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Discussion

I want some tips on getting licensed in Australia

Hello Everyone

I am a Canadian RN. I graduated in 2000 from a 3 year diploma Nursing program. I have a critical care certificate and have been working in critical care since 2004; full time.

From what I can gather so far I do need to take the ILETS test. Then I get all my transcripts from my nursing school and my critical care certificate. Then I can apply for an Australian license.

In Canada, a Bachelor Degree in Nursing is required for entry into practice; but it is not required for nurses who are already registered with the college of nurses to get a degree to continue to practice. Is it the same is Australia? Will my education be accepted the same as it is in Canada? I think becuase I am working in the capacity of a Registered Nurse and have been since 2000 that it will be good enough.

I want to live in Melbourne. Do I apply to a specific state board?

Should I apply for a job and hope to get sponsered? What about a nursing agency? Are critical care nurses in demand? Like I said I have 9 years experience. I am an expert critical care nurse.

ANy help or advice would be very appreciated. There are so many items to consider and I want to make sure I am doing it right.

BTW I am 38 years old and have a 13 yr old child who I have sole custody of and who will be coming with me.

Kind Regards from Canada:)

Katie

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    Experienced CC nurses are in demand. We have the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency - Home which is your point of contact for all types of nursing anywhere in Australia. They will be able to help you with exactly what requirements you need to register with them. You shouldn't have much trouble with your canadian qualification.

    Nobody will even look at any application of yours if you are not registered with AHPRA. And they do take their time to process paperwork.

    My suggestion for action would be to do the IELTS test first while you wait for your transcripts from your nursing school and your CC Certificate to arrive, then apply to ahpra and while you wait for them to get back to you (can take easily 6 month) you can have a look at immi.gov.au what type of visa you could get. Many hospitals are happy to sponsor you but it's easier to find a job if they don't have to ( less stuff for HR to do)

    Hope to see you in Melbourne soon

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    • Author

    That's awesome! Thanks so much for replying! It's very encouraging. That's great advice too; to take the ILETS test. Apparently, since i have been English speaking all my life, i may not have to take the ILETS. But maybe it is just easier that way?

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    • Author

    Hello Katie here again.

    I am discovering that this process is very expensive.

    Domain have to get my credentials qualified with ANMAC? Or can I get everything together myself and send it to the AHPRA?

    ANMAC wants $825 to check my credentials.

    I am feeling so discouraged with all the costs!

    A visa is $3520!

    Thanks for any advice

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