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Important information for international medical graduates

From 1 JULY 2008 Australia has introduced new national requirements/standards for registration of doctors in all Australian states.

If you are in International Medical Graduate (IMG) seeking a position in Australia, please check your eligibility for registration in Australia prior to continuing your registration


Check Your Eligibility

Continue Your Registration

 

Australian Registration Requirements

Thank you for your interest in a doctor placement in Australia through Horizon Medial Recruitment.
The following information is provided as a guide to the registration requirements for doctor in Australia. This is a guide only, and further information and guidance will be supplied to you when you have successfully obtained an offer of employment.

 

English Language Proficiency

Australia has strict policy regarding English Language Proficiency. If you are an International Medical Graduate from a country where English is not the first language, then medical board registration in Australia will require you to demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be achieved by completing an examination, or by providing evidence of completion of your secondary schooling in English.

 

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

If you are unable to provide evidence of completing your secondary schooling/education in English (not tertiary education, such as your medical studies) you must have completed and pass a designated test of English proficiency generally, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination in the Academic module, within the previous two years.

Alternative tests are available- See the National English Language Proficiency Requirement for international medical graduates Policy for other acceptable tests.

Currently, in Australia, the requirement is a minimum overall score of 7.0 in IELTS with a minimum score in each of the four components/components of the test of not less than 7.0. Failure to at least achieve this level will exclude you from being able to apply for medial registration.

There are no exemptions to this policy. Everybody is required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English in accordance with the current policy.

Further information about the IELTS examination, including locations and examination availability can be found on the IELTS website.

View the Policy

 

Registration as a Doctor (Non-Specialist)

All Australian state and territory medical boards have implemented new registration requirements as part of a national assessment process. From 1 July 2008, all International Medical Graduate (IMG) applicants seeking registration will need to have:

This policy applies to all applications for registration made from 1 July 2008, and applications for registration can only be considered after you have received an offer of employment.

Competent Authority Pathway

You can apply for registration via the competent authority pathway if you are seeking registration for a non-specialist position and have completed and passed the examination process for registration in an AMC approved country
This pathway provides a streamlined registration assessment process for IMGs applying for non-specialist positions who have completed and passed the training and examination process for registration through a ‘competent authority’. Competent authorities are those medical examining bodies whose assessment processes have been designated by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) as being consistent with the medical training and assessment processes in Australia

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply under the competent authority pathway you must have undertaken the accredited process for registration in a country endorsed by the AMC. The AMC’s website will help you determine if your qualifications and experience meet the eligibility requirements. 

If you determine you are eligible, you will need to apply to the AMC for advanced standing toward the AMC Certificate as soon as possible, and will be able to be granted special purpose/conditional registration in Australia.

Upon satisfactorily completing 12 months supervised clinical practice in Australia with satisfactory supervisor assessment reports, you will then be able apply to the AMC for the full AMC Certificate and be eligible to apply for full general registration in Australia.

Standard Pathway

This pathway allows IMGs who have obtained qualifications from authorities who are not presently on the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Competent Authority approved list, to apply for special purpose/conditional registration in Australia in a non-specialist position.

This pathway requires that you successfully pass the AMC Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) examination prior to being eligible to apply for initial professional registration in Australia.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for special purpose registration through the standard assessment pathway you must hold a primary medical qualification recognised by the World Health Organisation and International Medical Education Directory (IMED), which was obtained outside Australia or New Zealand.

 

Registration as a Specialist Doctor

Specialist Pathway

If you hold specialist qualifications from outside Australia or New Zealand and you are seeking registration for a specialist position in Australia, you will need to have your specialist qualifications assessed by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) before applying for registration.

There are two pathways in Australia for recognition of specialist qualifications obtained internationally.
The Overseas Trained Specialist Pathway (OTS)
The Area of Need Pathway (AoN)

Overseas Trained Specialist Pathway

This involves verification of your qualifications by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), before they will refer your application to the relevant Specialist College for further assessment of eligibility.
Your application to commence this process can be done easily and quickly via the AMC web site. It should be noted that the process can take a considerable time, though the process is well explained on the AMC web site.

You must initiate application for assessment via the AMC web site. The AMC charges a fee for the initial verification process of specialist qualifications, which must be paid prior to you obtaining the necessary forms via the AMC web site. Assessment fees from the Specialist Colleges themselves vary but can be up to AU$7,000, depending on the College.

Area of Need Pathway

An Area of Need policy exists in Australian states to encourage IMGs to work as specialists in regional, remote and rural areas. The policy does help support registration and immigration requirements, but does restrict you to working in an Area of Need in Australia.

Horizon can assist you in securing a position for you in an "Area of Need". Area of Need status will provide you with the opportunity of being recognised as an internationally trained specialist, filling a position that has not been filled by an Australian trained specialist.

It is important to note that the Area of Need Pathway provides recognition as a specialist only in that specific position that you are accepting. Recognition of your qualifications Australia-wide will generally still require that you complete the OTS pathway. The advantage of the Area of Need Pathway is that you can be in Australia, working, and the relevant College has far better access to undertake an assessment toward fellowship and Australia-wide recognition.

It is also very important to note that recognition under the Area of Need Pathway does not guarantee recognition through the OTS Pathway, the assessment process of which may still require further training and examination by the College.
Information relevant to internationally trained specialists is contained in the Area Of Need User's Guide.


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