New OSCE Lab in Melbourne to Expedite Assessment for Overseas Trained Nurses and Midwives

In a significant development for Australia's healthcare sector, a second Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) lab is set to open in Melbourne, complementing the existing facility in Adelaide. This expansion will reduce wait times for internationally qualified nurses and midwives seeking registration in Australia, offering a more accessible venue for skills assessment. The inaugural OSCEs at this new facility are expected to take place in early 2024.

Previously, overseas-trained healthcare professionals with relevant but not equivalent qualifications had to travel to South Australia for the OSCEs. This critical examination is a prerequisite for their safe entry into practice in Australia. Now, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), in collaboration with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), are utilising RANZCOG's Assessment, Learning, and Examination Centre (ALEC) in Melbourne for these assessments.

The decision to establish a second assessment site in Melbourne aligns with the surging demand for internationally qualified nurses and midwives in Australia, with a notable increase of 127.5% and 148.1% in registered midwives and nurses, respectively, last year. As the number of nurses and midwives hoping to get registered in Australia grows, this second site will enable the delivery of more OSCEs per year with the capacity to increase availability dependent on demand and lower wait times for candidates.

RANZCOG's ALEC, officially opened recently, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including individual assessment rooms designed to replicate clinical settings required for OSCEs. Dr. Gillian Gibson, President of RANZCOG, expressed excitement about the new venture, emphasising the facility's ability to deliver high-standard assessments and enhance the overall experience for trainees.

The collaboration with RANZCOG reflects the commitment of AHPRA and the National Boards to streamline and expedite the recognition of health practitioners' skills and qualifications. The move to identify a second examination site is seen as a pivotal step in safely expanding the national health workforce.

NMBA Chair, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, highlighted the significance of this partnership in supporting the Australian health workforce. With the new facility, the NMBA aims to conduct more frequent OSCEs, enabling internationally qualified nurses and midwives to enter the workforce sooner.

The OSCEs were traditionally held at Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) in South Australia, and the expansion to RANZCOG's ALEC is expected to not only meet the growing demand but also improve the efficiency of the assessment process. The ALEC facility is poised to deliver its first round of OSCEs in early 2024.

This strategic collaboration is a crucial component of Australia's commitment to a sustainable health workforce, providing a pathway for skilled healthcare professionals to contribute to the nation's healthcare system more efficiently.

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