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Nursing Jobs in Australia: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC)

If you intend to apply for migration to Australia under one of the General Skilled Migration categories, you must have a nominated occupation which is on the Skilled Occupations List at the time you apply. In order to make a valid application, you must have obtained a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation.

Do You Qualify For Nursing Jobs In Australia?

ANMC is the assessing authority for the following occupation:

• Registered Nurse (ASCO 2323-11); and
• Registered Midwife (ASCO 2324-11).

There is currently a high demand for nurses and midwives in Australia, with both occupations featuring on the Critical Skills List.

Registered Nurses and Midwives

Nurses and midwives seeking to determine their eligibility to apply for registration as a nurse in Australian may apply for an assessment of their qualifications provided they have:

• Completed a pre-registration course of training
• Been registered as a nurse in the country where education was undertaken
• Current registration, a practising certificate or licence in the country where they are currently practising, or
• A demonstrated proficiency in the English language (see below for the language competency requirements).

It is a requirement for nurses to be able to meet and demonstrate the National Nursing / Midwifery Competency Standards before they are granted registration. To discuss your eligibility for registration you will need to contact the individual state or territory nursing and midwifery regulatory authority in the state or territory where you wish to practise.

Overseas nurses may be required to complete a Competency Based Assessment. Program/Bridging Program in order to be able to meet this requirement. These courses must be completed either all or in part in Australia. The requirement to complete such a program will be determined at assessment.

Do You Qualify For Nursing Jobs In Australia?

Language Competency Requirements

In Australia English is the language of communication in health care settings therefore it is essential that nurses have a level of proficiency in English which enables them to communicate competently and safely with clients and colleagues.

In accordance with ANMC Policy the requirement to complete an English language proficiency test is waived where a nurse's education leading to registration was undertaken in the United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, South Africa, or Zimbabwe.

All other nurses are required to successfully complete one of the following English Language Tests:

1. Occupational English Test (OET) for Nurses

   The required pass level is a B pass or above in all 4 sections of the test, giving an overall pass.

2. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - Academic Test.

   As of 1 July 2009, all internationally-qualified nurses and midwives applying for assessment to the ANMC under the general skilled migration scheme will be required to complete an English proficiency test. New Zealand registered nurses and midwives are exempt from providing English proficiency under the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.

   A pass level of 7 in all four bands of the IELTS Academic test or a B level in all four bands of the OET will be required in one sitting. The test will be valid for a period of two years.

The test must have been undertaken not more than 2 years before lodging the application for assessment.

Do You Qualify For Nursing Jobs In Australia?