As the largest island in the world and oldest continent, Australia is best known for its dramatic landscapes, beaches, ancient indigenous history, and unique animals. With rich multicultural city centres, Australia’s history of migration has helped define its cultural landscape resulting in lifestyles that are diverse and dynamic.
Are you thinking about working as a healthcare professional in Australia? We’ve put together informative guides that can help you understand what it takes to register, work and live in Australia. Part three of our guides covers information about registration, and the OET Test. For parts one and two of our series, check out the below links:
Ultimate guide to living and working in Australia: part one
Ultimate guide to living and working in Australia: part two
For Nurses
Nurses who want to work in Australia must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). To do so, healthcare workers must first prove their competency with the English language, and their communication skills. You can do this by sitting an English test, such as the OET Test.
Introduction to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)
The NMBA regulates nurses and midwives in Australia, it does this by making sure all practicing nurses and midwives have the required training, education and skills, as well as the right level of English, to work effectively in the Australian healthcare system.
All nurses and midwives must register with NMBA to work in Australia.
The NMBA has strict requirements for qualifications, and you must provide proof that your English is at the right level to work in Australia. After sitting an English test such as OET and achieving the required scores, you can then register with the NMBA.
For more information, look at the following useful resources:
Who recognises OET | OET (navigate to the ‘Australia’ category to find more information on the NMBA requirements)
Information about applying for registration with NMBA
For Doctors
The first thing you need to know is that doctors who want to work in Australia must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA). To do so, overseas-trained doctors must first prove their competency with the English language, and their communication skills. Sitting an English test, such as OET can meet this requirement.
Introduction to the Australian Health Practitioner Agency (AHPRA)
AHPRA regulates medical doctors in Australia. It’s responsible for making sure doctors have the required training, education, practical knowledge, as well as the right level of English to work effectively in the Australian healthcare system.
All doctors must register with AHPRA to work in Australia.
AHPRA has strict requirements for medical qualifications, and you must provide proof that your English is at the right level to work in Australia. Once you’ve taken an English test and achieved the required scores, you can register with AHPRA.
For more information, look at the following useful resources:
Who recognises OET | OET (navigate to the ‘Australia’ category to find more information on the AHPRA requirements)
Information about applying for registration with AHPRA
Information about taking the OET Test
Our international English language test, the OET Test, assesses the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who want to register and practise in an English-speaking workplace.
Why do healthcare professionals choose the OET Test?
- We've designed our tests to mirror the language you'll use every day in healthcare settings, ensuring you're well-equipped to communicate confidently and effectively with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams.
- OET tests all four language skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening - so your communication is workplace ready.
- Our test is healthcare-specific, so it’s easier for you to succeed on test day and beyond.
- The OET Test is recognised by Australia’s NMBA and APHRA as proof of your ability to provide safe patient care.
- OET is a name trusted and recognised worldwide by 450+ healthcare regulators, employers and educational institutions.
- We provide a wealth of HYPERLINK "http://oet.com/ready" preparation resources to ensure a smooth and effective language assessment. We're here to help you become test-ready, so you can confidently demonstrate your language proficiency throughout your career.
You can find more helpful information on the OET website, including:
What’s in the test and how is it scored?
Where and when can I take the OET Test?
How can I prepare for the OET Test?