Nurse Practitioner Programs in Australia

scarah · Jul 20, 2010

Hey all...
I'm an American RN with a BSN and I was just wondering if anyone knows about nurse practitioner programs in Australia. I've looked at University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, and University of Queensland but no programs are available for international students. Any information is welcome. Thank you.
x

Hi there,

First of be aware that the NP model is Australia is a long way behind/very different the NPs of the USA, and if you're looking for a NP program that will qualify you to work back in the USA then it might be a whole lot more trouble than it's worth studying in Australia. Doing the course in Australia is unlikely to satisfy the USA requirements.

Also be aware that until a few weeks ago each state in Australia had it's own registration system for healthcare professionals and each had it's own requirements for NP status. Each University course would satisfy the requirements of the state where it was based, but not necessarily the requirements of another state. Thus registration of NP was not easily transferable between states. National registration only came into effect at the start of July and hence is still new and probably not quite as smooth as it should be. Visit the national board website for more info http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/en.aspx

If you are looking at working in Australia as an NP then a course alone is not enough, you also need a lot of clinical experience and expertise. This document in particular will help clarify the requirements, http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD10%2f137&dbid=AP&chksum=Qyu3rfmyxhyGBnNNRAAauw%3d%3d and you can see a big clinical component to the requirements. Because of this there is not really provision for overseas nurses to come here just to study NP because they do not satisfy the other requirements for registration as NP in Australia.