Previously
we touched upon the reasons why New Zealand is a popular
choice for Doctors desiring to work abroad. In this blog, I’ll be giving a basic introduction on the
registration with MCNZ, eligibility for registration and available pathways to
apply to work as a Doctor in New Zealand.
New
Zealand has been ranked within the top ten countries
in 2020 in terms of quality of life. International doctors seeking overseas
opportunities are often enticed by New Zealand’s strong healthcare system and
laid-back working conditions for Doctors.
Each
year more than 1,500 Doctors register with the Medical Council of New Zealand. Over
17,000 registered Doctors are currently practicing in New Zealand of which 40%
are overseas trained doctors from across 100 different countries.
To
practice medicine in New Zealand, doctors must gain registration from the Medical Council
of New Zealand (MCNZ) and have a practice
certificare. In order to register with the MCNZ, it’s important for doctors to
showcase their qualification, competency and preparedness.
Registration
The
registration process for Doctors aspiring to work in New Zealand is
straightforward compared to the Australian registration process. It would take
approximately a month to complete the application process with the MCNZ.
However, for the full immigration and registration process it might take 3
months once you have secured a position.
There
are various registration pathways depending on your qualifications, training,
experience, and employment duration. Before you register you need to meet the
MCNZ English language requirements. Pathways to non-specialist registration
require the doctor to secure a job offer with an employer prior to
registration.
Registration
Eligibility
According
to the New Zealand Medical Council, you are fit to register only if the
following conditions are met:
1. You can communicate effectively and
comprehend English sufficiently to protect public health and safety
2. You do not suffer from a physical or
mental disorder which may affect your ability to practice medicine
3. If you have a conviction for an
offence punishable by imprisonment for a term of three months or longer; the
offence does not reflect adversely on your fitness to practice
4. If you are under investigation or the
subject of professional disciplinary proceedings in New Zealand (or in another
country), that investigation or matter does not reflect adversely on your
fitness to practise
5. If you are subject to any of the
following orders, the order does not reflect adversely on your fitness to
practise. That is:
o an order of a professional
disciplinary tribunal in New Zealand or overseas
o an order of an accredited
educational institution
o an order of an authority or of a
similar body in another country
6. There is no reason to believe that
you may endanger the health or safety of members of the public.
Pathways
to Registration
If
you are planning to become a Medical Practitioner in New Zealand and want to
which pathway to follow, MCNZ’s Registration Self-Assessment Tool
can help you determine which pathway to registration you might be eligible for.
There are three main pathway scopes: General, Vocational and Special Purpose Scope. Each scope has multiple application pathways and specific requirements to be met in order to register. Your scope of practice will depend on your qualifications, experience, duration of employment in New Zealand.
Read
our next few blogs to know more about the General Scope, Vocational Scope, Special Purpose
Scope and the registration process. To speak with one of our consultants, email
your contact details to [email protected]
and we’d be happy to get in touch with you to help you reach your next career destination.
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