New Zealand HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY REGISTRATION
In order to practice in New Zealand, health professionals, who are registered outside of New Zealand, must first apply to the relevant regulatory body.
The New Zealand registration boards are listed below, alongside links to help you learn more about the specific requirements for each authority.
Need assistance? Feel free to email us at nzhealth@workingin.com. As always, we are here to help guide and support you.
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY
NURSING
Internationally qualified nurses that hold current registration and meet Nursing Council standards may apply to become registered to practice in New Zealand. Review the seven standards here and assess your eligibility to register.
Midwifery
Internationally qualified midwives registered with a registration authority that performs a similar function to the NZ Midwifery Council may be considered for registration in New Zealand. Find out about the criteria for registration here.
MEDICINE
Medicine
There are a range of ways in which doctors can qualify for registration in New Zealand. In every case, the council must be satisfied that the applicant is qualified, competent and fit to practice. Find out if you are eligible to register to practise in NZ and read about the different registration pathways here.
ALLIED HEALTH AND TECHNICAL
Anaesthetic Technology, Medical Laboratory Science
Holders of an overseas medical laboratory science or anaesthetic technology qualification can apply for registration with the Medical Sciences Council. Your qualifications and experience will be assessed to determine if they are equivalent or satisfactory compared to an approved New Zealand qualification for that scope of practice. For further information, please click here.
Chiropractic
Clinical Physiologist
Overseas trained practitioners coming to work in New Zealand must gain registration with the CPRB. A pre-requisite to NZ registration is gaining membership to the relevant NZ professional society. Find out more here.
Dietetics
Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy
Holders of an overseas medical radiation and radiation therapy qualification can apply for registration with the Medical Radiation Technologist Board. Your qualifications and experience will be assessed to determine if they are equivalent or satisfactory as an approved New Zealand qualification for that scope of practice. Find further information on how to register here.
Occupational Therapy
Individuals with an occupational therapy qualification from overseas may apply to register and work as an occupational therapist in New Zealand. OTBNZ’s role is to make sure applicants for registration have the required qualifications, are competent, and of good character. Applicants for registration with qualifications from outside New Zealand are individually assessed to ensure they meet the requirements. Find out more here.
Optometry and optical dispensing
Osteopathy
Paramedics
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Overseas Qualified Physiotherapists must meet current Board criteria including qualification and physiotherapy practice and experience, English language requirements and recency of practice. Please refer to the self-evaluation tool to assess your eligibility to submit an application for registration.
Podiatry
Psychology
Applications from overseas-trained practitioners are assessed on an individual basis for fitness for registration, equivalence of the applicant’s qualifications to New Zealand qualifications, and competence to practise. For further information including self-assessment tool see here.
Psychotherapy
Social Workers
Social Workers qualified overseas can find out further information on registration to practise in New Zealand with the Social Workers Registration Board here.
DENTAL
Dentistry, dental hygiene, clinical dental technology, dental technology, dental therapy, and oral health therapy
