Introduction

A vocational scope of practice is recognition from the Council that the doctor can:

• practise as a specialist
• work without supervision
• provide a collegial relationship, and
• supervise doctors who hold registration within a provisional general, provisional vocational or special purpose scope of practice.

How you qualify

To qualify for registration within a vocational scope of practice a doctor must:

• pass (or be exempt from) the IELTS English test (in accordance with Medical Council’s English language requirements), and
  
  
• satisfy all of the following criteria:
  - have the prescribed qualifications
  - be considered fit for registration
  - be capable of independent, unsupervised practice
  - intend to practise in New Zealand, and
  - have qualifications, training and experience comparable to that of a 
     New Zealand trained doctor registered in the same vocational scope.

Note 1: This information must be read with reference to Council’s Policy on registration in New Zealand.

Note 2: Overseas trained doctors who satisfy these criteria must complete between 12-24 months supervised practice and assessment on provisional vocational scope before being considered for vocational scope

Provisional vocational scope

Doctors who have been assessed by Council as eligible for registration within a provisional vocational scope must :

• arrange suitable employment, and
• attend a registration interview.

Once they have completed all conditions of the provisional scope, they are eligible to apply to Council to change to a vocational scope on a COS5 form.

Exemption from provisional vocational scope

Doctors are exempted from provisional vocational scope if they:

• are already registered in New Zealand within a general scope and hold an approved Australasian postgraduate qualification, or
• have an Australian primary medical degree and an approved Australasian postgraduate qualification.

Application process

Click on the individual options for further information on the vocational application process.