How to become a Nurse in Australia?

Thinking about a Career in Nursing? Wishing to become a Registered Nurse in Australia?

A Nursing career is one that impacts the lives of people on an everyday basis. Nurses care for patients and bring comfort and happiness to those who are most in need of it. It has a priority of patient care and emotional support to the patient and their families. It is forecasted that the demand for nurses is expected to increase within the decade, at a rate above average.

A nursing occupation is one that changes daily based on different incoming patient needs. Nurses will need to take care of patients by monitoring their conditions, offering health advice, using medical equipment, supervising nursing support staff and collaborating with other health professionals to ensure the best method of treatment is given to the patient.

 Nursing Courses for International Students

To work as a registered nurse in Australia, you are usually required to have a bachelor degree or higher qualification in the nursing discipline. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For our international student community, this includes completing one of the below courses:

• Bachelor of Science (Nursing) OR,
• Bachelor of Nursing OR,
• Bachelor of Nursing (advanced studies)

Alternatively, a completion of a Master of Nursing degree (accredited by APHRA), which is a 2-year program for overseas students who hold previous tertiary qualifications can also be used for your registration with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board

Nursing Courses and Career Options

Having a recognised nursing qualification will definitely help you to obtain employment in the health industry, and you will have the opportunity to work in a very rewarding and promising career. As a registered nurse, you have the opportunity to work in the following specializations:

• Aged Care
• Child and Family Health
• Community Health
• Critical Care and Emergency
• Developmental Disability
• Disability and Rehabilitation
• Medical
• Medical Practice
• Mental Health
• Paediatrics
• Perioperative
• Surgical

Benefits of working as a Nurse in Australia

There are increasing work opportunities in Australia due to an ageing population causing work shortages among the nursing industry. Additionally, the average salary of an Australian Registered Nurse is $6,534/ month, and starting salary of $4,866/ month. Additionally, nurses are offered overtime opportunities and chances for career advancement. Because of the dynamic nature of the job, nurses are needed everywhere and you are able to choose an environment that suits you such as psychiatric care, trauma care, labour and delivery or aged care environments.

Given the increasing demand of nurses in the Australian workforce, a Bachelor and Masters of Nursing has become a very popular course amongst international students in Australia.

How a recognised nursing qualification can lead to Australian Permanent Residency (PR)

Having a recognised nursing qualification will definitely help you to obtain employment in the health industry, and you will have the opportunity to work in a very rewarding and promising career. It will also help you with your future visa pathways including permanent residency, which usually requires the following:

• Obtaining a nursing registration with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)
• Applying for a skills assessment with ANMAC (Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council)
• After receiving the positive skills assessment, you will be able to submit an expression of interest in Department of Home Affairs’ Skill Select system, because registered nurse is an occupation of high demand:
  • It is currently on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
  • Western Australia State Government is also offering nominations for permanent residency for registered nurses.
• You will be able to apply for permanent residency as soon as you receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

How we can help

VEVS Global can assist you in choosing the most suitable nursing course from our reputable university and college partners, whether you are an overseas registered nurse, or an international student who has no experience but is ready to work towards this rewarding career.

Once you’ve completed your nursing studies, our visa team will be here to assist you with your migration/visa pathway, including your skills assessment, as well as providing advice on how you can maximise your chance of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residency.