Bridging Program in Australia

[michikoy]

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.

(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)

[iamANNie]

i don't know where you're from but there's a huge mostly Filipino thread https://allnurses.com/international-nursing/new-grad-filipino-501897.html and it'll provide you with some of the information you might need through the experiences of the members who's already in the process.

Regarding AHPRA assessment/application fee, I "paid" about $400-500. I can't recall exactly how much I put in the credit card payment form but its around that number. You can always check the NMBA website for detailed information.

hi! iamnomad! may i know if how much experience do you have when you applied to aphra? is it ok to applu even if you have less than 2yrs experience?

[tintin_rhea, BSN]

me too still very much disorganized with what to do next / first. ill be having my intake on Sept 23, Perth. Lot of things to do. well initially I applied for the July intake , Perth because my AHPRA will expire on Oct. 2013 but they offered me the August intake.. =)

Same here jo_tan... I've got a lot of things to do... I don't even know where to start! haha! but hopefully, everything will work out. :) We just have to be patient and we really have to work hard. Keep me updated when you start your e-learning! Goodluck and Godbless! :)

[evan10]

Hi guys, I know this may be out of topic. But is there anyone who can tell me about the IHNA e-learning, if there is a time limit to spend on each of the workbooks? PLease help. Thank you so much. I have been asking the e-support staff but I cannot get clear answers from them.

[evan10]

Hi everyone, has anybody here applied to ACN, formerly, CON and ...? I thinkI had some disappointments with them because

1. I have given them all documentations needed last March and they told me to wait. I did.

2. Followed-up regularly as to the schedule of selection for the July intake. They kept telling me that I am on the selection list.

3. Followed-up on June 2, only to be told that I am not accommodated for the July intake.

4. They told me that I am still on the selection list for their upcoming intakes.

Having been disappointed, I submitted my documents to ETEA and IHNA. Now, I a, not sure about these two schools. I read previous comments though.

Having read previous comments, it dawned on me that Australia does not seem to need anymore foreign-trained nurses. So questions again,

1. Why would the AHPRA still accept applications for registrations if such is the case?

2. Why should schools that offer the BP still offer it when there are already lots of Aussie nurses who are hard in finding jobs?

I am still hopeful to get to Oz and be registered and probably find a job but then again, if such is the scenario, what future awaits me and the others who might have borrowed money just to get registered as a nurse and Australia and then be jobless after.

Probably the AHPRA and the ANMC should look into this. Do not make overseas nurses only sources of revenue by going through the process and then be jobless when they are finally registered.

Sent from my iPad for th

I understand that ACN being the cheapest school to offer BP is flocked by many but I just have to say that I am also disappointed with ACN. I have applied to them since February, complied to their request for the AFP check immediately and had waited for a long time. I was told at the start that their July and August intakes are open and even followed up with them regularly. If it weren't for IHNA who reconsidered and called me last April, I wouldn't have another option. When I emailed ACN again last May, all they can say was for me to be placed on their September intake with no assurance at all. So I have to take up IHNA's offer instead. Thank God for the 2nd opportunity as I really need to complete my BP since my eligibility expiry is nearing up.

[belle_v2g, BSN, RN]

Hi! I'm cyndi and i'm also for july intake acn. May i ask about which type of visa you applied for and the requirements. I'm kinda lost as to what to do next after receiving the email yesterday. Please help. Thanks

Subclass 600 Business Stream. :)

[belle_v2g, BSN, RN]

for those who have applied at ACN (formerly CON) what if i lost my hepa b vaccination record, is the anti-hbs titer enough to support my past vaccination with hep-b?[/quote']

Yeah, get a serology for hepatitis B anti hbs.

[belle_v2g, BSN, RN]

Where in Australia did you get a job as a dialysis nurse? How much do they pay you? I'm sorry if it's too personal but I'm really curious.. I'm just starting. I hope you don't mind? :) Thanks.[/quote']

The pay depends on how many years of experience you have.

[belle_v2g, BSN, RN]

Hello Annie.

I read you are already done with your bridging course. May I please ask a few questions? Regarding the immunization records, I do not have a record of my past vaccinations, should I take all of those immunizations again for the record? Will the school assist you in finding an employer? How long will it take to apply for a visa for the bridging course? I read that the Subclass 456 is replaced by Subclass 600 but they are basically the same. May I please ask how much fund do I need for this visa including an estimated cost of living for the 3 months course(how much money do I need in order for the embassy to approve my visa)? Thank you very much.

If you don't have a record of your vaccines, it is better and safer to get all the vaccines again as it is required for the students who will have their bridging program. Before the school allow you to have your clinical placement, the vaccines should be completed first. Get your vaccines while you are still in your home country coz vaccine in Australia is more expensive.

The school will not assist you in getting a job, you'll do it all by yourself.

Processing time for the visa is usually 1 month, or more. Depending on circumstances. You're right, 456 is now 600.

Regarding the fund that you will be needing.. I can't give you a specific amount since BP schools have different tuition fees, ranging from $10,000 to 18,000 AUD. If you have relatives in Australia, it would be better so the burden will be lessen in terms of food and accommodation.. coz It's really expensive here.

[belle_v2g, BSN, RN]

hi @bigbrowneyes

im new here.=) im glad you mentioned about having less than 1yr experience but still managed to get an approval from aphra. im confused since alot of agency now adays req 2-3yrs of hosp experience in order to apply to aphra. is that 1900 hrs experience continous was it paid experience? did aphra had any ff up question regarding your experience?

i hope you can answer my questions. thnx! =)

Hello iamANNie. I have heard that applicant's with 3 months experience can apply to AHPRA. But the downside is, when you finish the BP, and look for employment, the employers would most likely prefer applicants with 2 years or more experience.

[iamnomad]

hi! iamnomad! may i know if how much experience do you have when you applied to aphra? is it ok to applu even if you have less than 2yrs experience?

i had 2 years and 8 months experience when I applied. i think it's ok to apply with less than 2 years experience unless they changed the rules.

[frgdgrl]

me too still very much disorganized with what to do next / first. ill be having my intake on Sept 23, Perth. Lot of things to do. well initially I applied for the July intake , Perth because my AHPRA will expire on Oct. 2013 but they offered me the August intake.. =)

Are you for august or september intake?

[iamANNie]

@bigbrowneyes. yes i was also thinking about the downside of applying with little experience. =( but nweis thanx for replying!