IRON Program - For Overseas Nurses

IRON Program or Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses Program is the name of a specialist bridging course given by the Nurses Board of Victoria. The NBV doesn't exist any more from the 1st July 2010 as it has become part of the national Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)

This program is only offered by approved education providers that have gone through extensive audit of their facilities, curriculum, program and clinical arrangements to name just the key points. This course is only available to overseas trainined nurses that have been through the process of verification by the Nurses Board.

Once they have been assessed as suitable to undertake the IRON program, they will be issued a letter. This letter from teh NBV which is valid for a period of 2 years is one of the requirements for entry into the course.

The iron program is generally of 12 week duration and cost about $10,000 in 2010. The cost has been steadly increasing each year to to the increasing demand from overseas nurses but also due to the increasing costs associated with the course delivery.

While the program may seem expensive, its not really when you analyse it.
For starters, most higher education courses will cost about $10,000 per year (just a conservative average). For overseas nurses to undertake say an Bachelor of Science in Nursing, you are look at about 3 years and a cost of $20,000 to $30,000. This amount can vary depending on the institution in questions and when any past credits can be claimed.

While in the case of the IRON program, the cost is $10,000 for only three months. The benefits of this course include:

1. Overseas nurses don't have to repeat a lot of the subjects they have completed as part of their primary degree course.
2. After thee short months, they qualify for application to the nurses board for local registration. Once registered, nurses can apply for work and remain in Australia on a employer sponsored visa. Alternatively, they may apply for a permanent residency visa as nurses are in high demand and they receive priorty processing. Please consult a qualified mara migration agent for all your visa requirements.
3. Assuming that the nurse has been able to secure employment (with or without the help of a reputable recruitment company) she can expect to earn at least $4,000 per month. So comparing with the BSN route and say 2 years of study, the opportunity cost is approximately (24months - 3 months x $4,000) $84,000.
4. It is common for oversease nurses to recoup their investment of $10,000 in the IRON Course in a matter of a few months!
5. Additionally, when an oversease nurses obtains an employer sponsored visa or permanent residency visa, they are able to bring their entire immediate family with them.

In conclusion, the IRON program is really a gem for overseas nurses that are committed to changing their lives for the better.

Are you serious about working and/or migrating to Australia as a Registered Nurses?

Visit: IRON Program provider now!

Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses - Positions Available Now!

Australian Centre of Further Education is Accepting Enrollments into their Initial Registration for Overseas Nurses (IRON) Program

Campus: Melbourne CBD
Length: 12 Weeks
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide overseas qualified registered nurses with the skills and knowledge, to meet the standards required to practice as a registered Division 1 nurse in Victoria. On successful completion of the course, participants may lodge an application for registration, as a Division 1 nurse, with the Nurses Board of Victoria. The key objectives of the course are to:

1. Ensure that participants are safe and effective in their practice with the interest of public protection being of paramount importance.
2. Enable participants to be assessed as competent to practice (at a minimum) as a beginner Division 1 registered nurse in Victoria.
3. Enable overseas-qualified nurses to transfer and expand their skills and experience to the Australian Health Care setting.

Course Structure:
The course is delivered full time over 12 weeks (480 hours) and is divided into two components Component 1: Four (4) weeks of Theory (160 hours) consisting of eight (8) units:Component 2: Eight (8) weeks (320 hours) of Clinical practice in an acute medical/surgical setting:

ACFE has agreements with several Health Care Facilities to facilitate participants in clinical placement. Please note clinical placements may be located in regional areas. Selection
Criteria:

• Applicants must provide evidence of a NBV approval letter indicating which course they have permission to complete including any additional requirements as stated within the NBV approval letter. The NBV approval letter is valid for two years from the date of issue.
• Applicants must provide copies of all relevant information of nursing registration, and other nursing courses, both undergraduate and post graduate in the country of origin. Certified copies must be provided.
• Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency as specified by the Nurses Board of Victoria. At the time of this submission, the requirement is an overall ‘B’ pass or above in all four sections in the Occupational English Test (OET) in one sitting, or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of 7 in all four components (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking obtained in one sitting).
• Applicants must supply a letter explaining their reason for undertaking this course and include an up to date resume.
• Applicants must pass a selection interview.
• Applicants must provide a police clearance check from their country of residency.
• Applicants must provide evidence of Immunisation for Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough (for Clinical Placement purposes).

Course Fees: On enquiry

For Further Information and Enrollment Details:
Contact: Australian Centre of Further Education
Phone: +613 8600 8600