Australia has a strong demand for medical professionals due to a growing healthcare sector and an aging population. The country is actively seeking qualified doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to fill critical skill shortages. If you have experience in healthcare, medicine, or allied health, you may be eligible for a skilled visa, leading to permanent residency and an opportunity to build a career in Australia’s world-class healthcare system.
What Do Medical Professionals Do?
Medical professionals play a vital role in providing healthcare services to communities across Australia. Their responsibilities vary based on specialisation, but common tasks include:
Registered Nurses
- Providing direct patient care in hospitals, clinics, and aged care facilities.
- Administering treatments and medications as prescribed by doctors.
- Assisting in surgical procedures and post-operative care.
General Practitioners and Medical Officers
- Diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries.
- Referring patients to specialists when necessary.
- Providing preventative healthcare and routine check-ups.
Specialist Physicians
- Managing complex medical conditions in specialized fields such as cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology.
- Conducting diagnostic tests and prescribing treatments.
- Supervising junior doctors and medical staff.
Midwives
- Providing care and support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
- Educating expectant mothers on prenatal and postnatal care.
- Assisting in home births and hospital deliveries.
Allied Health Professionals (Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists)
- Developing rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries.
- Providing speech and occupational therapy for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities.
- Assisting in pain management and improving mobility.
Employment Prospects for Medical Professionals
Medical professionals are in high demand across Australia, particularly in regional and rural areas where healthcare services are limited. The healthcare and social assistance sector is one of Australia’s largest employers, offering numerous job opportunities in public and private hospitals, aged care facilities, community clinics, and specialist practices.
Some of the most in-demand areas for medical professionals include major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Regional and rural areas also record critical workforce shortages, and naturally aged care and disability services always required skilled healthcare professionals.
Salary Expectations for medical professionals in Australia
Salaries for medical professionals in Australia vary depending on experience, specialization, and location. Below are estimated annual salary ranges:
- Registered Nurses: AUD 80,000 – 110,000
- General Practitioners: AUD 120,000 – 300,000
- Specialist Physicians: AUD 150,000 – 400,000
- Midwives: AUD 85,000 – 110,000
- Physiotherapists & Occupational Therapists: AUD 80,000 – 120,000
Medical professionals working in regional areas may also be eligible for relocation incentives and financial benefits.
Skills Assessment Requirement for medical professionals
A skills assessment is required for medical professionals applying for a skilled visa. The assessment authority will vary depending on your occupation, and specific criteria must be met, including qualifications, work experience, and registration requirements.
Some of the key assessing authorities include:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – For nurses, midwives, and doctors.
- Medical Board of Australia – For general practitioners and specialists.
- Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) – For physiotherapists.
- Occupational Therapy Council (OTC) – For occupational therapists.
Since each occupation has different requirements, we can advise on the full range of criteria and guide you through the skills assessment process. Contact us for a personalised assessment.
Australian Visa Pathways for Medical Professionals
Medical professionals have several skilled visa options available, including:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) – Permanent residency without state or employer sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) – Requires state nomination, leading to permanent residency.
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491) – Requires state or regional sponsorship, leading to permanent residency.
- Employer-Sponsored Visas – If you receive a job offer from an Australian employer, you may qualify for a Subclass 482 or Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Not sure what visa is right for you?
Take our online eligibility assessment or get in touch with our team!