Bridging Program in Australia

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Hi. I am new here. I don't know exactly where to go. I am a registered nurse here in the Philippines and I am interested in studying in Australia for a bridging course that will help me become a registered nurse there. I need some help on looking for a good school that offers a bridging course.

My aunt told me that a friend of her friend just went to AU to take up a test and in 6 months she's there for a bridging program. and I have this friend who has a friend who became a registered nurse in AU in 6 months time too. This agency is offering me to study for a certificate III aged care with occupational English test for 46 weeks in Einstein College but it costs too much. So now, I am trying to look for a school wherein I can apply by myself and hopefully get in. I am hoping I could leave for AU this June 2011. I am a bit lost on what to do. Can you help me, please? Any suggestions? ? Please help me. Thank you very much. :clown:

(Sydney area would be better since my parents are more familiar and in favor of that place... though other cities/areas will be great too)

normally yes. you will just be required to provide a more definite diagnostic test like a CXR. Most Filipinos, I think, are positive for TB Skin Test.[/quote']

tnx..actually my gf just had a positive ppd test and aftert he chest xray it was found out she has TB with a small cavitary, she's already starting her meds..how will it affect with her plans to study in Australia?

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Specializes in Acute Care. ER. Aged Care/LTC. Psyche.
tnx..actually my gf just had a positive ppd test and aftert he chest xray it was found out she has TB with a small cavitary, she's already starting her meds..how will it affect with her plans to study in Australia?

i don't know how it works for student visa application, but in general, if someone has an active disease, the medicals will be sent to a medical officer of the Commonwealth and they will finalise it, whether to approve or not. Normally, if she finish the course of treatment, she'll be given the visa.

Here's the statement from the immigration department:

If active TB is found, Australian migration law does not allow a visa to be granted until the person has undergone treatment and been declared free of active TB. A course of treatment usually lasting between six to nine months is required, plus further testing to show that the treatment has been successful.

and here's the link: Australian Immigration Fact Sheet 22. The Health Requirement

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Hi! Their application process is quite very smooth. No interviews, etc. You just have to submit an application and wait for the outcome. :)

Hi milakunis! I already have an offer letter from LTU Bendigo for Jan 2014. But I haven't sent my acceptance letter yet, probably next week. Hope to see you there! :-)

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Hi milakunis! I already have an offer letter from LTU Bendigo for Jan 2014. But I haven't sent my acceptance letter yet, probably next week. Hope to see you there! :-)

Hi DreamCatcher14! Send me an email. Let's gather. So far, it's just me and inevitable who are confirmed for LTU next year. It's [email protected].

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Hi!

I already took the IELTS and passed the required band scores of 7 all. I do have hospital experience but it was only for two months. I am currently employed as a company nurse and I plan to work here for a couple of months to complete the required APHRA nursing experience of not less than 3 months. I have a dilemma and I hope anybody can help me out. I wanted to do the 3-month bridging program and at the same time, bring my partner with me. But the thing is, is it possible? I really need to bring him with me since it will be his relative who will sponsor my studies.

If not, I still have the option to take the 1 year course instead. As I said, I already got the required band scores. Do I still need to take another IELTS upon completion of the 1 year program in order for me to be registered?

And what specific type of student visa is applicable for the 3-month bridging program? I guess the eligibility to bring a family member depends on the type of visa.

Or can you suggest ways as to how I can do it? I am really confused right now. I am trying to hit two birds with one stone. Thanks!

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"kill two birds with one stone" is the saying.;) Where you do your course dictates what visa you require and both the 600- business stream and the student visa both allow for family members to accompany the primary visa holder.

With such limited experience the only option you have for a work visa is sponsorship, do you know this is very limited now, especially with such little experience.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical, General, PACU.
Hi! I already took the IELTS and passed the required band scores of 7 all. I do have hospital experience but it was only for two months. I am currently employed as a company nurse and I plan to work here for a couple of months to complete the required APHRA nursing experience of not less than 3 months. I have a dilemma and I hope anybody can help me out. I wanted to do the 3-month bridging program and at the same time bring my partner with me. But the thing is, is it possible? I really need to bring him with me since it will be his relative who will sponsor my studies. If not, I still have the option to take the 1 year course instead. As I said, I already got the required band scores. Do I still need to take another IELTS upon completion of the 1 year program in order for me to be registered? And what specific type of student visa is applicable for the 3-month bridging program? I guess the eligibility to bring a family member depends on the type of visa. Or can you suggest ways as to how I can do it? I am really confused right now. I am trying to hit two birds with one stone. Thanks![/quote']

Hi Chaching.

You can apply for an assessment with AHPRA provided that you have the required experience, and applicants who are granted with a Letter of Eligibility from AHPRA can do the 3 months Bridging Program as well but to tell you honestly, a 2 months hospital experience and an employment as a company nurse won't suffice especially if we are talking about getting an sponsorship after taking the course. A lot of Bridging Program students who have enough experience (like 5 years and up) are also having trouble finding one. There are lots of nursing vacancies here however, only few offers sponsorship.. Very very few. If you are doing the Bridging Program, the school will either require you to apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 575) or a Short Stay Visa Business Stream (Subclass 600). I just don't have an idea if you can actually bring your partner with you. Maybe we can ask from other members here. Student Visa will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week but definitely not a nursing job.

As long as your IELTS is valid, even after taking a one year conversion program, you don't need to take another examination. :)

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Thanks belle_v2g :)

You gave me some clear insights and I'll surely follow your advice. Well, there were some who told me the same thing regarding my chances of getting a sponsorship with my limited hospital experience. I'll probably try my luck with that. :).

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hahaha! thanks for the correction! so nice of you. :) Thanks also for answering my question regarding my partner's visa. Somehow, I got one problem down. :)

I am completely aware of that fact. I guess I'm willing to gamble and try my luck. :)

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One more thing, is it possible for someone who has finished a bridging program to apply for a nursing home job? I am planning to apply for one if ever I find it really hard to get into a hospital. or even try clinics as long as a find a decent employer who might want to sponsor me. hehe. Will there be no issues such as "overqualification"? Just curious. Thanks! :)

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Specializes in Acute Care. ER. Aged Care/LTC. Psyche.
One more thing, is it possible for someone who has finished a bridging program to apply for a nursing home job? I am planning to apply for one if ever I find it really hard to get into a hospital. or even try clinics as long as a find a decent employer who might want to sponsor me. hehe. Will there be no issues such as "overqualification"? Just curious. Thanks! :)

Nursing homes, or as they call it Aged Care facilities, employ RN's too.

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And even for nursing homes/aged care facility lack of experience makes one under qualified for a sponsorship and care for our elderly citizens.

RN in aged care are often in charge of the facility and therefore need excellent assessment skills, be much aware of aged care requirements, Have insight into AcFI, have staff management skills in charge of pca's and Enrolled nurses and know medications, legislation of all aspects of caring for our elders, please reconsider values of care in aged care in AUstralia.

In the past Aged care facilities did recruit +++ overseas nurses that had very little experience if any, this was not ideal, but an RN with a piece of paper was an RN at least!! Times have changed, many locals seek jobs in aged care, even though the wages are much lower, the market has been flooded, aged care employers can now be choosey who they employ and now often only short list applicants with previous aged care in Australia experience.

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