1. Sep, 2021
A Guide To Become A Registered Nurse In New Zealand
Nursing is one of the most respected professions in New Zealand that has a lot of benefits. Registered nurse can start practicing their career as soon as they gain their registration the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). The Immigration New Zealand has given priority to process the Residence Applications for Nurses candidates who meet the eligibility assessment, due to the shortage of nurses in New Zealand.
However, to become a registered Nurse in New Zealand, you will need to first obtain the registration from the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). To do so, you are required to have:
- Nursing Qualification – Bachelor degree or Master Degree.
- Work experience – Minimum 2 years in the last 5 years (after registration in the home country). This means that you should be an overseas registered nurse with two years of practical experience in the last five years
- English language proficiency – IELTS (with a score of overall and individual 7) or OET B (minimum 350 scored in each band) or a club score of either IELTS or OET.
If you have the above, then you must first apply to The Credentials Verification Service for the Nursing Council of New Zealand (CVS-NCNZ) CGFNS International Inc. CGFNS International would then inspect the authenticity of your work experience, personal identity, and education documents. This process is designed to determine that your education and work experience are genuine and satisfy the NCNZ requirements. Once the report is ready, CGFNS will forward the same to the NCNZ.
The NCNZ will review your report and decide on your registration. You may be required to complete a Competence Assessment Program (CAP) prior to registration.
What is CAP NURSING PROGRAM IN NEW ZEALAND?
CAP (Competence assessment program), is the pathway for an internationally-registered nurse to obtain the nursing registration in New Zealand. It is an 8-12 weeks training program offered by various academic institutions for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Returning Nurses. This is an intensive program that comprises of theory and practical sections. Which includes study in regulations in New Zealand, ethics, quality assurance, cultural safety and preparation for clinical practice.
A completion certificate from this program will assist you to meet the Nursing Council New Zealand’s (NCNZ’s) competencies for practising as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand. CAP course fees ranges between NZD $10,000 - $15,000 for an International student.
After completion of this program, you can work as a Registered Nurse in New Zealand; or enrol in postgraduate studies; or even work in other Nursing related healthcare posts.
Applicants to this course must meet the eligibility criteria of English Language Proficiency, academic requirements, work experience as mentioned above, as well as they must complete an International Criminal History Check (ICHC) for every country they have lived in for twelve months or more over the last ten years.
It is worth to mention that Registered Nurse average salary in New Zealand is between NZD 54,000 to NZD 78,000 per annum (as per career), which is supposed to be sufficient and enough to support a family in a safe and sound environment while working in the best healthcare setups.
So, what are you waiting for?
If you are an overseas registered nurse and would like to live & work in New Zealand, please contact us to assist you accordingly!