a registered nurse in India, there is not much formalities after graduation. Once you have passed your exams and graduated from the nursing school/ college, you can apply for professional registration in the state nursing council. This takes 30-45 days and after registration, automatically you will be a registered nurse. G.N.M ( Diploma) and BS.c Nurses comes under the category of registered nurse.

How to be a registered nurse in Australia?

The title 'Registered Nurse' is granted to a Nurse who has successfully completed a board approved course in the field of nursing. Registered Nurses are also required to meet certain other standards in order to fulfill registration standards as outlined by the NMBA, and these can include continuing professional development, recency of practice, criminal history checks and English language competency.

Australian Registered Nurse Training

To become a Registered Nurse in Australia, you should get a bachelor's degree, and can range from two to four years in length with three years being the national average. Some universities offer a two-year 'fast track' bachelor's degree, whereby a students study three years worth coursework compressed in a two-year period. This is made possible by reducing summer and winter semester breaks and utilizing three semesters per year compared to two. Some universities also offer combined degrees which allow the graduate to exit the program with a Masters in Nursing, e.g.: Bachelor of Science/Master of Nursing, and these are generally offered over a four-year period.

International Nursing Jobs in Australia

There are plenty of job opportunities available in Australia for international nurses. To become a registered nurse in Australia, you need to meet the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Nurses who were educated in countries not recognized by Australian authorities will be required to undertake accredited Competency assessment courses in Australia. These courses are conducted by accredited hospitals and universities, and will vary in duration from 8 -12 weeks. Up on successful completion of this Competency Assessment course, you can register with the nursing board as a registered nurse. If you can find an employer,then start working there on a job visa and apply for Permanent residence after 2 years. 

Australia immigration for Nurses

Nurses comes under the general skilled migration category and are eligible to get a migration visa if you wish to live and work in Australia. It is a good option for the candidates who can meet the points required for the programme. To check your eligibility though skilled migration assessment, click here

ANMAC Skill Assessment for Nurses

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council’s (ANMAC)  assesses the skills of nurses and midwives seeking to migrate to Australia under Australia’s General Skilled Migration program. ANMAC is the independent assessing authority authorized by law to conduct these assessments by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP). They determine if an applicant’s nursing or midwifery qualifications are suitable for permanent migration.

If you do not meet all 5 standards contact the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia to find out what you need to do to gain registration in Australia. If you are successful and your name appears on the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency's (AHPRA) online public Register of Practitioners you may be able to apply to ANMAC for a modified skills assessment for permanent migration. Not suitable candidate

Requirements to become a registered nurse in Australia

1. Evidence of Identity

2. Change of Name (if applicable)

3. Academic Qualifications

4. Registration History

5. Work History

6. Criminal History (if applicable)

7. English Language Skills

8. Impairment Details (if applicable)

9. Current Suspension or Cancellation Details (if applicable)

10. Previous Cancellation, Refusal or Suspension Details (if applicable)

11. Conditions, Undertakings or Limitations Details (if applicable)

12. Disqualification Details (if applicable)

13. Conduct, Performance or Health Proceedings Details (if applicable)

14. Important accreditation requirement for internationally qualified nurses and midwives

IELTS

A score not less than 7 in all 4 modules ( speaking, writing, reading and listening)

These are some helpful tips that I brought together from different sites, personally I don't have any idea on the process. I hope it gives a general view on the process, please update if you have any valuable information.