How to Get a Medical or Health Professional Registration in New Zealand
Medical, Nursing and Health Professionals Wanted for Aotearoa New Zealand, the "Land of the Long White Cloud"
New Zealand has a skills shortage in the healthcare field and many opportunities for doctors, nurses and allied health professionals in its 20 district health boards which provide the state financed public medical and dental care to its 5 million population. With vacancies all over the country, there are plenty of jobs to chose from if one has the right licence to practice in the country and an anual practice certificate from the appropriate organisation responsible for the registration and educational standards of your profession.
Registration requirements and pathways are straighforward and relatively fast to complete, should you be well prepared with all the relevant information.
Registration Requirements
You will need to hold qualifications accepted by the relevant organisation and an active practice license in your current jurisdiction. Additional requirements are:
- EPIC Report: primary source verification of qualifications
- English Language Testing: IELTS or OET are accepted if proof of English fluency is required. If you have worked in or hold citizenship from an English speaking country - UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA - this will not be required.
- References: 3 professional referees working in the same discipline with whom you have working in the last 2 years and one of whom must be from your current employment.
Professional Registration Boards
Each profession has its own specialist board which manages the registration and education of its members. You will need to apply to the appropriate board for the correct licence category which will usually be a provisional registration for the first 6-12 months in the country.
In most circumstances, you will need to have your registration approved or near completion in order to be considered for job vacancies in New Zealand.
Please contact our recruiters for advice and assistance with the registration process if you have questions or concerns.
DOCTORS: The Medical Council of New Zealand
There are two main categories of registration:
- General Registration: open to all physicians who meet the criteria to practice in non specialist roles
- Vocational Registration: for specialist physicians whose qualifcations and experience will be assessed by the relevant College before approval. This registration category allows you to work as a specialist (consultant).
DENTISTS AND DENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Dental Council of New Zealand
The dental Council of New Zealand registers all professionals working in the field of Oral Health including dentists and dental specialists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral health therapists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic auxilliaries.
The Dental Council website has a number of self assessment tools which you can use to determine the correct pathway for your application for registration.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS: New Zealand Psychologists Board
The New Zealand Psychologists Board is the regulatory authority appointed under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 in respect of the profession of psychology. All persons using the title psychologist in New Zealand must be registered with the board.