Can you practise medicine in Australia?
An International Medical Graduate must secure a position first to be eligible to apply for medical registration. Employers will not consider an applicant who is not eligible for registration.

So, if you are serious about working Down Under, you need to understand the basics about registration and employment criteria.

From 1 July 2010 nationally consistent pathways determine the registration of all medical practitioners (Australian, New Zealand or Overseas-trained) with the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) in order to practise medicine in Australia. The Board is supported by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which is responsible for the registration and accreditation of ten (10) health professions across Australia.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who do not qualify for general or specialist registration must be eligible to apply for limited registration via one of the following pathways:
Specialist
For applicants who have fulfilled all the training and examination requirements to practise in their field of specialty in their country of training. Consequently qualifications, training and experience must first be assessed by Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the relevant specialist college, to determine the equivalence of overseas training with Australian training, with a view to establishing eligibility to apply for specialist registration in Australia. The assessment processes include a paper-based assessment and in-person interview with the relevant specialist college.

We recommend that overseas trained specialists commence assessment of their specialist qualifications before applying for positions in Australia. Applications for specialist assessment are very complex and expensive. However, Wulff Medical Consulting is experienced and knowledgeable in the processing of all applications associated with medical employment in Australia, and for a fee we can provide assistance with your application for specialist assessment. And if you appoint Wulff Medical Consulting as your exclusive recruitment agency, we are happy provide this service free-of-charge.
Competent Authority
For non-specialist applicants who have completed specified training and assessment through approved overseas competent authorities.

Not sure?

  • Do you have a primary medical degree from the UK, Canada, USA, Ireland or New Zealand
  • Or have you completed the equivalent licensing exams, such as the PLAB I and II, NZREX, USMLE, LMCC
AND
  • Have you completed a full year of supervised practice in this country so that you are eligible for full and unconditional registration with the licensing authority in that country
Then you may be eligible to apply to AMC for an Advanced Standing Certificate. This is not an AMC certificate. To become eligible for an AMC certificate, the applicant must to undertake a workplace-based assessment while working under supervision in Australia, but is not required to sit the AMC MCQ or clinical examinations.

Applications for an Advanced Standing Certificate are not nearly as complicated as those for specialist assessment. If you would prefer to take advantage of our expert assistance for your application, we are here to help (for a fee). But, if you appoint Wulff Medical Consulting as your exclusive recruitment agency, we are happy provide this service free-of-charge.
Standard
For non-specialist applicants who are not eligible for registration under the Competent Authority Pathway. These applicants must first pass the AMC Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) examination. Information about times and locations of the exams is available from the AMC website.

The AMC Examination is designed to assess a candidate’s:

  • capacity to communicate with patients, their families and other health workers
  • medical knowledge, clinical skills and attitudes at a level required of newly qualified graduates of Australian medical schools who are about to begin intern training
The AMCMCQ is offered at regular intervals and many overseas locations.
Additional information / Employment criteria
  • Even if you meet the requirements for registration, it can prove difficult to be considered for a medical position in Australia if you do not possess experience in a health system similar to Australia. Employers receive many more applications than they need, especially for junior, non-specialist positions, and preference is given to IMGs with recent clinical experience in health systems similar to Australia.
  • This preference for experience in a health system similar to Australia is of less significance for specialist applicants. However, overseas trained specialists are recommended to commence assessment of their specialist qualifications before applying for positions in Australia.
  • Non-specialist applicants and general practitioners may also be required to participate in a Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI).
  • Final approval of medical registration is at the discretion of the medical board.

Elements common to all Pathways
Primary Source Verification. All IMGs must have their medical qualifications independently verified. This process is administered Australian Medic al Council (AMC) for the assessment of qualifications by the International Credentials Service of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates of the United States (EICS verification).

Evidence of English language proficiency. All medical practitioners seeking registration, regardless of country of origin, are required to validate their English language proficiency according to the English language skills registration standard. This provides an objective measure to determine whether the applicant’s language skills are appropriate to the professional requirements of Australian medical practice.

Orientation. All IMGs will be expected to undertake orientation to the health system, workplace and culture in order to work successfully in the Australian health environment. Employer Workplace orientation enhances IMG’s ability to work safely and with confidence in their new position. Structured orientation aims to familiarise the doctor with the physical, administrative and clinical work environment.

Continuing Professional Development. All medical practitioners, including IMGs, who are engaged in any form of medical practice, are expected to undertake appropriate continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain registration. CPD must be relevant to the registrant’s scope of practice for the purpose of maintaining, developing, updating and enhancing their knowledge, skills and clinical performance, to ensure the registrant’s ability to deliver appropriate and safe patient care.

 

Wulff Medical Consulting assesses each applicant individually. Take the first step by applying online.