What are vocational scopes of practice?

They are different types of specialised medical practice, each defined by an accredited post-graduate training programme and qualification.

Council has a system of accrediting and reaccrediting the post-graduate training and recertification programmes which go to make up a vocational scope.

Who is this
for?

Vocational scope is for doctors who have appropriate qualifications, training and specialist experience, and who are competent to practise independently.

Doctors are required to actively participate in accredited recertification activities to maintain their registration in their vocational scope(s).

Who can
apply?

Doctors who:

• have worked within a provisional vocational scope for 12-24 months, and who during that time have completed Council’s requirements for vocational scope, or
• hold an approved Australasian post-graduate qualification , and
• are already registered in New Zealand within a general scope, or
• have an Australian primary medical degree.

What are the requirements?

Newly registered overseas trained doctors (except Australian medical graduates) must work under supervision within a provisional vocational scope before they can be considered for registration within a vocational scope.

Refer to the self-assessment tool to see if you are eligible to apply for registration within this scope.

Requirements:
To qualify for registration within a provisional vocational scope, applicants must:

• pass (or be exempt from) the IELTS English Test
• meet the requirements in the Registration within a vocational scope of practice, and
• meet the requirements in the Registration Policy.

Approved qualifications
for vocational scopes

Council has a list of  approved Australasian post-graduate qualifications  for registration within a vocational scope.

Other qualifications may be recognised by Council on a case-by-case basis. 

To self-assess your post-graduate qualification against the standard expected for registration in your scope of practice before making an application, please click here.

How do
I apply?

To apply:

• Use the self assessment tool to help you find and complete the relevant form/checklist
• Refer to Registration within a vocational scope of practice for specific instructions.

What happens next?

Your application will be processed by the Council.
 
Note: Council will contact you to inform you of your application process.

FAQs

Vocational Scope frequently asked questions