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Let’s explore the top five things you need to know before starting your journey to become a Registered Nurse in Australia. If you’re a registered nurse in your home country and Australia is your dream destination, this article is for you! Australia introduced a structured assessment for overseas registered nurses in March 2020, replacing the previous bridging program pathway. The new procedure, known as Outcomes Based Assessment (OBA), is governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
1. Self-Assessment Is Crucial
Before proceeding with the OBA procedure, you must assess whether your qualifications are relevant. Each country has different nursing qualifications, so it’s essential to determine if your qualification meets AHPRA’s criteria. You can use the Self Check form on AHPRA’s website, which provides an overview of the streams for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) and their OBA assessment pathways.
Stream A: IQNMs with qualifications considered substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an approved qualification.
Stream B: IQNMs with relevant qualifications but not substantially equivalent to an approved qualification.
Stream C: IQNMs with credentials that are not significantly equivalent or pertinent to an endorsed qualification.
After completing the Self Check, AHPRA’s database will identify the appropriate stream for your qualification. If you fall under Stream A or B, you can proceed to the payment gateway to submit the assessment fees and advance in the OBA procedure. However, if you are in Stream C, the system will prompt you to upgrade your qualification. Remember, completing the self-check doesn’t guarantee registration; it only outlines the assessment stages you must successfully complete before applying for registration.
2. Understanding the Costs Involved
It’s crucial to be aware of the costs associated with the OBA procedure to plan your finances accordingly. Here’s a breakdown of the fees involved, excluding any coaching, travel, or accommodation charges:
- Assessment Fees: 410 AUD
- NCLEX Examination Fees: 350 USD
- OSCE Examination Fees: 4000 AUD
- Registration Fees: 475 AUD
3. Portfolio Document Attestation
Prepare the following documents for submission in your online portfolio:
- Nursing educational documents (Marksheets, Degrees, Registration certificates, and transcripts).
- Identity Proof
- Residential Proofs
- Ensure that all the above documents are correctly attested according to AHPRA guidelines and uploaded to your online application dashboard.
4. The Big Examinations – NCLEX and OSCE
Once your portfolio is positively assessed by AHPRA, you will be eligible to appear for the NCLEX exam. The NCLEX exam, conducted by Pearson Vue in most countries, assesses whether you are a safe nurse to practice in Australia. Successfully clearing this examination marks a momentous milestone in your pursuit.
After successfully passing the NCLEX RN exam, you can proceed to pay for your OSCE examination. The OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) is a half-day practical examination held by AHPRA at the Adelaide Health Simulation Lab in South Australia. This exam evaluates your behavioral and nursing skills through ten exam stations.
5. Timelines and Conclusion
Time is a valuable factor in the OBA procedure, and the timelines may vary for each individual. However, here are the major timelines involved:
Portfolio Assessment to NCLEX RN Approval: Up to 12 weeks
Authorisation to Test Number Issuance (after NCLEX fees payment): 4-6 weeks
NCLEX Results Publication: Up to 6 weeks
OSCE Results Publication: Up to 6 weeks
Final Application of Registration after passing OSCE exam and document submission: Up to 6 weeks
In conclusion, the OBA procedure for becoming a Registered Nurse in Australia involves significant steps that require systematic completion. International nurses must demonstrate their competencies through exams and supporting evidence to fulfill their dream of becoming an RN in Australia. So, what are you waiting for? Start your OBA procedure this week and take a step closer to realizing your aspirations!
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