Why Australia Needs Nurses

Australia is currently facing a significant nursing shortage and is actively seeking to recruit overseas nurses to fill the gap. According to Health Workforce Australia (HWA), an ageing workforce, rising rates of chronic diseases, and increasing health issues will lead to a shortfall of around 100,000 nurses by 2025, potentially reaching 123,000 by 2030. This growing demand presents a tremendous opportunity for aspiring nurses worldwide.

The Fast Track: Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA)

One of the quickest and easiest pathways to becoming a registered nurse in Australia is through the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA). The OBA is a reliable and standardized method employed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to grant registration to international nurses. This process ensures high quality and safe standards for Australian healthcare consumers.

Internationally Qualified Nurses (IQNs)

If you are an internationally qualified nurse, you'll need to follow a specific assessment process set by the NMBA:

1. Self-Check: This initial online evaluation determines if your qualifications meet the necessary criteria to proceed.
• Stream A: If AHPRA finds your qualifications substantially equivalent to Australian standards, you can apply for registration by paying the application fee ($300) and the registration fee ($175). You must also meet mandatory Australian Nursing Standards, including English proficiency, Criminal History Checks, and Recency of Practice.
• Stream B: If your qualifications are relevant but not substantially equivalent, you must pass the Outcome-Based Assessment (OBA). This involves two exams—the NCLEX and OSCE—to ensure thorough evaluation and preparation. Once you pass and meet all mandatory registration standards, you can apply for registration.
• Stream C: If your qualifications are not substantially equivalent or relevant, or if you are not a registered nurse, you will need to take additional steps as directed by AHPRA.

Steps in AHPRA portal

Once you complete the self-check, the next step is to create an account with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Through your personalized portal, you’ll find a detailed roadmap outlining each step needed to apply for your registration. This user-friendly system ensures you have all the information and resources you need to confidently navigate the registration process and take the next big step in your nursing career in Australia.

There are 6 steps:

Step 1 IQNM Fee

Once Self-check is completed and the candidate wishes to proceed in the assessment process, the IQNM assessment fee must be paid ($410 AUD). This fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of:

• Orientation Part 1
• Ahpra’s review of documentation provided by Stream A candidates at registration, or
• Ahpra’s review of documentation provided by Stream B candidates at the Portfolio stage.

Step 2 Orientation

All IQNMs who are advised to proceed in the IQNM assessment process will need to complete the orientation program in order to be registered in Australia. There are two parts to the orientation program.

Orientation  is an online learning course that can be completed from a candidate’s personal device, such as a computer or tablet. The course is an introduction to Australia and the Australian healthcare context, covering topics such as the roles and functions of nurses and midwives within the Australian healthcare setting.

All IQNM’s will need to provide evidence of meeting the NMBA mandatory registration standards.

Step 3 Portfolio

In the portfolio stage, you need to upload your course certificate, academic transcript , evidence of name change (if there is) and ID documents. These documents have to be translated into English and certified. If AHPRA determines the documents and information provided matches the ones provided during Self- Check, then you are advised to take the Outcome Based Assessment (OBA)’s first exam MCQ.

Step 4 MCQ

Stage one (Multiple Choice Questions) MCQ is a cognitive assessment, which is a computer-based. 

The MCQ exam for RNs is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) develops and delivers the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE test centers in most countries.

Cost and locations for the NCLEX-RN (MCQ) 

Cost for Nurses: $350 USD (200 USD for registration and 150 USD for booking)

Locations: Pearson VUE test centers located in most countries.

That means you can take the exam from your country if you have the authorized test center.

You have to be authorized by AHPRA before you take NCLEX-RN.

Step 5 OSCE

The Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) is a clinical exam to assess whether candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competence of a graduate-level nurse or midwife from an Australian NMBA-approved program of study. IQNMs who have been referred to the OBA must pass the MCQ exam before they can attempt the OSCE. 

The OSCE is managed by AHPRA

Cost and location for OSCE:

 The fee for sitting the OSCE is $4,000 AUD.

Location: Adelaide Health Simulation in Adelaide and in Melbourne

Step 6 Registration

Once you successfully pass your OSCE, you are eligible to apply for registration. You pay the application fee , if you meet all the registrations standards. (Read below)

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             Registration Standards:

Criminal history registration Standard

English Language Skills registration Standard

Recency of Practice, Continuing Professional Development and Professional Indemnity

Go to this link to find more: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.aspx

Documents to get ready with:

• A Statement of Service from your employer(s) covering the past five years 
• A signed and dated curriculum vitae that describes your full practice history and any training undertaken 
• Proof that you meet the NMBA’s English language skills registration standard.
• Official documentation for all qualifications:
  • copy of course certificate awarded (e.g. degree) 
  • copy of the academic transcript   
• Evidence of any change of name 
• Proof of identity

Additional documents may be asked with relevance to your application.

 Some documents will need to be directly sent to AHPRA from regulatory authorities such as

Certificate of Registration Status (CORS) or Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from every jurisdiction outside of Australia in which you are currently, or have previously been, registered in during the past five years.

• Evidence of sitting and passing a pre-registration examination from the country where you completed your nursing/midwifery qualification
• Additional registration history