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How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Zealand?
Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Jun 15, 2024 04:31 PM IST
The Indian healthcare system is booming like anything, however, nursing is considered an underrated profession in India. Despite this in India, for medical aspirants who are searching for alternatives to MBBS and other fields, the opportunities for nurses have increased.
For students searching for the best countries to become nurses other than India, New Zealand is the best option. New Zealand country has a great need for Nurses. Every year many internationally educated/qualified nurses register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand. The abundant career opportunities, higher salaries and flexible working schedule attract many nurses to work as registered nurses in New Zealand.
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This Story also Contains
- How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Zealand?
- How to Become A Registered Nurse In New Zealand From Overseas?
- Requirements For Registered Nurse in New Zealand
- What is a Credential Verification Service?
- Documents Required for Credential Verification at CGFNS
- Is CAP Exam Cancelled in New Zealand?
Now the question is how to become a New Zealand nurse from India. If you have completed your bachelor's or master's in nursing, then you can become a registered nurse in New Zealand. Along with your degree, you require decent work experience and English language requirements to qualify as a registered nurse in New Zealand.
Candidates who meet the requirements can register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand and practice nursing in New Zealand. Read the article below, which details the essential information and requirements to become a registered nurse in New Zealand from India.
How to Become a Registered Nurse in New Zealand?
There are two pathways to work as registered nurses in New Zealand. They are as follows.
Internationally qualified nurses can apply for a nursing license in New Zealand registration.
International students can study nursing courses in New Zealand and register for a nursing license in New Zealand.
Based on your qualifications and interests you can choose any pathway. We will first discuss the pathway for internationally qualified nurses.
Internationally Qualified Nurses
Who are internationally qualified nurses(IQN)? The IQNs are nurses who completed their nursing education and obtained a nursing license from overseas. Indian nurses with nursing license and work experience can seek this IQN pathway to work as nurses in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, there are 3 scopes of nursing practice:
Enrolled Nurse
Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
The application processes for nurse practitioners and enrolled nurses New Zealand are the same as for registered nurses. Only the eligibility criteria vary in each scope of practice in New Zealand.
How to Become A Registered Nurse In New Zealand From Overseas?
There are a series of steps to be followed for IQN to register as a nurse in New Zealand. Check the process mentioned below.
Check the eligibility requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ).
Apply for the credential verification service at CGFNS International.
Once verified, attend the Aotearoa New Zealand online courses for nurses.
Indian nurses need to apply and qualify for the assessment of competence as per the report of credential verification (if required)
Qualify the test and then apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Once you get your nurse registration in New Zealand, you can apply for jobs and work in New Zealand. You can check the detailed breakdown of the process on how to become a registered nurse in New Zealand through the information mentioned below.
Requirements For Registered Nurse in New Zealand
The Nursing Council of New Zealand has laid eligibility requirements for registered nurses in New Zealand. Nurses from India or international countries can check the requirements mentioned below.
Completed bachelor's or master's degree in Nursing
Hold a work experience of 2 to 3 years as a Registered Nurse
Proof of English language proficiency like IELTS(7.0) or OET.
Here, the mentioned education and experience can be from the home country (i.e., India) or any other international country. The eligibility criteria is the essential step in the process of how to become a registered nurse in New Zealand.
What is a Credential Verification Service?
Internationally qualified nurses who like to practice nursing in New Zealand have to undergo the credential verification service(CVS -NCNZ), to check whether their education and work experience qualifications meet the standard of the nurse registration NZ.
Where to apply for the Credential Verification? The CGFNS International is the website where you can apply for the credential verification service for nurses.
Documents Required for Credential Verification at CGFNS
While applying for credential verification at CGFNS, you are required to submit the following document mentioned below.
ID proof: Notarized passport/driver's license/government-issued photo identification.
English language proficiency proof: IELTS scores (7.0) or OET scores.
Nursing registration license
Nursing work experience proofs
Nursing education certificates
English Language Requirements for Nursing Registration
To work in New Zealand, nurses require English language proficiency. To show your English language proficiency there are 3 pathways.
English language test scores.
Evidence of English education in approved countries
Nurse registration license showing the candidate passed the English language test for obtaining registration in approved countries.
For the English test-based proof you can either appear for IELTS or OET. The required IELTS score is 7.0 in reading, listening, and speaking. Whereas for the OET, you must achieve 350 in reading, listening, and speaking and 350 in writing sections.
For the 2nd and 3rd pathways, the approved countries list are as follows.
United Kingdom
United States of America
Canada
Ireland
Singapore
Aotearoa New Zealand's online programmes
All internationally qualified nurses must undergo the online courses offered by the Nurse Council of New Zealand. These online programmes provide the safe nursing practices of New Zealand. At the end of the course, there will be short quizzes based on which the certification will be given. After taking these online courses you can appear for the assessment of competence, the details are given below.
Competent Assessment Tests & CAPs in New Zealand
Every internationally qualified nurse has to take the assessment of competence to demonstrate their ability to practise in New Zealand. All Indian and other internationally qualified nurses are required to take these tests. Only nurses who obtained nurse licenses from USA, UK, Ireland, British Columbia, Ontario, and Singapore need not require to appear for this assessment of competence.
What does an assessment of competence include? The assessment consists of two tests
Theoretical Exam
OSCE Exam
The theoretical test is an online exam, which can be taken from anywhere from the accredited Pearson exam centres. The OSGE is a 3 hours long clinical exam that needs to be attempted in New Zealand country. The OSGE is an objective Structure Clinical Exam.
Is CAP Exam Cancelled in New Zealand?
No. The Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) is a registration qualifying exam for Nurses in New Zealand. Those who applied to the Nurse Council of New Zealand before December 4, 2023, are required to take both CAP and assessment competence tests. For all the new nurses registration NZ, the CAP exam is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can a foreigner become a nurse in New Zealand?
Any international nurse with foreign nurse registration and work experience can apply for nurse registration in New Zealand. If you are a student you can even study nursing in New Zealand and become a nurse in that country.
2. Which exam is required for nurses in New Zealand?
Currently, the assessment of competence test is required to qualify for license registration in New Zealand. Those who applied for a New Zealand nursing license before December 4, 2023, are required to qualify for both the assessment of competence test and the CAP test.
3. Do the Nursing Council of New Zealand accept online IELTS test?
No. The Nursing Council does not accept any English language proficiency test that is attempted online or from other remote locations. The IELTS or OET tests must be taken at the approved testing centres on a computer.
4. Is work experience required for a registered nurse in New Zealand?
Yes, a minimum work experience of 2 to 3 years is required to work as a nurse in New Zealand. If you do not have any experience, you can get some experience in nursing and later apply for nurse registration in New Zealand.
Articles
Jan 14, 2025
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello there,
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:
NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:
-
Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
-
Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.
-
Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
-
Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.
Recommendations:
-
Research Canadian Medical Schools
: Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.
-
Prepare for MCAT
: If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.
Conclusion:
NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 12 October,2024
Hello Aspirant
Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.
The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.
Hope this helps.
Ishita 20 July,2024
The eligibility criteria for MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) can be based on domicile rather than place of birth.
MHCET often considers domicile, not necessarily the place of birth, for exam eligibility. Since your son has completed his entire school education in Maharashtra, this might strengthen his case for domicile in the state.
Overall, while being born in Canada might not be a direct disqualifier, having completed his schooling in Maharashtra strengthens his case for domicile in the state. By gathering documents to prove his residence and referring to the official MHCET website or helpline, your son can get a clearer picture of his eligibility for the exam.
https://www.careers360.com/exams/mht-cet
I hope it helps!
Nitin Kumar 08 June,2024
Hello aspirant,
Canada offers ample opportunities in the field of radiology. With a B.Sc in Radiology, you can explore various career paths in Canadian healthcare institutions, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinics. It's advisable to research the specific requirements and licensing procedures for radiology professionals in the province where you plan to settle, as regulations may vary. Pursuing further certifications or examinations recognized by Canadian authorities can enhance your prospects in the field of radiology in Canada.
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 08 March,2024
Dear aspirant !!
Hope you are doing good !!
Indian students must have an MBBS and clear USMLE tests to gain admission to post graduation after MBBS abroad in USA . It is important to understand that an MD/Doctor of Medicine (USA equivalent of MBBS in India) degree alone is not enough to practise medicine. A Medical PG in any specialisation is necessary..
Hope it helps you !!
Thanking you !!
Shivanshu 26 February,2024
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