If you are a foreigner hoping to practice as medical staff in Australia, note that there are specific guidelines and requirements to pay attention to. The country is constantly looking for qualified professionals in this field, as it cannot supply enough on its own; it is thus searching for local and international doctors to fill the available positions.
Australia allows you to match your new job to your desired lifestyle and to your career goal. However, it has its own rules and the job application process for outsiders isn’t necessarily simple. The bureaucracy aspect can be downright intimidating, but job agencies and newer regulations can help a great deal. Read below our advice for securing a medical job in Australia:
The easiest way to get hired
You can first apply as a locum, to make the start easier for you. This refers to a filling a doctor position as a temporary substitute. Locum opportunities are frequent across Australia. While most permanent jobs are available in under-served rural areas, locums are easy to find in about any place in the country. This is partly due to the very dynamic work environment. Note that locum jobs victoria are particularly advantageous. However, you are free to look for jobs in locations that suit your lifestyle.
The myth of specialisation
It has been said for long that you cannot find a good doctor job in Australia (or a locum for that matter) unless you are a highly specialised medical practitioner. This is not true. Many hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities are in need of general medical practitioners, general physicians etc. This is valid whether you have in mind a metropolitan area or a remote region. Australia even accepts fresh graduates willing to practice or to specialise within its borders.
What follows the job acceptance process?
Once you apply for a job and you actually obtain it, you have to prepare yourself for what’s to come. In this case, you will have to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the country’s Medical Board, and its Medical council as well as apply for loans if needed, for pension, insurance, bank account etc. Some of these you can cater to consequent to your arrival, while others you will have to secure before you’re in Australia. Your successful application does not depend on these. You will get the job, but it is your duty to pass through this process once it is promised to you. The registration process is managed by the APHRA. Also, note that the certificates you will need have to be paid, so make sure to have enough funds.
Once you are done with these stages, your visa concerns are next. As the MBA approves your registration, your agency can make a visa nomination and you can file in an application for a worker’s visa that is sponsored by the employer.
Privileged qualifications
This is a country that needs doctors in all medical sectors. It’s rather your qualification place that counts. Thus, if you got a degree in the UK, the US, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands or Singapore, you can easily compare to Australian medical practitioners. If this doesn’t apply, then you can get recognition through the standard pathway via the Australian Medical Council.
