There is a current shortage of doctors and nurses in Australia, especially in regional areas. General practitioners and specialists are able to apply for a visa to work in Australia once they have acquired their primary medical qualification in a country other than Australia or have qualified in Australia and are not an Australian permanent resident.
Nurses are also in high demand in Australia and there are opportunities for both permanent and temporary work.
Nurses
To work as a nurse in Australia, you will need to have a good education and an adequate level of experience. You must also have good health. You will need to pass a health exam to take up employment in any health care areas, including hospitals.
Nurses also need to undergo assessment either by the nurse regulatory body in the State/Territory in which applicants intend to work, or by the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC).
Medical Practitioners
To practice in Australia, doctors must first be registered with the Medical Board in the State or Territory where they wish to practice.
Once this has been issued, doctors are required to apply to Medicare Australia for Medicare Provider Number if they will be working in general practice or will be prescribing drugs.
Medical Practitioner Visas are temporary visas which enable Australian employers to sponsor doctors to work in Australia. The visa allows overseas doctors to be sponsored for up to 4 years to work in areas where there is a shortage of suitable staff such as rural or regional areas. Medical practitioners include radiologists, doctors or specialists in any medical field.
