Find all the answers to the most frequently asked questions

FAQ Doctors

What will HealthStaff Recruitment's services cost me?
HealthStaff Recruitment's service to it's candidates is absolutely free.

How will my personal details be used and protected?
HealthStaff Recruitment prides itself on the high standards of privacy and data protection we achieve. Any information given to your specialist consultant will remain highly confidential and will only be shared with potential employers and relevant authorities.

Who decides which post I am put forward for?
You do. HealthStaff Recruitment will ask for detailed information from you that allows us to find a job that we think will suit all your requirements. If that post is not what you are looking for then we will be happy to repeat our search until we successfully find a post that suits you.

How will you contact me and keep me updated on my job options?
One of our specialist consultants will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your application. You will be updated regularly about the progress of your application via phone or email.

How long can I work in Australia?
Medical Practitioners wanting to work in Australia arrive on a temporary 457 Working Visa. This specific visa entitles you to live and work in Australia for a maximum of four (4) years with continued sponsorship.

How long is a typical contract in Australia?
Most positions offered to Medical Practitioners are for a duration of 6- 12 months however, most candidates extend their contracts as they are legally allowed to remain in Australia for a maximum of four (4) years with continued sponsorship.

I heard about Area of Need posts in Australia and was wondering if I would only be allowed to work in rural hospitals in the outback?
The majority of Area of Need positions are in large teaching hospitals within urban settings. There are also many posts available in rural and outback hospitals. Feel free to discuss your preferences with your HealthStaff Recruitment specialist.

What are the salaries like in Australia?
Medical Practitioner salaries in Australia differ from state to state in the public sector. Your salary would also depend on your grade and level of experience.

Here is an approximate salary guide as of 2008:

• Senior House Officer: $60,000- $80,000 per annum
• Registrar: $80,000- $110,000 per annum
• Specialist: $150,000- $ $280,000 per annum

The annual salary is not negotiable and is determined by your employer.
General Practitioner salaries are negotiable.

How long is the whole process from offer letter to start of assignment?
The registration and immigration process takes approximately 3- 6 months. This is depends heavily on how accurate and efficient you are in submitting all information required to complete your registration and immigration paperwork.

Will I be eligible for professional registration with my current qualifications and experience?
All applications for professional registration will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant Medical Board in your preferred state or territory. Non- specialist doctors in Australia may be eligible for some form of registration provided they meet the following criteria

• Training and experience in a first world country
• Are of good standing
• Are proficient in English

Will I be subject to English language testing?
Yes. It is a requirement by each state and territory Medical Board that you must complete and pass an English test if English is not your first language.
Possible exemptions may be granted if you have completed your secondary school education in one of the following countries

• UK
• Canada
• USA
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• South Africa

If you do not meet the exemption criteria, you must complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.

You can download an application form and register to complete you IELTS examination on one of the links below

http://www.britishcouncil.de/e/english/register.htm
United Kingdom

http://www.monash.edu.au/englishcentre/ielts/howtoapply.html
Australia

Can I commence or complete my training in Australia?
The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has recently introduced the Competent Authority Model. It is required of candidates from the UK, Canada, USA, and New Zealand to complete a period of workplace based performance assessment. As a result of your successful completion of the performance assessment, you will gain full registration and are not required to pass the Australian Medical Council examinations. This will confirm your eligibility for training posts.

If you are a candidate not from the above listed countries, you may find the completion of your training to be slightly difficult. Most employers require candidates to have successfully passed the AMC examination and have permanent residency in Australia. You may also have gained experience that may be credited to your existing training program in your country of origin. If you gain employment in Australia while working toward the AMC examination and your experience is with an accredited training hospital, your experience can be credited towards your training when applying for college training.

If English is not my native language, do I need to sit an English test?
Yes. It is a requirement that you successfully complete an English proficiency test. You must achieve a minimum score of 7 in each of the 4 components of the test. The results of your test are only valid for two years. If you have any concerns about the testing process then please talk to one of our specialist consultants. We are here to assist you in all aspects of the migration process as we offer uncompromised service. Another English test approved by the AMC is the Occupational English Test (OET) where you need to achieve a score of B in each module.
In New Zealand the required IELTS scores is 7.5 in each module and the OET is not recognised.

Will you be helping me with paperwork?
Yes, we assist you with registration, ensuring all required paperwork is in place and accurately completed. We also offer guidance and assistance with your visa application.

Is there an age limit for healthcare workers coming to work temporarily in Australia?
No. Provided your qualifications meet the required criteria for the position you wish to apply for, you will be eligible to work in Australia on a temporary basis, regardless of age.

Is the cost of living in Australia less than in, say, the UK?
Australia is generally thought of as a cheaper country to live in than UK because the Australian dollar is worth less than the UK pound. The cost of petrol, wine, sporting events and meat is generally cheaper in Australia than in the UK. The price of houses is more expensive in capital cities and rental property can be found to suit any budget.
Both Australia and the UK have cities which vary in socio- economic status and this will determine the estimated cost of living in your selected city. Living in or close to the city will be more expensive than living in a suburban area.

Do I need private health insurance while I am living/working in Australia?
It is strongly advised for you to have private health insurance as most employers will not consider you for employment unless you have it.
There are significant taxation incentives to taking out private health insurance which equate to the cost of insurance so you do not lose money if you need to make a claim. There is a choice of specific policies for visitors to Australia which you can review by following these links:

• Australian Private Health Insurance Guide: www.healthinsurance.com.au
• Medicare ( National Health Insurance): www.medicare.gov.au
• HBA Private Health Insurance: www.hba.com.au
• Medibank Private (Private Health Cover): www.medibank.com.au
• MBF Private Health Insurance: www.mbf.com.au
• Australian Unity (Private Health Insurance): www.australianunity.com.au/
• Information on Private Health Insurance: www.iselect.com.au

What are schools like in Australia and will I be able to enrol my children at any point in the school year?
State schooling here is very similar to that in European countries. Children begin school at age 5 and the Australian system is well resourced and of a high standard. There is much less pressure put on children here than in the UK with the emphasis being on producing active and resourceful lifelong learners rather than attaining a specified standard.

State schools must accept any child who lives in that particular school's residential zone. If you have children please speak to our specialist consultants who will be able to help you find suitable accommodation and schooling for your child/children.

Do I need to have an interview with my employers before they accept me for my post?
You will be interviewed by one of our specialist consultants before we find a suitable post for you. This initial phone interview conducted by one of our specialist consultants allows us to gain an understanding of your skills and helps us understand exactly what you want and need as you relocate to Australia. We offer a tailored service and this initial interview should streamline the process for you. Your prospective employers may want to interview you and HealthStaff Recruitment will arrange this for you via telephone.

For more useful information on working as a doctor in Australia, please click here

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