IELTS Score For Nurses in Australia

One of the most aspiring career options, which shows high demand in Australia, is none other than nursing. Are you a nurse looking for better career opportunities in Australia? The health care sector in Australia is booming, and the career opportunities are getting better.

Introduction

The shortage of skilled nursing professionals increased the demand for nurses in Australia. The government welcomes qualified nurses from across the globe to provide quality healthcare services. The work-life balance of the nurses in Australia is highly commendable.

The nurses in Australia have more career satisfaction and pay, in addition to other perks and benefits. Australia has slowly turned itself into the dream workplace for nursing professionals across the globe.

If you wish to become a qualified nursing professional in Australia, you need to prove your English language proficiency. In order to communicate well with the patients, doctors, colleagues, and family members, English language proficiency is regarded as mandatory.

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Proving your language skills will increase your chance of getting more lucrative opportunities in the major cities in Australia.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most advanced and widely accepted English proficiency test, which proves your skills in handling the English language. For nurses working in Australia, IELTS is the major criterion for the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration.

Why Nurses Need IELTS to Work in Australia?

IELTS is regarded as the mandatory requirement to register with the national health care body, which approves and permits the health care professionals in Australia. Proving your language skills is the basic requirement to register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency.

Australia demands high standards from health care professionals. Proving that language skills are essential, as it standardises the selection criteria for the nurses who migrate to Australia as healthcare professionals.

The nurses should demonstrate their language skills. They are directly communicating with the patients, relatives, and colleagues. They should communicate clearly and effectively.  Language proficiency is required for nurses in Australia, as it is directly connected with the safety of the patients.

While explaining the medical conditions of the patients, communication is the key. While working on the patient’s history, you need to demonstrate your language skills. While giving instructions to the patients and bystanders, your language proficiency must be more important, as it is a matter concerning the safety of patients.

• Workplace commission
• Professional standards
• Visa requirements

Minimum IELTS Score Required

IELTS demands a minimum score for nurses who wish to work in Australia. The AHPRA has set a standard for nurses who wish to work in the medical sector. The general training is not accepted by the board. IELTS Academic is the version that you ought to attend.

For the IELTS test, which includes listening, reading, speaking, and writing, you need to score a minimum of 7.0 band score. The band score (overall) required for the IELTS exam is 7.

If your band score is less than 7, you will be disqualified. Make sure that your overall band score is not less than 7. In every individual section, the candidates need to score an overall band score of 7 or above.

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Other English Tests Accepted by AHPRA

AHPRA not only accepts the IELTS academic test but also accepts OET, TOEFL, and PTE Academic. Based on the background and experience, you can choose your best option. You have to prove your worth as a professional who can use the English language effortlessly.

• OET (Occupational English Test)
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge C1 Advanced

OET

OET is the Occupational English Test, which can help you to prove your proficiency in using the English language. You have to score a minimum of a B grade in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. As OET is more healthcare-based, it is widely preferred by healthcare specialists across the globe.

TOEFL

TOEFL demands an overall minimum score of 65 in each of the sub-sections.

For listening and reading, one must score a minimum of 24 marks. For writing, the score should be 27, and for speaking, one should score 23 marks in total.

PTE Academic 

The minimum score required for each module is 65. Those who score below 65 will not be further considered for the procedures.

In addition, if you are opting for the Cambridge C1 Advanced test, the score required to pass the test is 185.

IELTS vs OET: Which Is Better for Nurses?

Here are the key differences between IELTS and OET. You have to choose between IELTS and OET based on your preference and features. OET is purely based on nursing English, whereas IELTS is based on academic English. Know the key difference between IELTS and OET here.

IELTS has global recognition and is widely used for migration purposes. OET is mostly related to healthcare scenarios and can be easily associated with the medical sector. OET mostly focused on the communication involved in the healthcare sector.

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 How to Take the IELTS Test for Nursing in Australia?

The IELTS test for nursing in Australia should be carefully attended. Before attending the exam, you need to book the test. The test booking can be done through the IELTS Academic test via

• British Council
• IDP Education

Both authorities are accepted worldwide, and the results of both tests are valid.

Test Format

Given below are the four modules of the IELTS Academic tests.

Validity

From the test date, the validity of the IELTS test is 2 years.

Tips on Preparing For The Test

Here are the basic tips for the preparation of the test. You have to follow the systematic method to crack the IELTS test.

• Familiarise yourself with the exam structure.
• Understand the nature of the test.
• Academic English should be prioritised.
• Daily writing practice
• Practice speaking in front of the mirror.
• Choose where to book the test wisely.
• Know the validity of the test.

English Language Evidence Exemptions

AHPRA gives an exemption in certain cases. If you could submit the proof for the following, you can be exempt from taking IELTS or OET.

Tertiary nursing education completion in English from a recognised country like New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Canada, or the USA

Five years of continuous English learning recognised by any one of these countries, such as New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Canada, or the USA

Combined Test Scores Rule

AHPRA helps you to get the combined results of the two sittings if you couldn’t perform well in the single sitting. The criteria include that both attempts should be done within 6 months.

• Band scores above 0.5 in IELTS
• Scoring 7.0 across two sittings of IELTS

Example

Test 1

• Reading-7
• Writing-7.5
• Listening-6.5
• Speaking-7.0

Test 2

• Speaking- 7.0

If the two tests are attended within 6 months, you can combine the results and meet the desired requirement.

Steps After Getting the IELTS Score

Here are the basic steps for getting hold of the IELTS scores.

• Apply for AHPRA registration.
• Need to submit the IELTS results.
• Submit the nursing qualification.
• Submit the proof of education.
• Complete the IQNM (Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives assessment process).

Apply for Migration

• Apply for a skilled migration visa.
• Common visas include: Permanent Residency via state nomination—Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa)
• Employer-sponsored – Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)
• Live in regional areas and work—Subclass 491 (Skilled Regional Visa)

Search for Employment 

• Apply for nursing positions either directly or via agencies.
• Make sure to choose the agencies that specialise in health care.

 Conclusion

For nurses who wish to build a career in Australia, better communication skills are inevitable. The IELTS test with a minimum score of 7.0 band will make you qualified to get a visa for better career options. English language skill is a mandatory skill you should nourish to prosper in a career in the medical field.

The nurses are not eligible to register with AHPRA or for a migration visa without the IELTS. This is regarded as the essential skill. If you are purely based in an English-speaking country, you can apply for an exemption.

Scoring more than the minimum required scores is crucial to becoming a nurse in Australia. If you wish to crack your IELTS, you need to prepare well for the exam. Choosing the right learning partner can give wings to your Australian dreams. Check out Entri’s IELTS preparation course for nurses!