Is bachelors degree a requirement in Australia?

[Mary-Lou]

I am an American RN with an Associates Degree and 7 years clinical experience. I've spent quite a bit of time looking at the ANMC/AHPRA website and have called/emailed them, but have not been able to get a definite ansewer. Does anyone know whether it is possibile to qualify for a license in Australia with an Associates degree?

Thank you!

[kiwinarz]

Hi, an RN is an RN regardless of how you obtained it. In New Zealand, past nurses were trained in the hospital while others gained their degree in the nursing school. But I might be wrong in OZ context. :)

[ceridwyn]

As an Aussie trained RN, not sure what is now going on with our new National nurses board, one minute they stick to good english levels next minute they allow english levels from countries with english as second language.......hope this changes in a hurry.

Anyway through the years of agency nursing and permanent nursing, I have worked with RN's from the US of A with Associate degrees as both RN's and EN's. some were assessed as EN some RN's, this was from the old state boards.

I did read on one of the competencies for international trained nurses that if you are from the UK and US and not have a degree but further post grad or experience then this was acceptable. If I have time to find the link a will post it.

Australia needs RN's with experience so I would think you would be assessed favourably and you will not have to do the english test! you will be mostly understood here, yay....

ps. To be an RN here, as an Australian, a three year degree is the only way. Hospital training went out early 90's, then it was associate degree for 5 years and then its been batchelors degree since late 90's, some nurses updated from hospital certificate and college associates some did not. They have same responsibilities, same pay, can still do post grad, but when it comes to promotion, others with batchelors are supposed to get the promotion, though I am sure this does not always happen. We are very unionised so be prepared to join!!!

[ceridwyn]

http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Internationally-Qualified-Nurses-and-Midwives.aspx

Click on the pdf file it outlines the criteria for ID and education. It states for education that it should be a Bachelors degree, but similiar degree and experience that adds up to a local degree is considered. I did read somewhere on this site that the UK diploma and US associates degree with experience is considered enough to be registered as RN.

NSITGA

(Now see if this gets acknowledged!)

[Mary-Lou]

Thank you both for your responses!

I had read that document and it seemed that two different segments on page ten contradict each other. In one part it says bachelors or experience and then a few lines later it just says bachelors and 6 semesters of study. I got concerned when I saw that, since I got my Associates in 4 semesters.

When I called the board they said the only way they can give me an answer is if I apply. Hearing that you know RNs with an associates who have been licensed is very helpful though.

Thanks again!

[dancerpro]

I am a new grad with an ADN looking to move there as well. Hopefully I can get some more experience here and then move. Thanks for all the information!!

[masiagere]

I trained in a hospital registered no problem

[Squeeker76]

You would be fine getting registered here.