Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is a popular destination for Filipino nurses due to its high salaries, career development opportunities, and high standard of living. To become a registered nurse in Australia, Filipino nurses must have their qualifications recognised as comparable to Australian standards and obtain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This involves a skills assessment to ensure that the applicant's qualifications and experience meet the standards set for a Registered Nurse in Australia. The process includes providing evidence of identity, academic qualifications, a resume, and English test results. Additionally, there are specific visa requirements for foreign nurses wishing to work in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average annual salary for a registered nurse in the Philippines | PHP 151,000 |
| Average annual salary for a registered nurse in Australia | PHP 2.6 million |
| Required qualification | Bachelor's degree in nursing |
| Required educational equivalence | Standards of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) |
| Required exam | NCLEX-RN |
| NCLEX-RN registration fee | $200 USD |
| Additional international scheduling fee | $150 USD |
| Total fee | $350 USD |
| Second exam | OSCE |
| OSCE fee | $4,000 AUD |
| Non-refundable deposit for AHPRA | AUD 640 |
| Required visa | 189 Visa, 190 Visa, 491 Visa, NZ Independent Visa |
| Visa requirement | Proof of valid visa at least 3 months before the exam |
| Required experience | 36 months of paid clinical experience in the last 5 years |
| Required documents | Evidence of professional practice and professional references |
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What You'll Learn
Meeting the qualifications and registration criteria
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must complete your registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and have your skills and qualifications assessed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). The purpose of the skills assessment is to check that the applicant's qualifications and relevant industry experience meet the standards set out for the occupation of a Registered Nurse in Australia.
The first step for Filipino nurses is to take an online self-check on the AHPRA/NMBA portal, which will determine whether you meet Australian qualification standards or will need to upgrade your qualification. If you are advised that your qualification is "substantially equivalent" to an Australian-approved qualification, you must complete the AHPRA/NMBA IQNM Assessment, followed by Orientation Part 1, an online course introducing you to the Australian Healthcare system. If your qualification is deemed "relevant but not substantially equivalent", you must complete the AHPRA/NMBA IQNM Assessment, Orientation Part 1, and provide a portfolio of documents and proof of qualifications, followed by an Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA).
The OBA consists of a Multiple Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The MCQ is also known as the NCLEX-RN and is a requirement to take the OSCE. The OSCE is the second type of exam required from applicants. A business visa must be secured to take the OSCE exam, as it is only delivered at the Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) in Adelaide, South Australia.
The qualification can be upgraded in Australia through an NMBA-approved program of study or in any other country, providing the qualification meets the assessment criteria. Stream C is the most common stream for Philippine-trained nurses, and a referral from the NMBA is required to apply.
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English language proficiency
To demonstrate English language proficiency, applicants must pass a recognised English language test. The Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) can take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is a valid English language test. The Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) is another valid English language test that applicants can take.
Additionally, the Pearson Test of English (PTE), with a minimum overall score of 65, is also accepted. For the IELTS, a minimum grade of 7 is required. These tests assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, ensuring that applicants have the necessary English proficiency to communicate effectively in a healthcare setting.
The English language requirement is just one part of the broader registration standards set by the NMBA. Other criteria include proof of identity, education standards, length of practice, and capacity to work as a nurse. The NMBA's registration process also includes the NCLEX-RN, a multiple-choice exam, and the OSCE, a behavioural assessment.
The process of becoming a registered nurse in Australia can be lengthy and challenging, but it offers significant financial and career development opportunities for Filipino nurses. The high demand for nurses in Australia and the attractive salary packages make it a desirable destination for those seeking to work and migrate.
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Career pathways
There are several pathways for Filipino nurses to register and work in Australia. The first step is to ensure that your qualifications are recognised as comparable to Australian standards. This can be done by completing an NMBA-approved study program, such as a Diploma of Nursing or a Bachelor of Nursing. The Diploma of Nursing is an 18- to 24-month program that includes theoretical coursework and clinical placements, preparing individuals to become Enrolled Nurses. Graduates can then apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to work as Enrolled Nurses.
The Bachelor of Nursing, on the other hand, is a more advanced three-year undergraduate degree that prepares individuals for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). This comprehensive program includes extensive clinical placements, allowing students to develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the NMBA as Registered Nurses, which can lead to eligibility for skilled migration visas and permanent residency.
Another pathway is through the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) pathway, which is commonly chosen by Filipino registered nurses. This involves a two-stage assessment: a multiple-choice question exam (MCQ) and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Before the OBA, candidates must pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD 640 to AHPRA to check their documentation and attend an orientation.
Additionally, there are English language requirements that must be met, such as the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with a minimum overall score of 65 for each area of assessment.
It is important to note that nurses in Australia have various career options, including Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, Assistant in Nursing, and Nursing Practitioner, each with different educational requirements and responsibilities.
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Visa options
To work as a nurse in Australia, you must be a holder of a bachelor's degree in nursing, with educational equivalence that meets the standards of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and you must also have an active nursing license. Nurses with a bachelor's degree at level 7 or a diploma (level 5) and are registered first-level nurses in Canada, Hong Kong, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, or the United States of America are likely to meet the qualifications to become a registered nurse in Australia.
To become a registered nurse in Australia, you must first register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA. The NMBA assesses your qualifications and experience to check if they meet the requirements. Registration involves five criteria: proof of identity, English language proficiency, education standards, length of practice, and capacity to work as a nurse.
The NMBA will then decide whether you need to take the NCLEX-RN exam and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The OSCE costs $4,000 AUD to sit for, and eligible candidates who are located internationally will only be allocated a spot if they have provided proof of a valid visa at least three months in advance. A business visa must be secured to complete the OSCE.
Once you have passed the NCLEX and OSCE, you can apply for registration with AHPRA and NMBA.
Due to the shortage of nurses in Australia, nurses can apply to live and work in the country under the General Skilled Migration program. Visa types under this program include:
- 189 Visa: For skilled workers without any sponsor
- 190 Visa: For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian state or territory government
- 491 Visa: For skilled workers sponsored by a family member
- Employer-Sponsored: For foreign nurses who will be sponsored by an Australian employer
- NZ Independent Visa: For foreign nurses who are New Zealand citizens
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Salary and benefits
Australia is one of the top countries for Filipino nurses to practice in, due to its competitive salary and benefits. The average annual salary for a registered nurse in the Philippines is PHP 151,000, while Australia offers an average salary of PHP 2.6 million. This significant difference in pay allows Filipino nurses to earn a living for themselves and send money to their families back home.
The salary of nurses in Australia varies based on location, qualifications, and work experience. Most registered nurses in Australia earn $79,946 at the beginning of their careers, while consultant nurses can earn up to $118,484. The location where a nurse chooses to work greatly affects their salary. Urban areas tend to have more registered nurses, giving employers a larger talent pool to choose from. On the other hand, rural areas have a lower number of nurses, leading to higher salaries as healthcare providers need to pay more to attract nurses to these communities.
Australia has a high cost of living as it is an island nation that relies heavily on imports. As a result, salaries in the country are also relatively high to accommodate the greater expense of living. Australia is also a very large country, and its population is concentrated along the coast, with the middle region being sparsely populated. This geographical distribution affects the demand for nurses, with higher demand in rural areas.
To work as a nurse in Australia, Filipino nurses must have their qualifications recognised as comparable to Australian standards. They need to obtain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and achieve a positive Skills Assessment through the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation body. This process includes passing an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS or PTE, and a Multiple-Choice Questionnaire (MCQ) and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
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Frequently asked questions
To become a nurse in Australia, you must be a holder of a bachelor's degree in nursing, with educational equivalence that meets the standards of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You must also have an active nursing license.
The application process involves registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) through AHPRA and achieving a positive Skills Assessment. The Skills Assessment checks that the applicant's qualifications and experience meet the standards set out for the occupation of a Registered Nurse in Australia.
The career options for nurses in Australia include Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse, Assistant in Nursing, and Nursing Practitioner. Each career has different educational requirements, but the application process to Australia is similar.
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