OBA for International Nurse and Midwife
Are you planning to pursue a nursing career in Australia? Expert Education provides you with the guidance you need to register and start your practice. If you are not already in Australia, you may need to apply for a visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
To work as a nurse or midwife in Australia, you need to apply and register with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
At the heart of healthcare and supporting the hospitality of medical centres, becoming a nurse is a fulfilling career. Australia offers those interested in pursuing this field the opportunity to work and touch lives simultaneously.
However, there are specific requirements to meet, including the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) system for internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs). OBA is a new pathway for the international registered nurses and midwives to get their Australian Nursing Registration by assessing their overseas nursing qualifications and experiences. Only applicants with overseas nursing registrations can apply for the OBA course.
OBA criteria and requirements
The OBA aims to evaluate the nursing skills of qualified health professionals to adhere to Australian standards. This assessment provides you with the eligibility to become a qualified nurse in Australia.
The test consists of a fixed assessment system.
- First stage: Completing a self-check before applying for registration
- Second stage: Giving a multiple-choice questions assessment (NCLEX)
- Third stage: Attending an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE)
In the process, you get to upgrade your skills, knowledge and employability in the nursing field.
The requirements of OBA include:
- Applicants must have a referral letter from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency (AHPRA). The AHPRA will identify the applicant’s eligibility based on the five criteria designed by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
- Criminal history
- Level of English language fluency
- Continuing professional development
- Recent practice profile
- Professional indemnity insurance
The multiple-choice questionnaire or MCQ exam evaluates the applicant’s professional knowledge.
Internationally qualified nurses and midwives (IQNMs) pursuing enrollment in Australia as a registered nurse (RN), enrolled nurse (EN), or midwife have separate exams.
The Registered Nurse Objective Structured Clinical Examination (RN OSCE) is the practical examination for internationally qualified registered nurses looking to enrol in Australia as a registered nurse.
Connect with our team today to properly understand the criteria and eligibility for becoming an international nurse in Australia!
How Expert Education can help you prepare
We are associated with providers offering OSCE preparatory courses for the NCLEX and OSCE examination. We have programs starting every month, so you can begin preparing at a time suitable to your plans to move to Australia. This preparation class will help you build your confidence with the NCLEX strategies and strengthen your critical thinking skills with online interactive sessions.
The preparatory course duration is 12 – 13 weeks, and the schedule is provided below:
| Module I – NCLEX-RN Preparation | 8-10 weeks (Online Classes) |
| Module II – OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Preparation | 3 weeks (Blend of Online and face to face) |
Preparation Course Fees:
The cost of the preparation class is AUD 5,500.
Learning Objectives:
After the completion of this program, the students will be able to:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the Australian healthcare system.
- Analyse the roles and functions of registered nurses in the Australian healthcare context.
- Develop an understanding of the NMBA (Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia) standards of practice and code of ethics for registered nurses.
- Build competencies in delivering culturally safe care to ethnic groups in Australia.
- Review common disease conditions and nursing care plans.
- Develop skills in performing procedures in the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
Get in touch with the Expert Education team to guide and prepare you for your nursing career in Australia.