Is Nursing the Permanent Career for you?
Nursing shortage is good news for migrants and international students
Nurses are the life blood of our health system.
But unless there is a transfusion of new blood, the Australian health system will deteriorate according to a Federal Government study into Australia’s future health workforce.
The Health Workforce study identifies a chronic shortfall of nurses into the future and predicts Australia’s demand for nurses will significantly exceed supply in the medium to long-term (with a projected shortfall of approximately 85,000 nurses by 2025, or 123,000 nurses by 2030 under current settings).
While the report’s prognosis may be grim for Australia’s health sector, it’s good news for overseas trained nurses hoping to migrate to Australia … and international students looking for a rewarding career option, long-term employment, and the possibility of staying in Australia once their courses are completed.
Currently the Australian Department of Home Affairs welcomes nursing practitioners and midwifes, as well as nursing educators, managers, researchers and clinical directors under a range of visa classes on its eligible skilled professions list.
And for those considering study in this area, there are upward of 60 educational institutions throughout Australia offering nursing training through a broad range of healthcare courses.
Immigration Gurus has agreements with many of these education providers and can give specialist educational and visa advice for those wishing to apply for nursing positions or to study nursing in Australia.
Help stop Australia’s health system hemorrhaging by contacting Immigration Gurus today.
Nursing Course changes sees English score increasing to 7.0 IELTS
Nursing is the largest profession in the health workforce and as such offers more employment opportunities than other occupations in Australia.
Whether you are a trained nurse or interested in studying nursing, nursing can offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia as it’s on the Australian Department of Home Affairs medium to long-term skilled occupation list.
For international students considering nursing as an option, it’s timely to check your eligibility for the wide range of nursing courses available in Australia.
There are a range of points to consider including a new requirement for higher English levels to study a Diploma of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing course.
From July 1, 2018, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) will require international students to provide evidence at enrolment of an English level of a minimum of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
AHPRA has implemented the higher standard as international students have been finding it difficult to study at a lower English level.
Are you study ready under the new requirements? Here’s a checklist list to help you assess your eligibility for nursing study.
What qualifications do I need for Nursing?
You will need to have completed a Year 12 certificate. Some schools also require some experience in the industry or a prior qualification such as a Certificate III or IV in Aged Care, Community Services or a Health Services preparation course.
What level of English do I need for a Diploma of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing course?
To enrol in a Diploma of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing course, students will need to provide evidence at enrolment of an English level of a minimum of 7.0 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no band less than 7.0 (or equivalent).
Are there any exceptions to the English level requirements for Nursing study?
Some schools will allow you to study an English course that is specially designed for the Diploma of Nursing — a Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Course, or a Certificate III or IV in Aged Care. This means you can start these specific courses with a lower IELTS score, but you will need to obtain a IELTS 7.0 score to commence the Diploma of Nursing or Bachelor of Nursing course.
What English test scores will I need?
- Academic IELTS 7.0 with 7.0 across all bands.
- Occupational English Test (OET) with minimum score of B in each of the four components.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four components.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT) at a minimum overall score of 94 with reading at a minimum of 24, listening a minimum of 24, speaking at a minimum of 23, and writing at a minimum of 27. (see our blog on WHAT ENGLISH TEST SHOULD I DO FOR AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION? March 30, 2017)
What is the time frame for completing my English tests for Nursing study?
The results can be collected across two tests within a six-month period. There are also other exemptions if you have undertaken and satisfactorily completed at least six years’ continuous education, taught and assessed in English, in a list of recognised countries. Conditions apply to these exemptions. For more information, visit: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
What qualification do I attain with a Diploma of Nursing?
A Diploma of Nursing gives you an Enrolled Nurse qualification, enabling entrance into a Bachelor of Nursing degree. With this qualification, you can become a Registered Nurse.
How many years of study is required for a Diploma of Nursing?
A Diploma of Nursing requires 18 months to two years of study.
Does a Diploma of Nursing count towards a Bachelor of Nursing degree?
Once completed, a Diploma of Nursing can take up to one year off the Bachelor course, reducing your Bachelor’s study from three to two years.
What are the costs of nursing studies?
Diploma tuition costs vary from $24,000 – $30,000.
A Bachelor of Nursing costs from $25,000 – $35,000 per semester.
Where is practical nursing training conducted?
Students complete supervised clinical placement in hospitals, nursing homes and/or healthcare agencies.
Can nursing study lead to permanent residency?
Nursing practitioners and midwifes, and nursing educators, managers, researchers and clinical directors are currently on the Australian Department of Home Affairs medium to long term occupation list which can potentially lead to Permanent Residency for successful applicants.
All these requirements may sound daunting, but Immigration Guru’s specialist education and migration team can help you find the right pathway to your future nursing career.
And we can put you in touch with reputable English course providers to improve your English levels for a career that promises long term job satisfaction and a pathway to Australian residency.
