You will be needing their recommendation letter to be able to enroll in the CAS program. Experience is not necessary, however, encouraged. You may or may not be required to have your credentials assessed by ANMC if you don't have any experience.
If you are advised to undergo the CAS program, you will have to decide between the 2 options: Education modules or Challenge Test.
Challenge Test - The Challenge test is much much cheaper however, you need to be really organised and prepared because you can only take it once and will not be given another chance for retake. Meaning if you fail, you're done.
The challenge test has 2 parts: Written Examination and Clinical Examination (1 day in Brisbane).
Part A - (Written Examination) Theory &
Part B - (Clinical Examination)
*In order for you to proceed with Part B, you must successfully passed Part A.
The challenge test has 2 parts: Written Examination and Clinical Examination (1 day in Brisbane).
Part A - (Written Examination) Theory &
Part B - (Clinical Examination)
*In order for you to proceed with Part B, you must successfully passed Part A.
*If you fail, they will require you to undergo the Education modules.
Education Modules - Another way and it is more expensive compare to challenge test.
There are 4 Education modules (Theory and Clinical).
Each module is 3 months or 12 weeks in duration.
You can enroll in as many module as you can at a time. However, it is recommended that you enroll in one module at first to check the difficulty level.
If you think you can handle more than 1 module at a time, you can enroll in another module. The Clinical component of the Education Modules is to be practiced in Brisbane for 1 month.
*If you are successful, you will registered. However, if you still fail the Education Modules, you will not be registered and will be referred to take the specific theoretical modules that you need to focus on or take a pre-registered nursing degree.
Each module is 3 months or 12 weeks in duration.
You can enroll in as many module as you can at a time. However, it is recommended that you enroll in one module at first to check the difficulty level.
If you think you can handle more than 1 module at a time, you can enroll in another module. The Clinical component of the Education Modules is to be practiced in Brisbane for 1 month.
*If you are successful, you will registered. However, if you still fail the Education Modules, you will not be registered and will be referred to take the specific theoretical modules that you need to focus on or take a pre-registered nursing degree.
Now, for the clinical part, if you pass it, you will be eligible for registration. If you are unsuccessful, you will be referred to take to other options like pre-registered nursing degrees.
If you are successful in the Clinical module, you will be registered. You will also be referred
You can only take the Challenge test once.
As for the agency, you may want to check what they offer in their package. I would check for the following:
1. Is the placement fee fixed?
- You should be aware that the Challenge test is way more cheaper than that of the Education modules. As far as I know, the cost of the challenge test will be approximately 1/4 -1/3 of the Education modules' cost. Both pathways will have students go to Queensland for their clinical practice.
2. Will they pay for all the fees needed in the modules or the challenge test?
3. Will they sponsor you or will they provide a sponsor for you?
- How many years will the sponsorship be? (It is important for you to know this as sponsorship is from 0-4 years. That's a wide range.
4. Will they shoulder your expenses in Queensland, most especially accommodation and transport.
- Accommodation and transport is very important as it is expensive. Your food and other allowance usually is not shouldered.
5. Will they help you in obtaining the visit visa you need for your clinical placement?
6. What other fees will they shoulder? (e.g. medical check-ups, POEA, etc.)
Okay, to give you an idea if the assumed "380,000" or approximately 9500 AUD fee is worth it, I'll provide some computations below. Reminder: The fees I'll use are just examples or more or less approximate only.
Assuming that you will take the Education Modules, which is actually more expensive, you will need 902 per module.
Education Modules: 902 x 4 = 3608 AUD
Accommodation for 1 month in Brisbane: 800-1000 AUD
Transpo: 200-400 AUD (give or take as I'm not sure if you'll be living really near your placement or not)
Food (cook at home): 400 AUD
Visa Costs: 100-250 AUD ( I'm not sure if you're going to apply for just a visit visa or an Occupational trainee visa)
Medical Check-ups: 100 - 200 AUD (this is more than enough I'm sure)
Add all those up: more or less 6k AUD only 
Airfare's not included but you can expect to pay 800 - 1000 AUD for a round trip ticket.
If they'll shoulder your ticket then that's better
The temporary Business Long Stay Visa (subclass 457) will only cost around 600 AUD
However, if they are going to apply for a Skilled- sponsorship (permanent visa), then it will be ok as it will cost from 2000-5000 AUD.
It is very important to ask all about these things before you sign a contract on any agency. They will tell you flowery words. But you have to be smart enough to research first so that you can ask them the money breakdown and what you'll really be getting from them. You should read carefully the contract too. It is very important to note if you are going to pay any fee if ever you cancel the contract and how much will it be. And what will happen to you if you don't pass the modules or exam. Will you get a refund or not? Also, it's nice to know if you need to pay upfront the 380k or you can pay them in installment depending on the progress of your case.
I hope this helps.
The following links are for Visa purposes. You might want to read more about those.
Skilled - Sponsored (Migrant) Visa (subclass 176)
Other Visa options for Nurses
CQ University Australia handles this kind of test.
WORK: http://www.rcsa.com.au/imis15/RCSAweb
COST
I would give you an estimate only as prices really vary and could increase by the time you finally apply.
CAS Fees:
Written Test: 165 AUD
Clinical Assessment: 475 AUD
Clinical Assessment: 475 AUD
Education Modules: 902 AUD
Subtotal:
Challenge test: 640 AUD
Education Modules: 3608 AUD
Brisbane Expenses:Accommodation: 100-120 AUD/week (shared accommodation)
180-250 AUD/week (one bedroom to two bedroom accommodation)
Food: 80-100 AUD/ Week
Electricity & Gas: 20 AUD/week
Phone: 20 AUD/week
Transportation: 20 AUD/Week
Airport pick-up: 100 AUD
Transportation: 20 AUD/Week
Airport pick-up: 100 AUD
N.B. Contact the University for this to verify the price. They may or may not arrange this for you.
Subtotal weekly expenses: 340 AUD (minimum)
Total Monthly expenses: 1360 AUD
Miscellaneous: 500 - 1000 AUD
N.B. The above money is more like an emergency money or shopping money. Can also be used for tours if you choose to avail those during your stay.
Air Fare (roundtrip): 800 - 1000 AUD
Air Fare (roundtrip): 800 - 1000 AUD
N.B. Fare depends on the flight carrier. The quoted price above includes possible taxes and other surcharges.
Subtotal other expenses: 1300 AUD - 2000 AUD
Total Living and miscellaneous expenses: 1640 AUD - 2340 AUD
Visa Expenses: 100 AUD (tourist Visa)
Overall expenses (CAS and Living expenses):
Challenge Test: 3400 AUD - 4100 AUD
Education Modules: 6368 AUD - 7068 AUD
Just a quick note: As far as I know, the agency in Manila will only pay one-way of the air fare and will not pay for the modules. Double check if the agency's rate is really 380k Php or 10k AUD. 4k AUD VS 10k AUD
Double check if the agency's rate is really 380k Php or 10k AUD. 4k AUD VS 10k AUD
Hope that helps!
For foreign exchange rates check: http://www.xe.com
Course Overview
The Assessment of Competence program is designed for Australian registered and enrolled nurses who have not practiced within the profession for a period of more than five years but not exceeding 10 years and wish to update their nursing and skills, knowledge and competency in order to return to the workforce. This program is a Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) approved pathway for internationally-qualified nurses to achieve the level of competency and skills required for registration as a nurse by the NMBA.
Participants are oriented to contemporary nursing practice in Australia. The program builds upon participant’s previous knowledge, skills and experience to prepare them to demonstrate safe practice at the entry-to-practice level according to the relevant Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competencies.
The program consists of a theoretical component of 150 hours, comprised of classroom sessions, clinical skills practice and self-directed learning. A further 160 hours of clinical placement is undertaken at various metropolitan and regional participating hospitals.
Learning Outcomes
This program of study is designed to develop specific learning outcomes. Students will:
- Understand and achieve standards of practice as set down in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competencies for the Registered and Enrolled Nurse.
- Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of political, cultural, social and professional forces which have influenced contemporary nursing in Australia.
- Identify the ethical and legal framework required for practice in Australia and demonstrate application of ethical, legal and professional responsibilities related to contemporary nursing practice.
- Understand and appreciate the importance of nursing research, critical thinking and reflection to promote contemporary, evidence based nursing practice.
- Enhance knowledge base and skills to ensure evidenced based, safe and competent practice in the provision and coordination of care to culturally and linguistically diverse groups in a variety of Australian health care settings.
- Demonstrate the principles of comprehensive assessment, care planning and evaluation as the foundation concepts for nursing practice to provide holistic nursing care as a beginning level practitioner in a variety of health care settings compatible with the broad health care needs and goals of Australia's multi-cultural society.
- Demonstrate a high-level of confidence and clinical proficiency in carrying out a range of procedures, treatments and interventions that are evidence based and informed by contemporary knowledge and practice.
- Collaborate with other health professionals in the provision of health care in a manner which is consistent with the scope of practice and the values, needs and priorities of culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
- Use information literacy to support nursing roles that encompass individual responsibility and professional, legal, ethical, social, and political responsibilities.
- Undertake professional experience placement to achieve competency in the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Council (ANMC) competencies prescribed for safe and competent care and to successfully gain registration as a nurse in Australia.
Assessment
Assessment is undertaken in both the on-campus and workplace clinical environments. Participants must be successful in each of the on-campus assessments to be eligible to proceed to the clinical component.
To successfully complete the program, participants will be required to:
- complete all on campus and professional experience placement hours
- complete specified learning activities and be deemed competent in all assessment items
- successfully complete the professional experience placement, including competencies relevant to the ANMC National Competencies for a registered or enrolled nurse.
On completion of the program a comprehensive report on each participant’s progression in the program will be forwarded to AHPRA. This report will include a recommendation as to whether or not the participant should be registered.
Admission
Participant must meet all admission requirements and provide documented evidence of following at the time of enrolment.
- A valid letter of referral from AHPRA to undertake a Board approved course dated no later than 12 months.
- Satisfactory completion of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a total score of 7.0 across all bands.
- A minimum of one year postgraduate clinical experience.
- Evidence of experience of working in a nursing role within the last 12 months (overseas applicants only).
- An Australian Federal Police criminal record check within the last 12 months.
- A criminal record check from the country of origin for internationally qualified nurses (translated to English).
- Evidence of Immunisations in line with the NSW Health Policy Directive PD2011 005 requirements. Visit here for current requirements.
- CPR certification and working with children blue card may be required in some states and territories.
Note: Original or certified copies must be supplied on application.
Clinical placements
- Every effort will be made to secure a professional experience placement within the time frames indicated for the course. However clinical placements are negotiated by ACN with the health care facility. Progression to professional experience placement is dependent on the availability of placements within the health care facility at the time of the course.
- ACN reserves the right to change clinical placements.
- All clinical placements must be arranged by ACN. Students are not to arrange their own placement.
More Information
For futher information contact the Student Services Centre on 02 9745 7500.
Note:
This is an NMBA approved program for initial registration in Australia or re-entry to practice in Australia. It is not part of the RTO suite of programs and is offered to both enrolled and registered nurses.
Click here to access the Pathway to Registration.
Click here to access the requirements of NSW Health Policy Directive PD2011 005 in relation to Occupational assessment, screening and vaccination against specified infectious diseases.
TOPICS
Guide for Choosing Your Pathway to Nursing Practice in Australia
Seven contemporary nursing knowledge areas :
1. The Australian Health Care System
2. Contemporary Clinical Knowledge, Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
3. Professional Issues in Nursing in Queensland
4. Legal Issues in Nursing
5. Ethical Issues in Nursing
6. Cultural Issues in Nursing
7. Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making
The Australian health care system is made up of a number of interdependent components including three levels of government, health care professionals and other health workers, funding bodies and insurers, private health care providers, charitable and religious organisations and community groups.
Some key concepts you will need to understand in order to appreciate how the Australian health care system operates include:
* Health Care Provision - Who is Responsible for What?
* Health Care Funding Arrangements � Public & Private
* Waiting Lists Elective Surgery
* Regulation of Health Professionals
* Health Insurance Medicare
* Managed Care
* Consumer Rights
* Commonwealth,
* State and Local Levels of Government
* Casemix Diagnostic Related Groups
* Health Rights Commission
* Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
* Primary Health Care
Knowledge required by Queensland Nursing Council if you want to skip the Migrant Bridging Course and just take the Challenge Test.
You will need to know at least:
1. The responsibilities of the Commonwealth Government in funding/providing health care and how this differs from the Queensland Government�s responsibilities.
2. The responsibilities of local government authorities (Councils and Shires) in relation to health care.
3. How health care is funded in Australia.
4. The role that private health care providers, charitable and religious organisations and community providers play in health care in Queensland.
5. The rights of health care consumers.
6. The processes that exist to protect health consumer rights in Queensland.
7. The foundation principles of primary health care.
Seven contemporary nursing knowledge areas :
1. The Australian Health Care System
2. Contemporary Clinical Knowledge, Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice
3. Professional Issues in Nursing in Queensland
4. Legal Issues in Nursing
5. Ethical Issues in Nursing
6. Cultural Issues in Nursing
7. Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision Making
The Australian health care system is made up of a number of interdependent components including three levels of government, health care professionals and other health workers, funding bodies and insurers, private health care providers, charitable and religious organisations and community groups.
Some key concepts you will need to understand in order to appreciate how the Australian health care system operates include:
* Health Care Provision - Who is Responsible for What?
* Health Care Funding Arrangements � Public & Private
* Waiting Lists Elective Surgery
* Regulation of Health Professionals
* Health Insurance Medicare
* Managed Care
* Consumer Rights
* Commonwealth,
* State and Local Levels of Government
* Casemix Diagnostic Related Groups
* Health Rights Commission
* Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
* Primary Health Care
Knowledge required by Queensland Nursing Council if you want to skip the Migrant Bridging Course and just take the Challenge Test.
You will need to know at least:
1. The responsibilities of the Commonwealth Government in funding/providing health care and how this differs from the Queensland Government�s responsibilities.
2. The responsibilities of local government authorities (Councils and Shires) in relation to health care.
3. How health care is funded in Australia.
4. The role that private health care providers, charitable and religious organisations and community providers play in health care in Queensland.
5. The rights of health care consumers.
6. The processes that exist to protect health consumer rights in Queensland.
7. The foundation principles of primary health care.
2 comments:
hello! I currently pass my documents in APHRA queensland. I haven't receive any letter yet from them but my agency informed me that the probability of going there to complete the registration process is high. I read about the CAS and Im curious to know the possible topics/questions that they might ask, as well as any helpful resources that I can scan through as a preparation in advance and also the clinical assessment. I hope you can provide some information on this. Im really confused on how to go through this successfully, since i can't find any resources from their website.
Hey Kat,
The info on this page is the only information I got. I choose to apply for a student visa and study BSN instead of applying for bridging program. I knew one RN who successfully passed the bridging program but she doesn't want to share any information. So I didn't bother asking. But just think about this, if she was able to make it then you can make it. Do more research and share on this page. Good luck.
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