WORKING AS A NURSE IN AUSTRALIA

How to work as a Nurse in Australia?

Check out what it takes to work as a Nurse in Australia and the steps you need to take to work
in the industry.

Working as a Nurse

Nursing is a highly respected and essential profession in Australia’s healthcare system, offering diverse and rewarding career opportunities. Nurses play a crucial role in delivering high-quality patient care, working across various settings including hospitals, community health centres, aged care facilities, and mental health services. In Australia, the demand for skilled nursing professionals is consistently high due to the country’s ageing population, advancements in healthcare, and the ongoing need fo dedicated and compassionate care providers.

For those interested in pursuing a career in nursing, there are two main educational pathways: the Diploma of Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing. Both qualifications provide the foundational knowledge and practical experience necessary to enter the nursing profession, but they also serve as stepping stones toward permanent residency in Australia.

How to become a Nurse in Australia?

There are two main pathways to becoming a nurse in Australia, depending on the level of qualification and desired career path.

Diploma of Nursing

The Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) is a vocational qualification that prepares individuals to become Enrolled Nurses (EN). This 18 to 24-month program includes both theoretical coursework and clinical placements, equipping students with essential nursing skills and competencies. Graduates of the Diploma of Nursing can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to work as Enrolled Nurses.

Bachelor of Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing is a more advanced, three-year undergraduate degree that prepares individuals for a career as a Registered Nurse (RN). This comprehensive program covers a wide range of nursing subjects and includes extensive clinical placements, allowing students to develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Graduates of the Bachelor of Nursing are eligible to apply for registration with the NMBA as Registered Nurses. In addition to offering diverse career opportunities, the Bachelor of Nursing also provides a robust pathway to residency in Australia. Registered Nurses are highly sought after in Australia’s immigration system, and completing this degree can lead to eligibility for skilled migration visas.

Clinical Placements

Both the Diploma of Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing include mandatory clinical placements. These placements provide hands-on experience in real healthcare settings under the supervision of experienced nurses and healthcare professionals.

Meet English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you completed your nursing education in a non-English speaking country, you might need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Accepted tests include IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.
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Registration and Licensing

Once the study is successfully completed, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) as a Registered Nurse. The NMBA ensures that all registered nurses meet the required professional standards and competencies.
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Working Visa Options for Nurses

If you are an international student or a qualified nurse from overseas, you will need to apply for a relevant visa to work as a nurse in Australia. Options include the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189).

Why Become a Nurse in Australia?

Nursing is a highly respected and rewarding profession in Australia, offering numerous benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are several compelling reasons to pursue a career in nursing in Australia. These factors make nursing a highly attractive and fulfilling career choice in Australia.

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High Demand and Job Security

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Competitive Salary and Benefits

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Diverse Career Opportunities

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Pathway to Permanent Residency

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Quality Education and Training

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Work-Life Balance

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Professional Development and Career Growth

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Contribution to Society

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Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

High Demand and Job Security

The demand for skilled nurses in Australia is consistently high due to the country’s ageing population and the increasing need for healthcare services. This demand translates into strong job security and numerous employment opportunities across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, aged care facilities, community health centres, and private practices.

Competitive Salary and Benefits

Nurses in Australia enjoy competitive salaries and benefits packages. According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, the median annual salary for registered nurses is significantly above the national average, and nurses often receive additional benefits such as healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and opportunities for overtime and shift work, which can increase their overall earnings.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Working in the field of nursing offers a wide range of career paths and specialisations. Whether you’re interested in acute care, community health, mental health, paediatrics, or advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse educator, the field of nursing provides numerous avenues for career advancement and specialisation.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

For international students and nurses, pursuing a nursing career in Australia can be a pathway to permanent residency. Australia’s skilled migration program recognizes the critical need for healthcare professionals, and nurses are often eligible for various skilled migration visas, which can lead to permanent residency.

Quality Education and Training

Australia is home to some of the world’s leading nursing education institutions, offering high-quality training programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The rigorous standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) ensure that graduates are well-prepared to provide excellent patient care.

Work-Life Balance

Nursing in Australia often allows for flexible work schedules, enabling nurses to achieve a better work-life balance. Many healthcare facilities offer various shift options, part-time work, and job-sharing arrangements, allowing nurses to tailor their work schedules to suit their personal needs.

Professional Development and Career Growth

The Australian healthcare system supports continuous professional development (CPD) for nurses. There are numerous opportunities for further education, training, and specialisation, ensuring that nurses can continue to grow and advance in their careers. CPD is also a requirement for maintaining registration with the NMBA, encouraging lifelong learning.

Contribution to Society

Nursing is a profoundly impactful career that allows individuals to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Nurses provide critical care, support, and advocacy for patients and their families, playing a vital role in the overall healthcare system and contributing to the well-being of the community.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

Australia is a multicultural society, and the nursing profession reflects this diversity. Nurses work with patients from various cultural backgrounds and collaborate with a diverse team of healthcare professionals. This environment fosters cultural competence, inclusion, and mutual respect, enriching the professional and personal lives of nurses.

Common Visas for Nurses

The most common visas for nurses or other tradesmen to work in Australia are:

186 – Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – Points-Tested

190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)

485 – Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) – Graduate Work
482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) – Medium Term Stream

494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) (subclass 494) – Employer sponsored
stream

Book a Migration Consultation

We have a ton of information on our site about various visa options and FAQs that answer most of our visitors’ questions, but if you’re still not sure where to start or you need a personalised step by step walkthrough, then schedule a call with one of our Registered Migration Agent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In case you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to consult with one of our agents.

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Yes, scholarships are available for international nursing students in Australia through universities, government bodies, and private organizations.

These scholarships range in value and criteria, with some based on academic merit, financial need, or specific research interests. They are designed to assist with tuition fees and sometimes living expenses. It’s advisable for students to start their scholarship search early and to apply for multiple opportunities.

For the most comprehensive information, feel free to reach out to us.

Are there any scholarships available for international students studying nursing in Australia? was last modified: January 8th, 2024 by PTA

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Working as a nurse in Australia was last modified: November 14th, 2024 by PTA