REGISTRATION PROCESS OF A GP IN NEW ZEALAND!

New Zealand is well known for its beautiful scenery, welcoming residents, and a first-rate healthcare system. The nation presents an alluring place to practice for medical professionals, especially General Practitioners (GPs). However, you must go through a laborious registration procedure before you can begin working as a GP in New Zealand. This article will help walk you through each step required to register as a general practitioner and with Medfuture you will be able to attain advantageous job opportunities.

In prior to registration process, you must first be aware of the vacancies available. Therefore, we will first have a look at the available job opportunities or vacancies in New Zealand. Are you a General Practitioner looking to migrate, shift jobs or a just passed out candidate looking for a fresh job? If so, Medfuture has got you covered under one roof.

First of all, the candidate must see if they’re eligible to start practicing in New Zealand! The candidate must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) in order to practice medicine in New Zealand. Over 17,000 physicians now work in New Zealand, with 40% of them being foreign-born. Each year, about 1,500 new doctors sign up with the MCNZ.

While the registration procedure is typically simple, there are a few details that foreign physicians should be aware of before moving to New Zealand. Here is what you need to know about how to register as a doctor in New Zealand so that you can better understand the criteria and the several paths you can pursue.

Looking for assistance with your eligibility?

Medfuture’s team of recruitment consultants will speak to you for free and consult you on the best possible avenue to work in New Zealand as a practicing GP.

Basic requirements needed to become a GP in NZ

There are some basic prerequisites to register as a doctor in New Zealand, regardless of the method. As follows:

Fitness for registration

In order to determine if you have any health conduct or competency concerns, you will need to respond to various "fitness for registration" questions on your registration application forms. These are comparable to the inquiries that licensed physicians must respond to in order to renew their practicing certificates each year. The MCNZ will use your replies as well as the data provided by your referees and other regulatory bodies to decide whether you are qualified to practice in New Zealand.

English Language Skills

It is required to take an English language proficiency exam if English is not your first language. It should be noted that you could be exempt if you have worked for at least two years within the five years before to your application in an English-speaking nation.

You must pass either the Occupational English Test (OET) Medical Module or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) English test, with a minimum score of 'B' in each component. The IELTS English test requires you to achieve minimum scores of 7.5 in Speaking and Listening and 7.0 in Writing and Reading.

Electronic portfolio with credentials from abroad

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates' primary-source verification program, EPIC, is used by the MCNZ to verify your papers if you have an overseas medical degree.

If you are: You must have your papers' primary sources verified.

A first-time registration applicant who has never held a prior type of registration

If you are already registered with the MCNZ but is applying for registration in a new scope of practice that depends on a qualification that hasn't yet been assessed before.

Acceptable primary medical qualifications

You must possess a primary medical qualification from an accredited institution of higher learning that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Legally binding statements and certified copies

A Statutory Declaration or a Certified Copy of a document that you are relying on as part of your registration application may occasionally be required.

Registration Interview

Attending an interview, which will be conducted by an MCNZ staff member or agent in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Dunedin, is another essential component of the New Zealand Medical Council registration requirements. You will need to verify your identification, discuss your practice goals, and provide your original documentation during the interview. Additionally, the interviewer will discuss your monitoring needs.

Examination

Most doctors who completed their education and training in nations with similar healthcare systems, like the UK or Australia, do not need to take any exams in order to become registered; however, if you are not qualified for registration under any other pathway, you must take and pass the NZREX Clinical examination.

Supervision

All new registrants must have supervision, with the exception of Australian graduates, according to MCNZ. In order to practice safely in New Zealand, the supervisor will work to make sure you have the information, abilities, and attitude required. This is a great approach to integrate and gain knowledge about practicing medicine in New Zealand.

Getting Registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand

You must first get a license and credentials from the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) in order to practice as a registered general practitioner (GP) in New Zealand. The MCNZ is in charge of regulating physicians in New Zealand and is accountable for ensuring that they adhere to strict standards of medical competence and behavior in order to safeguard the public's health and safety.

Registrant Application

To register with the MCNZ as a general practitioner, you must submit an application. You must provide the following materials with your application form:

Identity documentation, such as a passport

Proof of medical training from a recognized medical institution

A Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) from any medical licensing bodies you've registered with in the last five years.

Evidence of one year of internship or house officer experience after graduation

References from senior physicians who have overseen your work closely for the past two to three years

A completed questionnaire on recent practice

The necessary application and registration costs being paid

Your application and supporting documentation will be examined by the MCNZ to see if you fit the requirements for registration as a general practitioner in New Zealand. If your application is accepted, you will be given a practicing certificate that will allow you to practice as a general practitioner and proof of your registration. Your practicing certificate and registration must be renewed each year.

Maintaining Your Registration

As a general practitioner (GP) in New Zealand, you must continue to:

Possess a valid MCNZ practice certificate

Satisfy the MCNZ's standards for recent practice, which include a minimum number of hours of practice and ongoing professional development.

Abide by the MCNZ's code of ethics and behavior

If your registration information, qualifications, health conditions, or behavior issues change, you must promptly notify the MCNZ.

Pay the necessary yearly renewal payments.

Your GP registration will stay current and in good standing with the MCNZ if you adhere to these standards. If you don't, your registration may be in jeopardy. For the purpose of ensuring high standards of practice and patient care, the MCNZ frequently audits and supervises registered doctors.

What are the differences between vocational, general, and special purpose registration in New Zealand?

There are three primary registration categories—vocational, general, and special purpose—that we refer to as scopes. There are several application routes under each scope. You must fulfill particular conditions for each of them in order to register. For each scope, the various paths are described in this section.

General Scope

The majority of physicians registered under the General scope of practice (or the Provisional General scope of practice, which comes before it) are resident physicians, resident medical officers (RMO), and physicians in the middle of a training program.

Doctors who have at least two years of postgraduate experience and have finished their internship or equivalent are eligible for this program.

This route enables medical professionals to hold unsupervised jobs in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) must evaluate general registration applications in 20 working days in order to determine eligibility for registration.

Vocational Scope

A permanent, specialized registration called vocational registration enables you to work on your own in New Zealand.

Doctors who have completed specialty training in a specific area of medicine are eligible for this option.

In New Zealand, this route enables doctors to practice autonomously.

Vocational registration might take anything from 4-6 months to complete.

Doctors must work under the temporary vocational area of practice for a period of 6 to 18 months before gaining vocational registration.

Pathways to Registration in a Vocational Scope

A permanent, specialized registration called vocational registration enables you to work on your own in New Zealand.

VOC1 Vocational (Specialist) Registration: Doctors who currently have registration in the General scope of practice and possess an authorized New Zealand or Australasian postgraduate diploma are eligible for VOC1 (specialist) registration.

VOC2 Vocational (Specialist) Registration: If you wish to work as a specialist in New Zealand and have the required postgraduate degree from either Australia or New Zealand but do not yet have general registration, you can apply through the VOC2 pathway.

VOC3 Vocational (Specialist) Registration: If you received your training and certification outside of New Zealand and Australia and want to work in New Zealand as a specialist, you can submit an application based on your overseas credentials, and we will consider your application on its own merits.

Special Purpose Scope

A temporary kind of registration for certain reasons is known as special purpose registration. When you wish to work in New Zealand for a specific reason, such as study, further training, or to help with a disaster, you should apply for this scope.

This route is for medical professionals traveling to New Zealand with a specific objective in mind, such as to lecture or conduct research.

This route enables medical professionals to hold a certain job for a set amount of time.

There are seven professional areas covered by special purpose registration, including providing disaster relief assistance and teaching as a visiting expert.

It is significant to note that depending on the precise pathway and scope of practice, the registration procedure and criteria could change.

Are there any fees associated with registration as a general practitioner in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, general practitioner registration is indeed subject to costs. The scope of practice and the registration process affect the registration costs.

Here are some instances of registration fees:

(NZ/Australian/NZREX graduate) Provisional General Registration Application Fee: $367.39

Australian General Registrant's application for temporary general registration cost: $587.82

$587.82 for the United Kingdom General Registrants' application for temporary general registration.

$1,836.94 is the cost of a temporary general registration application (similar health system).

$587.82 General Registration Application (NZ/Australian Graduate)

The fact that general practitioners in New Zealand could bill you for a consultation each time you see them should not be overlooked. But if you sign up with a general practitioner, your care will be covered and you'll only have to pay a small consultation charge.

Generally, in order to become a licensed general practitioner in New Zealand, candidates must fulfill a number of requirements, including completing required exams, getting the necessary registration, and finding acceptable work. Although the path demands commitment, the perks include the chance to practice in a stunning nation renowned for its top-notch healthcare system and high standard of living. You may confidently handle the registration procedure and begin a rewarding medical career in New Zealand by following the instructions provided in this in-depth article.  

Why chose Medfuture?

Medfuture is the ultimate source to start your career with. From helping you to find job opportunities to being your trusted partner throughout the process until your placement is done, everything within the process will be handled and guided by Medfuture.