AHPRA Registration Guide: Who Needs It & How to Apply

So, you’re planning a career as a health professional – that’s great! As you embark on this exciting journey, you’ll come across AHPRA. Who is AHPRA, you may ask? Also known as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, AHPRA is responsible for the registration and accreditation of health practitioners in Australia. They work alongside fifteen national boards to help protect the public by setting standards and policies that registered health practitioners must meet.

This means if you enrol in a program or are due to complete a program of study in one of the following areas, you will need to register with AHPRA:

dentistry
medical practitioner
registered nurse or midwife
endorsed enrolled nursing
pharmacy
physiotherapy
psychology (including clinical psychology)
medical radiation practitioner
occupational therapy

How do I register with AHPRA?

Registering with AHPRA is mandatory. We understand the idea of filling out more forms sounds tedious! But trust us, it’s all worth it. As once you are registered, you are free to practice your profession.

If you’re unsure where to begin, worry not - we’ve got you covered.

AHPRA registration process

The AHPRA registration process involves an online application form. They initially ask questions to determine if you are eligible for registration. The basic requirements include:

meeting English language skills with supporting evidence
a criminal history check
relevant qualifications with supporting evidence
disclosing any health impairments
certified copies of proof of identity

Together with the National Boards, AHPRA sets the registration fees for each discipline every year. You can view the fee schedule for the year on the relevant industry National Board’s website.

AHPRA student registration

As a student enrolled in an approved program or undertaking clinical training, whilst you need to be registered with AHPRA, you do not need to undergo an application process. Under national law, the education provider is responsible for ensuring you are undertaking an approved program. Better still, there are no fees for student registrations.

After graduation, you can apply for registration. You can do this approximately six weeks before receiving your final results. If you want more information, AHPRA provides a helpful, detailed step-by-step guide on the graduate applications process on their website.

Ready to start your career in healthcare?

At Austcorp, we believe in helping people reach their true potential. So, contact us today if you’re a registered practitioner seeking a new career in nursing and healthcare.

Whether it’s your first job post-graduation or it’s time for a change, and you’re looking for a new opportunity, our team will guide and support you every step of the way.