New assessment model begins for international nurses and midwives

10 Mar 2020

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has launched an evidence-based new assessment model for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs).

The new model ensures consistency in the assessment of any nurse or midwife who has qualified overseas and wishes to register to practise in Australia. 

NMBA Chair, Associate Professor Lynette Cusack, said that the model had the expectations of the Australian community at its centre.

‘Australians trust that they will receive the same excellent standard of care from their nurses and midwives, no matter where someone has trained,’ Associate Professor Cusack said. 

‘The NMBA’s new assessment model enables a flexible workforce while ensuring that everyone who is registered in Australia can meet the same high standards of nursing and midwifery practice.’ 

The new model includes an orientation to the Australian healthcare context, including training in cultural safety.

As part of the new model, IQNMs who are assessed as holding relevant but not substantially equivalent qualifications will be referred to a new outcomes-based assessment (OBA). 

‘The OBA replaces the need for bridging programs for IQNMs with relevant but not equivalent qualifications,’ Associate Professor Cusack said.

‘It’s a two-stage process, with candidates needing to pass a multiple-choice exam and a clinical exam.’  

More information on the new assessment model is available on the NMBA website. 

For more information:

• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200.
• Visit the Internationally qualified nurses and midwives section of the NMBA website. 
• Lodge an online enquiry form.
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 03 9275 9009 (overseas callers).