New AHPRA Pathway: Can Nurses Now Work in Australia Without the OSCE?

Huge news is shaking up the Australian dream for many Filipino nurses. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) has officially introduced a new, streamlined registration standard for Internationally Qualified Registered Nurses (IQRNs), effective from April 2025.

At-a-Glance: The New NMBA Streamlined Pathway

The Golden Ticket: The 7 "Comparable" Countries

This new standard hinges on whether you have significant experience in a country whose healthcare system the NMBA considers comparable to Australia's. The approved jurisdictions are:

• United Kingdom

• Ireland

• United States

• Canada (only British Columbia and Ontario)

• Singapore

• Spain

Crucial Note for Filipino RNs: Please be aware that the Philippines is not currently on this list. This new pathway is not for nurses whose sole experience is in the Philippines. It is designed for Filipino nurses who have gone on to work extensively in one of the seven countries listed above.

Breaking Down the Two New Pathways

If you have the required experience, you may be eligible through one of two new pathways.

Pathway 1: Qualified in a Comparable Country

This is for nurses who earned their nursing degree and registration in one of the seven comparable jurisdictions.

You may be eligible if:

• You hold a nursing qualification that led to registration in one of the 7 countries.

• You have practiced as a Registered Nurse for at least 1,800 hours in one or more of those countries since January 1, 2017.

• You meet all other NMBA registration standards (e.g., English language proficiency, etc.).

Pathway 2: Licensed & Experienced in a Comparable Country

This is the most relevant pathway for many highly-skilled Filipino nurses. It's for those who qualified elsewhere (like the Philippines) but have since gained licensure and experience in a comparable country.

You may be eligible if:

• You earned your nursing degree outside the 7 comparable countries (e.g., you have a BSN from the Philippines).

• You have successfully passed the regulatory nursing exam (like the NCLEX-USA or UK-CBT) in a comparable country.

• You have practiced as a Registered Nurse for at least 1,800 hours in one or more of those countries since January 1, 2017.

• You meet all other NMBA registration standards.

Example: You earned your BSN from a top university in the Philippines and hold a PRC license. You then passed the NCLEX-USA, became a USRN, and have been working full-time in a California hospital for the last two years. This new pathway could be for you.

What if I Don't Qualify? The Standard Pathway is Still Your Route

If you are a Filipino RN without the required 1,800 hours of practice in one of the seven listed countries, do not worry. Your path to Australia remains clear through the existing, standard process:

• The Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) Pathway: This is the primary route for most Filipino nurses and involves passing two exams:

1. NCLEX-RN (MCQ Exam)

2. OBA-OSCE (Practical Clinical Exam in Australia)

For further inquiries about the requirements, qualifications, and fees for the NCLEX Australia Application, kindly email us at inquiry@medexamcenter.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does this new rule mean I can use my PRC license to work directly in Australia? A: No. The Philippines is not a comparable jurisdiction. This rule applies only if you have substantial work experience as an RN in one of the seven listed countries.

Q: I am a USRN but I work in the Philippines. Do I qualify? A: No. The requirement is for at least 1,800 hours of practice within the comparable jurisdiction (e.g., within the USA), not just holding the license.

Q: If I qualify, do I still need to take an English test like IELTS or OET? A: Yes, most likely. All applicants must meet the NMBA's English language skills registration standard.

Navigating these new rules to see if you can bypass the OSCE can be confusing. The difference between pathways, calculating practice hours, and ensuring your documents are perfect is a high-stakes process.

Don't leave your Australian dream to chance. As a pioneer in international medical exam applications, NEAC specializes in providing clarity and expert guidance. We assess your unique background against the latest AHPRA standards to determine your fastest, most cost-effective route to registration. Our team handles the complex paperwork so you can focus on your career.

Find out which Australian pathway is right for you.

For a personalized assessment of your qualifications against the new NMBA standard, 

📩 Email us at: inquiry@medexamcenter.com

💬 Chat with us anytime: https://www.messenger.com/t/neacmedexams Let us make your application seamless and successful.