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Nursing & Midwifery

Nursing & Midwifery → Australia

Explore Australian nursing and midwifery careers with practical guidance on registration, recruitment, relocation and finding suitable opportunities.

Australian healthcare professional

Which nursing or midwifery pathway applies to you?

Your route to working in Australia depends on your profession, qualifications, registration history and circumstances.

1

Registered Nurses

Internationally qualified Registered Nurses may need to complete qualification and registration assessment through the Australian nursing regulator. Some experienced nurses may be eligible for a streamlined pathway depending on their registration history.

2

Enrolled Nurses & Midwives

Enrolled Nurse and midwifery registration requirements differ from the Registered Nurse pathway. Your qualification and professional background determine the assessment and registration steps.

3

Nurse Practitioners

Nurse Practitioner endorsement is additional to Registered Nurse registration. Overseas NP qualifications do not automatically provide Australian NP endorsement.

Your pathway to nursing or midwifery in Australia.

The exact process varies by profession and individual circumstances, but these are the key areas to work through.

1

Identify your profession and qualification

Confirm whether you are an RN, EN, midwife or nurse practitioner and gather your qualification and registration history.

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2

Check your registration pathway

Some experienced internationally qualified nurses registered in approved comparable jurisdictions may qualify for a streamlined registration pathway. Others may need to complete the IQNM Self-check and the assessment pathway that applies to them.

Registration
3

Complete the required assessment

Depending on your circumstances, this may include qualification assessment, English language requirements, examinations or other outcomes-based assessment. The current Ahpra and NMBA requirements determine what applies.

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4

Explore suitable roles

Once you understand your registration position, consider the settings, locations and working arrangements that fit your experience and career goals.

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5

Plan your visa and relocation

Your right to work depends on your circumstances and visa. Consider relocation, accommodation, family, schools, banking and other practical arrangements alongside your career move.

Visas
Healthcare professionals

Submit your Expression of Interest.

Tell us about your background and what you are looking for in Australia.

Your information will be handled securely and used for recruitment and candidate-matching purposes. Please see our Registration and Recruitment Ts & Cs below for full details.

Nursing careers across Australia.

Australian nurses and midwives work across metropolitan hospitals, general practice, aged care, community health and regional and rural services.

The right role is about more than registration. Consider the setting, location, career progression, professional development and lifestyle you want alongside your work.

Explore Australian Locations
Australian healthcare professional

How DocHop can help

Career matching
Explore opportunities that fit your profession, experience and preferences.

Registration guidance
Understand the pathway you may need to follow and where to find current regulator information.

Relocation support
Plan your move and discuss migration matters with appropriately authorised professionals where required.

Nursing & midwifery resources.

Use these guides to understand the key parts of planning your Australian healthcare career.

Nursing Registration

Understand Australian nursing and midwifery registration and the assessment requirements that may apply to you.

Read the guide

Nursing Jobs

Explore current nursing and midwifery opportunities across Australian employers.

View jobs

Australian Visas

Explore visa considerations for healthcare professionals moving to Australia.

Read the guide

Working in Australian Healthcare

Understand Australian healthcare settings and what working life can look like.

Read the guide

Australian Locations

Compare metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations.

Explore locations

Moving to Australia

Practical advice on housing, banking, schools, driving and settling in.

Read the guide

Nursing & midwifery FAQs.

Can internationally qualified nurses work in Australia?

Yes, but the registration pathway depends on your profession, qualification, registration history and circumstances. You must meet the requirements that apply to you before practising.

Do all internationally qualified nurses follow the same pathway?

No. Some experienced nurses may be eligible for a streamlined pathway, while others may need to complete the relevant IQNM assessment process. Enrolled Nurse, midwifery and Nurse Practitioner requirements also differ.

What is the IQNM Self-check?

The Self-check is part of the assessment process for relevant internationally qualified nurses and helps determine the pathway and assessment requirements that may apply.

Will I need an English language assessment?

English language requirements can apply depending on your profession and circumstances. Check the current NMBA and Ahpra requirements for your application.

Can DocHop guarantee registration or a job?

No. Registration decisions are made by the relevant Australian regulator and employment depends on the employer, role and your eligibility. DocHop can help you understand the process and explore suitable opportunities.

Ready to explore your nursing or midwifery options?

Tell us about your profession, qualifications and experience and what you're looking for in Australia. We'll help you work out where to start.