medical jobs health news & blog

Many aged care workers will receive an award wage increase from 1 January 2025. Find out if you’re eligible for a pay rise and access helpful tools on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. These award wage increases apply to assistants in nursing, personal care workers, home care workers, recreational activities officers (lifestyle workers), and ancillary staff on the Aged Care Award 2010 and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (SCHADS Award).

We explore the Jobs and Skills Report 2024, with insights for health sector recruitment and career planning. While overall employment growth has eased over the last year, the Health and Social Assistance industry is now Australia's largest employing industry and is projected to be the highest contributor to employment growth across all states and territories over the next decade, with a high proportion of "emerging roles" reported.

QLD Health will open its application portal for their 2025 Registered Nursing and Midwifery Graduate Program on Monday 20 January 2025, and close on Sunday 16 February 2025. There is also an application round mid-year. Find out more about the program and this life changing career.

More doctors have joined the Australian health system in the last two years than at any other time in the past decade. The 2022-23 cohort of 8,356 new doctors was the largest influx of new doctors in more than a decade, and that record was beaten in 2023-24, when 9,490 new doctors registered to practise. The boom in new doctors has been driven by record numbers of internationally qualified doctors moving to Australia.

Global employment and labour force participation rates remain at record highs, while job vacancies have steadily declined to pre-pandemic levels. Persistent structural issues remain, such as aging populations and weak productivity growth. Unemployment rates rose for all economies apart from France and Italy in the first 3 quarters of 2024. Compared to other OECD countries, Australia experienced the highest earnings growth in the June quarter 2024.

Month-on-month online job vacancies for health and medical occupations remained steady in October 2024 (3-month average), however the Australian health sector is experiencing a notable contraction compared to the previous year. Year-on-year, online health and medical job vacancies are generally in decline - but volumes are moderating and there are pockets of job market resilience across different states and occupational groups. Read more here.

Australia is seeing a rise in trainee GPs, reversing a seven-year decline, with a 19.8% increase in applicants for the Australian General Practice Training program. The program ensures over half of trainees spend time in rural areas, addressing a shortage of GPs in remote regions. However, some worry the increase is a temporary fix. Rural areas face a maldistribution of doctors, and there are calls for more training places to meet long-term health care needs.

Explore our comprehensive directory of Professional Associations representing Allied Health professions across Australia. Additionally, we provide a detailed list of the Allied Health professions that are governed by their own National Board and regulated under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) will release a new occupation classification standard to replace the ANZSCO version, previously shared with Statistics New Zealand. Each country will create its own version while ensuring comparability and data integrity. This update reflects changing labour markets and emerging occupations. The new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) 2024, version 1.0, will be released on Friday, 6 December 2024.

Are you graduating this year? Join AMA (NSW) on Thursday 21st November from 7:30pm – 8:10pm on Zoom for this free webinar designed to assist graduating medical students with the transition to internship and becoming work ready. Topics include: what it’s like being an Intern, understanding your pay and claiming your overtime, how to overcome challenges, and how to make the most out of your internship.

Images and logos play a crucial role in enhancing the visual appeal and effectiveness of job ads. Read our easy step-by-step guide to sizing and compressing your job ad images, ensuring they are optimised for uploading and display on Medical Jobs job boards. By following these tips, you can improve your job ad’s visual quality and professionalism.

AHPRA has released its 2023/24 annual report which shows a record 920,535 registered health practitioners, a 4.9% increase on last year, and a 48.4% rise in international registrations due to markedly faster processing times. Notifications and complaints against health practitioners rose. AHPRA continues focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy and guidance for emerging healthcare models such as telehealth, online prescribing, and medicinal cannabis.

The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), together with the Southern Sector Network, presents the 2nd General Medicine Trainee Conference, hosted by Wollongong Hospital on Saturday 23 November 2024, 8:30am – 5:35pm. Participants will look at case studies across perioperative medicine, obstetric medicine and complex medical care, and skill development workshops in vascular system, abdominal and chest ultrasound. $75 per person, register online here.

The initial stages of a new fast-track registration pathway for international doctors has been launched by the Medical Board of Australia. IMGs, SIMGs and medical recruiters - read our summary and keep updated on the Expedited Specialist Pathway and Accepted Qualifications List.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has welcomed the federal Government’s commitment to expanding fee-free TAFE courses, saying the changes could save student nurses almost $16,000 in course fees. Removing cost-barriers to training would support the recruitment of new ENs, contributing to a more stable pipeline of job-ready workers. Read more here.

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) administers wound care scholarships on behalf of the Australian Government and the Department of Health and Aged Care. These scholarships are available for Registered or Enrolled Nurses to undertake a short course in wound care. The scholarship will be valued at $1,500 and covers course fees and travel and accommodation to attend the course if required. Read more here.

The AMA’s latest Specialist Trainee Experience Health Check report outlines areas for improvement for medical trainees in Australia, as well as some encouraging progress. This article summarises key findings and compares results between medical colleges and previous years.

The AMA's longitudinal comparisons highlight changes in specialist trainee experiences since 2019. Key metrics include feedback on exams, access to mental health support, work-life balance, and overtime impacts. Trainees' experiences vary by college. The data tool allows for toggling individual college performance on these metrics, providing insight into trends and areas for improvement.

New accommodation units for healthcare staff are being installed at Finley Health Service, part of NSW's $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program. The units, part of the broader $25 million Finley Health Service redevelopment, aim to improve recruitment by offering modern housing for workers. This initiative is being expanded across rural NSW. Read more here.

As of August 2024, most states saw health sector job vacancies decline compared to 2023. Vacancy rates were higher than the national average in TAS, ACT, NT, and QLD. TAS had the highest vacancy rate for medical practitioners, considerably higher than the national average, followed by NSW. Allied Health positions were in demand in NT, while SA had above average vacancies for Nursing and Midwifery professionals. Read more in our full report.

GP liaison roles are designed to bridge the gaps between general practitioners (GPs) and hospitals. They facilitate communication and collaboration to ensure seamless patient care. The role supports better patient outcomes, especially for remote areas. Read more about the GP liaison role at Darwin Hospital, established by the Northern Territory Primary Health Network. The program’s success has prompted discussions about expanding the liaison role to other hospitals in the Northern Territory.

The Primary Health Network (PHN) is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the Commonwealth government. Join their free webinar, titled “From Assessment to Application: Navigating The World of Wound Care Dressings” on Wednesday, October 9th 2024, from 1-2pm. The webinar looks at effective wound care management, including best practices for preparing the wound bed to promote optimal healing, dressing types, and how to formulate a tailored dressing plan for each patient.

MedicalJobsAustralia.com’s Job Market Update brings you the latest health and medical job vacancy statistics and workforce trends in Australia.

The Department of Health and Aged Care have released their GP Supply and Demand Study - August 2024, which shows significant unmet demand will increase into the future. Australia already has a shortage of 2400 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) GPs, and this is predicted to grow to around 3,900 FTE in 2028, and to over 8,900 FTE by 2048. View GP FTE –supply vs demand predictions for each Australian State and Territory, and other GP workforce insights.

The article provides tips for adjusting to night shifts, which can disrupt natural sleep cycles and impact wellbeing. Key advice includes managing light exposure, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before sleep, and creating a sleep-friendly environment at home with dark curtains and maybe earplugs. Bright lights at work and spending time in the sun after waking up can help reset the body's internal clock. Read more here.

This one-hour webinar from Dementia Australia empowers Aged Care workers and providers to create meaningful mealtimes for their residents. Listen to dementia experts and aged care chefs as they share practical strategies and real-world success stories. With the government strengthening the Aged Care Quality Standards to improve food and nutrition and dementia care – recommended by the 2021 Royal Commission – this webinar is vital for staff training, compliance, and resident wellbeing.

Transitioning into a supervisory, managerial, or leadership role in the health sector is both a rewarding and challenging experience. The Australian health system is complex, with unique demands that require specific skills and expertise. Whether you are overseeing a team in a hospital, aged care facility, or community health setting, developing the following essential skills will set you up for success.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) will host the 2024 John Deeble Lecture and Panel Discussion on October 15 at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. The event will address global health challenges and leadership, featuring speakers like Prof Jonathon Gray and Prof Michael Pervan. Click here to visit the event page for more details or to register.

Recent government statistics show a decline of over 45,000 workers in residential aged care between 2020 and 2023, with a 42% drop in allied health professionals and fewer FTE nursing and personal care staff, while subcontractor use rose. Without mandatory targets for allied health services, many have moved to the growing home care sector, which has seen increased numbers of allied health professionals, FTE staff, and casual/fixed-term positions.

Over the next decade, the healthcare and social assistance industry is expected to grow by 25%, adding 533,448 jobs. Allied health services and residential care are expected to expand, along with several key health professions. Read our full report which looks at historical and emerging trends shaping the future of healthcare employment, including the fastest growing health and medical roles over the last decade and into the next.

Mater Education is hosting a Diploma of Nursing Webinar on September 3, 2024, from 6 pm to 7 pm. The event will cover studying nursing in Brisbane, Springfield, or Townsville, with insights from expert educators, details on fee-free study opportunities for October 2024, and information on work experience placements. Participants can also learn about the eligibility criteria, application process, and ask questions during a live Q&A. Register here.

This article discusses Australia's growing nursing shortage, which threatens to derail federal efforts to improve aged care. Providers are struggling to meet government-mandated daily care minutes due to the lack of nurses, a situation expected to worsen until at least 2035. While the government has increased wages and pledged funds, aged care managers and nursing federations stress the need for higher salaries, better incentives, and workforce reforms to attract and retain nursing staff.

Explore five ways ChatGPT can assist you with your health and medical job search. ChatGPT tools can help candidates align applications with job descriptions, build confidence for interviews, and remain competitive in a constantly evolving sector. Read more here.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) supports the Victorian Government's trial of the Single Employer Model (SEM) for Rural Generalist registrars. The SEM will streamline training and employment for junior doctors by offering consistent employment benefits, such as leave, across various placements. This model is already being trialled in South Australia and aims to enhance skills development, workforce retention, and patient care in rural communities.

The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses are designed for health professionals working in critical care settings, such as doctors and nurses in AAU, CCU, ED, HDU, and ICU, as well as paramedics and other health workers requiring advanced resuscitation skills. Explore upcoming ARC-approved ALS courses, available across Australia in all states and territories.

Australia’s health care system is grappling with a critical workforce shortage, particularly in remote and rural areas. As the demand for medical services continues to outstrip the supply of qualified health care professionals, the introduction of Physician Assistants (PAs) is being considered as a potential solution. This article explores how this proposal might affect healthcare professionals and health service delivery in Australia.

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has issued new guidance on using AI scribes, which can help doctors by transcribing consultations in real-time, thus reducing administrative burdens. While these tools can enhance efficiency and accuracy in medical records, concerns exist around data privacy, security, and the potential for AI errors. AI scribes have good potential, but careful consideration is needed to integrate them effectively into health care practices.

The Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) will host its national conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 23-25 October 2024. A key event for Australia’s Aged Care Industry, the conference features keynote speakers, interactive sessions, panel discussions, innovative products and services, and networking opportunities. Industry professionals can stay up to date with developments and reforms and gain valuable insights. Registration is now open. Find out more.

The health sector in Australia faces ongoing staffing demands and shortages, making effective recruitment crucial. MedicalJobsAustralia.com provides an advertising platform for all medical and health care employers in Australia, regardless of size or care setting. Read more.

Due to the current shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids, the AMA is urgently calling for a nationally coordinated response and a transparent strategy to prevent future shortages of critical medicines. They invite anyone affected by the shortage to complete a feedback survey. IV fluids are essential to healthcare, and the AMA believes doctors, patients, and healthcare workers deserve more information.

The National Nursing Forum 2024, hosted by the Australian College of Nursing, will be held from 14-16 August 2024 at the Cairns Convention Centre in Queensland. This premier event brings together nurses from across Australia for professional development, networking, keynote speakers, and discussions on the latest trends and innovations in nursing. Register now.

Vertical integration involves the combination of different stages of production or service provision within a single organisation or corporation. This trend can be observed in various healthcare systems globally, including those that are publicly funded and operated. This article explores vertical integration in the Australian health care sector and its implications for our health workforce and communities.

Australia's Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) program allows employers in regional areas to address skill shortages by sponsoring overseas workers. Benefits include a broader range of eligible occupations, pathways to permanent residency, and concessions on criteria like English proficiency and salary. There are 13 DAMAs across various regions, each tailored to local labour needs. Employers are advised to seek professional guidance to navigate the application process. Read more.

Read the AHHA Perspectives Brief for July 2024, highlighting the need for accurate data to address South Australia's oral health workforce challenges, especially in rural areas. It calls for improved AHPRA data collection, tailored training programs, and initiatives to attract and retain talent in regional areas. Enhanced digital infrastructure is also recommended. Read the full article here.

We examine the AHHA's Perspectives Brief, which explores the oral health workforce in South Australia and barriers to workforce planning. The recruitment challenges affecting this workforce are relevant to Australia's overall health sector, and include issues such as workforce distribution, regional and remote education and development, demographic shifts, a decline in small owner-operated providers, and global competition for skilled workers. Read more here.

The AMA supports reducing regulatory burdens for medical practitioners wanting to work in Australia. While they back the revised specialist registration standards, the AMA emphasises the need for thorough consultation with medical colleges to maintain high training and practice standards. They also stress the importance of holistic support systems for international medical graduates and urge for better workforce planning and support to ensure high-quality care and integration.

This article details Dr. Keating's rural health experience in Queensland, where she discovered her passion for rural medicine and fell in love with a "cowboy." She highlights the rewarding nature of rural practice, noting the unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Dr. Keating’s commitment remote healthcare underscores the importance of attracting junior doctors to underserved areas who are passionate about making a difference in these communities.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its report on job mobility for February 2024. We look at insights for the Health Care and Social Assistance Industry, including new entrant numbers and mobility rates.

Australia has seen a record number of doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals moving to the country, with 4,699 doctors registering in the first ten months of this financial year, a 50% increase from the previous period. This influx is attributed to improved immigration and other government policies addressing healthcare workforce shortages. The government is also investing in innovative healthcare projects, particularly in rural and remote areas. See more here.

La Trobe University's Rural Health School has mid-year intakes for Bachelor of Nursing degrees, in response to a national workforce shortage, especially in rural areas. Up to 130 new students can begin nursing undergraduate degrees across all four of La Trobe’s regional campuses located in Bendigo, Mildura, Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga. New students can benefit from a government placement stipend starting mid-2025. Applications open this month. Read the full article here.

MedicalJobsAustralia.com’s Health Workforce Update brings you the latest health and medical job vacancy statistics and workforce trends in Australia.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) invites doctors, international medical graduates, and other stakeholders to register for its event, AMA24, taking place from August 2-4, 2024, at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. One of the key sessions will focus on reforming Specialist IMG pathways, including insights from the Kruk review and next steps. Join discussions, network, and engage with industry leaders and medical peers. For more details, click here.

Are you a registered doctor interested in training in Intensive Care Medicine? The College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (CICM) selects trainees into its Training Program each year. They are accepting applications from 18 June 2024 – 13 August 2024. Complete pre-registration online to determine your eligibility, providing evidence of Full General Registration and a Letter of Service for ICU Foundation Time (6 months). Find out more here.

Many dental occupations sit on the Skills Priority List and are deemed in shortage in Australia’s labour market. While Jobs and Skills Australia identifies four main types of skills shortages - Long Training Gap, Short Training Gap, Suitability Gap, and Retention Gap - this article delves into additional factors affecting dental workforce supply in Australia, offering insights from current statistics and demographic data.

Health Careers International Australia (HCI) has partnered with Arizona State University and private hospital operator Ramsay, to address global healthcare workforce shortages. HCI will integrate into the ASU-Cintana Alliance to enhance education through world-class resources and clinical placements. The partnership aims to develop a highly skilled workforce with comprehensive career pathways, particularly in nursing and midwifery, aligning with anticipated Australian Government reforms.

A recent analysis of reports from major drug companies found drug companies paid more than A$33 million to doctors in the three years from late 2019 to late 2022 for consultancies and other expenses. Post-pandemic funding levels, particularly for travel, are expected to be even higher. Specialists, including rheumatologists and cancer doctors, received the most funding. Read more in this article by The Conversation, here.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has updated its National Health Workforce Dataset (NHWDS) with Medical 2023 data. Our comprehensive analysis of this latest data reveals key insights into Australia’s registered medical practitioner workforce. Learn about the rising number of specialists, the decline in GP numbers, and the latest trends in demographics and workforce participation. Read our in-depth review here.

Sponsored by Victoria University, this Insider Guide provides essential information for becoming an internationally qualified nurse in Australia. Applicants must apply through the Nursing and Midwifery Board, undergo an assessment against the Australian Qualifications Framework, and, depending on the stream (A, B, or C), complete the required steps including orientation, additional documentation, passing exams, or further qualification upgrades. More detailed steps are available here.

Following the Government’s Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review, expected to release its final report in October this year, Australia’s peak nursing bodies have announced they are united in supporting scope of practice and primary care reform processes. Interim ACN CEO said enabling Nurses to work to their full scope of practice will enhance health service delivery and access, increase job satisfaction, and have significant health workforce implications.

For occupations on the Skills Priority List and in shortage in Australia’s labour market, Jobs and Skills Australia identifies four main skills shortage drivers: Long Training Gap, Short Training Gap, Suitability Gap, and Retention Gap. For Australia's nursing workforce, the Long Training Gap is the primary cause, characterised by few qualified applicants and extensive training periods. However, Suitability and Retention Gaps may also contribute.

Interested in a rural medical career? This podcast series explores what it's like to live, work and train in rural medicine in Australia. Listen in as junior doctors and specialists share their experiences, providing real-life insights into the opportunities presented by living and working in regional communities. This podcast series is produced by Monash Rural Health’s Regional Training Hubs and funded by the Department of Health’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.

The federal government has announced a $25.2 million program to help Australia’s nurses and midwives tackle stress, burnout and turnover. The free, confidential service includes a telehealth line and website to access peer support, advice and referrals. The next phase is a rollout of four in-person hubs and regional offices nationwide, offering both face-to-face and telehealth services. This initiative aims to support this vital workforce, improving job satisfaction and retention.

Facing skills shortages and an aging, expanding population, Australia’s growing health sector requires high-quality resources and innovative initiatives to improve workforce recruitment, training, retention, and future supply. This article examines the current Australian Skills Classification model and explores how the proposed new National Skills Taxonomy, and a more integrated skills system, could benefit the health sector.

The government's 2024-2025 federal budget was delivered last week. Read MS Australia's response to the budget. They provide a clear breakdown of the initiatives and funding allocated to healthcare in Australia, including funding and support for patients, carers, medical research, nursing students, the health workforce, and providers.

The Australian Government is seeking nominations from interested Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders to join the new First Nations Health Governance Group in 2024. They encourage applicants with expertise across a range of health disciplines to apply. Applications close 11:59 pm (AEST) on Friday 7 June 2024.

The latest Internet Vacancy Index (IVI) by Jobs and Skills Australia recorded 4% fewer health and medical job advertisements in April 2024 compared to March 2024, and 6% fewer job ads compared to a year ago. Declines were observed across all occupational categories. Despite the month-on-month and year-on-year declines, health sector job advertisements and vacancies continue at record levels. More details here.

As part of the Federal Government’s Migration Strategy, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) will undertake labour market analysis and stakeholder engagement to help inform the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). The CSOL will identify occupations suitable for skilled migration and Australia’s workforce needs. JSA wants input from businesses, Australian and migrant workers, and job seekers to help finalise the draft CSOL. Lodge a submission or follow the progress here.

The Australian College of Nursing comments on the ‘Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce - Scope of Practice Review’ (the 'Cormack Review'), which examines barriers, benefits and risks that health practitioners face in working to their full scope of practice in primary care. ACN Interim CEO, Professor Leanne Boyd, says potential reforms will “attract more people to nursing, keep more nurses in nursing, and attract experienced nurses back to nursing”.

Jobs and Skills Australia is drafting the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) to identify occupations suitable for the new Skills in Demand visa, set to be implemented in late 2024 as part of the Government’s new Migration Strategy. With global competition for skilled workers intensifying, we look at the health sector occupations targeted for migration and poised to take advantage of this new visa class.

This collection of Fact Sheets from the Department of Health and Aged Care was updated on Feb-24 and provides lists of current financial and other incentives, such as subsidised training and scholarships, available to Australian GPs and General Practices in various Modified Monash (MM) locations. The Fact Sheets contain links to funding organisations and their application portal. You can check your location’s corresponding MM classification using the workforce locator map.

The federal government has announced a “Commonwealth Prac Payment,” to help students doing mandatory work placements, including those studying to be a teacher, nurse, midwife or social worker. Details are still being finalised, but the payment will be means-tested and available from July 2025, giving eligible students A$319.50 per week while on placement. Other support payments received by a student will not be affected.

The Australian Government’s new Migration Strategy hopes to deliver significant reforms to our migration system and target the migration of skilled occupations that support the quality of life of all Australians. New visa classes, residency pathways, and integrity measures will improve job mobility and worker protections, thus motivating skilled professionals to move to Australia. Read more about these reforms and their potential impact on Australia’s health sector recruitment and workforce.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) in Queensland has released a media statement calling for more public awareness of the pharmacy pilot in Queensland. Although workforce shortages continue to impact health service delivery, they say convenience should not override safety or quality. They would like the pilot to involve better reporting mechanisms for adverse outcomes and other quality measures to help evaluate the pilot’s success.

This media statement by the QLD Government announces the beginning of an Australian-first pharmacy pilot in north Queensland. The pilot aims to improve access to healthcare by allowing participating community pharmacists to treat and prescribe medicines for a range of common health conditions. The pilot will expand across the state over the next 12 months and continue until June 2026. Pharmacists need to complete specific education and training to be eligible to participate.

We take a look at the latest Skills Shortages Analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia, and what it means for the Australian Health Sector. We explore the 2023 Skills Priority List, looking specifically at Health Sector Occupations, including current nationwide and statewide workforce shortages, and predicted economy-wide future demand.

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) has released its Guidance Matrix which accompanies the 2023 Standards for Assessment and Accreditation of Primary Medical Programs (medical school standards). The document communicates AMC accreditation expectations for stakeholders, such as medical schools, assessment teams and reviewers. It includes ‘explanations’ of standards in plain English, examples of acceptable evidence, and expert resources. AMC also provides a User Guide and feedback form.

Croaky Health Media looks into the new Aged Care Act; Australia’s use of Urgent Care Clinics; the RACGP’s new definition of general practice for accreditation purposes; the AAPi’s call for HECS debt relief for rural psychology graduates; the ACRRM’s call to fund a secondary school awareness program and a scholarship scheme to attract regional and remote students to a career in medicine; and new WHO guidance on ethical health worker migration.

Our summary looks at the latest Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) reports, including the Labour Market Update, Feb-24, the International Labour Market Update, Feb-24, and the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS), Feb-24, and what it means for Health Sector Recruiters in Australia.

NSW Health added 3,000+ workers between Feb 2023 and Feb 2024, marking the largest annual increase since early last year. The government backs measures to support and strengthen the workforce, including study subsidies for 2,030 new and graduating NSW healthcare students, safe staffing reforms, more funding for permanent roles, pay increases and salary packages for health workers, and the roll-out of 500 extra paramedics in rural and remote areas.

This Report, from the UK Health Foundation, shines a spotlight on the global recruitment race for Nurses. Many countries, including Australia, are competing for Nurses amidst a worldwide workforce shortage. While record numbers of overseas-trained nurses have joined the UK nurse register in recent years, better pay and working conditions in places like the US, Australia and New Zealand, are tempting many to leave the UK for positions abroad.

The latest the Internet Vacancy Index showed monthly decreases in job listings for Health and Medical ‘Professional’ categories. Yearly growth in job ad vacancies is starting to stabilise, however current volumes, across all occupation categories, remain much higher than the 10-year average, demonstrating continued workforce demand alongside the expanding population and consumer demand for health services.

CHO Dr Kerry Chant and NSW Health consult with staff, unions, and local health districts about proposed changes to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers. QLD and WA have lifted mandates; VIC mandates all healthcare workers, while SA mandates certain healthcare roles. The review will assess the suitability of the compulsory vaccine program and resource allocation. Lifting the mandate would allow those who had lost their jobs to reapply for job openings.

The Royal Australia College of GPs (RACGP) urges the Government to fund more incentives and subsidised training to bolster GP numbers in community areas of need. Current incentives have proven effective, filling 114 training positions in areas of workforce shortage, many of which lacked registrars for extended periods. Newly filled GP training spots rose to 91% in 2024 from 85% in 2023, with an 11% increase in rural placements.

Our analysis examines health sector employment numbers and job vacancy rates by Australian states and territories. We analyse employment distribution and 5-year trends for each state/territory compared to the national average. Additionally, we compare growth rates in job vacancies for each state and territory across occupation groups.

CRANAplus provides a range of high quality face-to-face and online courses, tailored to rural and remote health practice, including rural and remote nursing and midwifery. Course completion can help you upskill, access con¬tin¬ued pro¬fes¬sion¬al devel¬op¬ment, and increase your employability in remote healthcare jobs. Courses are designed for nurses, midwives and other health professionals. They are delivered around the country and online, throughout the year.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) will hold its AMA24 Conference at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, from August 2-4, 2024. Registrations are now open and available to members and non-members. The conference is aimed at doctors across all career stages and specialty groups. It is CPD accredited and provides an opportunity to inspire, learn, discuss topics, and network. Find out more, including how to register, keynote speakers and program details.

Our summary looks at the latest Labour Market Insights from Jobs and Skills Australia. The number of workers in the Health Care and Social Assistance Industry grew by 6.1% over the last year (Nov-22 vs Nov-23), compared to an average of 2.2% across all industries in Australia. Read more on long-term employment trends, employment distribution across health service sectors and health sector occupations with the largest employment numbers.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBA) is seeking feedback and public consultation on the proposed guidelines for privately practising nurses (PPNs). This impacts enrolled nurses and registered nurses working privately outside of a health service setting. The NMBA provide an online survey and a detailed consultation paper for reference. Feedback is required by Friday 12 April 2024.

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is currently accepting applications for 2025 ACRRM Fellowship training. Applications are now open until 8 April 2024. See more information regarding eligibility, training regions, training pathways, funding options, the application process and fellowship program details.

Online job board advertising remains one of the best recruitment tools available to Australian health care employers. This guide compares online job board options and provides practical tips for posting your job ad.

The Specialist Training Program (STP) and the Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) are Australian government initiatives that fund the training of specialist registrars in settings outside traditional metropolitan teaching hospitals, including regional, rural, remote, and private facilities. The Department of Health and Aged Care and specialist medical colleges are currently accepting applications for new training posts until 4 April 2024. More information here.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners will open applications for the 2025 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program between 4 March – 15 April 2024. Info session webinars will run between Thursday 7 March – Thurs 2 May. Request a program guide, register to attend an info session, or find out more regarding eligibility, financial subsidies and training locations.

The RACP has published its Pre-Budget Submission in the lead-up to the next federal budget on 14 May 2024. This article provides a summary of the submission, exploring key insights and upcoming funding priorities for the Australian health system and workforce.

Registrations are now open to attend the 2024 GP Practice Owners Conference, which will be hosted at the Cairns Convention Centre in Queensland on Friday 24 - Sunday 26 May 2024. This is a Practice Owners Masterclass connecting like-minded GP practice owners and managers from around Australia. The conference will feature engaging and insightful presentations on the future of practice ownership, finance tips and tricks, and case studies.

The Victorian Government has a range of free nursing and midwifery study initiatives on offer, helping to strengthen the future nursing workforce. Students can enrol in professional-entry nursing/midwifery courses and receive scholarships of $9000 while studying and $7500 by working in the public health service for two years. Scholarships are available for enrolled nurses to upskill to registered nurses, and for experienced nurses who want to specialise and complete postgraduate studies.

Our analysis looks at the latest ABS data that estimates employee earnings and hours, pay settings, and public vs private sector wages and distribution – available by industry and occupation category.

This Mirage News article looks at the Victorian Government’s Switch to Social Work initiative, including La Trobe University’s Master of Social Work (Child and Family Practice) degree - a 2-year earn-and-learn program, allowing students to undertake employment as a paid intern at a community services organisation while they study.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has published its Workforce Survey Report 2024, after conducting a nationwide survey of its members and analysing the results. Participants were invited to share their perspectives on workforce challenges and federal priorities for psychiatry and the mental health sector. The results reveal how burnout and staff shortages continue to impact the workforce, services, and patient care.

The latest ABS statistics: the proportion of Health Care and Social Assistance businesses reporting vacancies continues to trend downward. Job vacancy volumes are still high compared to pre-pandemic years, but the rate of growth is slowing. Strong quarterly gains for total jobs, filled jobs and employees demonstrates continued resilience in the sector despite contractions and rising unemployment in other industries.

Changes to labour market testing requirements have been announced which simplify the process for health and medical employers recruiting international workers. From 11 December 2023, it is no longer a requirement for employers to advertise on Workforce Australia before sponsoring a worker on a Subclass 482 or 494 visa. Employers now only need to advertise across two valid job platforms, instead of three.

The Commonwealth Government is developing a National Nursing Workforce Strategy which aims to address workforce challenges and support the nursing profession in Australia. In late 2023 they consulted with many nurses and providers to identify issues facing the nursing workforce. The Australian College of Nursing published its response, providing recommendations to improve nursing conditions, workforce retention, and service delivery in Aged Care and rural and remote health.

The Health Workforce Update brings you the latest health and medical job vacancy statistics and labour force insights. The Internet Vacancy Index recorded month-on-month declines in health and medical job ads, with Medical Practitioner job ads falling by 12.33%. However, workforce demand remains robust with whole sector job listings up by 9.6% year-on-year and job ads for Medical Practitioners and some Allied Health Professions over 20% higher than a year earlier.

Are you interested in Aged Care? Aged care is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia. With many reforms taking place over the next few years, including the Single Assessment System and The Support at Home program, the Department of Health and Aged Care have published a range of resources to help both employers and job seekers to understand these changes and the workforce development opportunities available.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s ‘Workforce Capability Project’ publishes a range of reports and workforce insights, helping to educate the sector and improve workforce planning. Their Career Paths Report, and key findings from their biannual workforce survey, are available to view by non-members and would appeal to job seekers considering a career in Pharmacy, those wanting to further progress their pharmacy careers in Australia, or healthcare employers who employ pharmacy staff.

This article looks at the current characteristics of the Australian Nursing workforce in 2024, together with a 5-step process for attracting more Nurses and Midwives to your roles.

This media release from The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) explores the government’s new incentives to boost advanced health services in regional communities. The RACGP welcomed the inclusion of a broad range of disciples and services that could be delivered by GPs to communities outside the cities. Payments were available to eligible GPs and rural generalists under the Workforce Incentives Program, and the initiatives help to alleviate workforce shortages.

In this PS News article, the call for long-term structural investment into preventative health initiatives continues. The Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) and The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) have called on the government to prioritise health equity and prevention, as part of its national health reform agenda. Strengthening rural GP services, multidisciplinary care, social prescribing, outreach programs and clear ‘pipelines’ of funding, are some of the recommendations.

We explore the history of locum work in Australia and some of the benefits locum work can bring to your medical career.

This article explores the future role of Artificial Intelligence in Australian healthcare. Recent publications by the Medical Journal of Australia highlight barriers and risks to AI integration. While AI applications are used in medical imaging and have the potential to improve services, such as pathology services, a lack of trust continues, especially regarding possible biases in underlying data and uneven government regulation.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is asking members to participate in their survey – to provide important input on the future of Australia's health system. The survey will be open until 31 January 2024, and the results will help the AMA determine what to advocate for in the coming years.

Read our report which summarises key information and statistics from the latest Medical Training Survey (MTS), which helps to measure the current demographics, workload, training quality, professional satisfaction, and future intentions of Doctors in Training in Australia. We look at current trends by comparing the latest MTS results to the last 5 years.

The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) was set up by the Australian Government to fund important health and medical research projects. View the current calendar of MRFF initiatives and grant opportunities, available for researchers working in a variety of clinical and practice areas.

This article explores the updated directive from the Australian government to prioritise employer-sponsored visa applications for occupations carried out in regional areas. This priority shift will help to support regional and rural health employers who are facing critical staff and skills shortages.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ News GP runs a weekly poll to gauge GP perspectives on various topics of interest. In this article, we provide a summary of poll results for last year - exploring what mattered to general practice in 2023, and the challenges that are set to continue in 2024 and beyond.

This article looks at the growing trend of registered Nurses and Midwives shifting to agency work over permanent roles. It highlights the benefits of agency work for individual workers while noting negative consequences such as pay disparity between employees and the reduced ability of organisations to compete for workers.

ABC News reports on the recent deal negotiated between the AMA, the Rural Doctors' Association of South Australia and the Rural Support Service, which provides an additional $10,000 to GPs who move to regional towns in South Australia. Current GPs can receive a recognition payment of up to $5,000, while Flinders University is set to start a new program to increase the supply of rural trainee doctors trained regionally rather than in the city.

In this article we explore the RACPs latest Member Statistics and Insights Report. We provide a summary of key statistics and trends, and make year-on-year comparisons using data from last year's report.

This media release relates to last week’s National Cabinet meeting where health policies remained a top priority for the government. It discusses the National Health Reform Agreement, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and the Strengthening Medicare measures.

The Final Report from the Kruk Review, led by Ms Robyn Kruk AO, makes 28 recommendations designed to ease skills shortages in critical health professions and reform Australia's regulatory settings for overseas trained health practitioners and international students who have studied in Australia. The review recommends simplifying and streamlining application processes, including qualification recognition and comparability assessments, among other reforms.

This article explores the Kruk Review and summarises the recommendations from its Final Report, published last week. The report makes recommendations to improve the end-to-end regulatory process for International Health Practitioners seeking registration and work in Australia. Overall, they aim to boost the health and medical workforce in Australia, alleviate skills shortages, and increase Australia’s competitive advantage in attracting key health professionals from overseas.

This ABC News article gives us a glimpse into the life of Kelly, who changed careers and became a Practice Assistant - a role that is in demand and seen as a crucial bridge between patients and clinicians, especially in rural areas that are vulnerable to staffing shortages. Kelly undertook a Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting, which equipped her with a range of hands-on skills, such as performing ECGs, monitoring blood pressure, and managing sterilisation and infection control.

The House of Representatives Select Committee on Workforce Australia Employment Services, first established in August 2022, has released its final report called ‘Rebuilding Employment Services’ - published November 2023. It provides 75 recommendations to improve the government’s employment services system so that it better supports jobseekers and employers at the local, regional and national level.

In this analysis, we calculate the Full-time Equivalent (FTE) of AHPRA registration numbers for each professional category and compare the ratio and rate of FTE AHPRA Registered professionals per head of population in Australia.

This media release from the Tasmanian Government annouces its partnership with Flinders University to offer $540,000 in scholarships for staff to study a Certificate in palliative care or Specialist Certificate in palliative care. These courses take 10-13 weeks to complete, are available online, and are aimed at enrolled nurses, nursing aides, registered nurses, Allied Health Professionals, medical professionals, assistants and support workers.

This RACGP News article explores a new report for the government's Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding. The report is co-authored by the NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, and it makes important observations regarding the current funding model - including its lack of funding for preventative health care strategies, and its inefficient support of innovative service delivery and the development of new models of care, especially out-of-hospital models of care.

This article explores key dates for the 2024 Adult Medicine Divisional Clinical Exam (DCE) and analyses past DCE pass rates and attendence numbers from 2016 – 2023.

The Dept of Health and Aged Care releases quarterly Medicare statistics in an accessible infographic format - the Jul-Sep YTD 2023 period saw slight decreases in Medicare and Bulk Billed Services compared to last year, with the National Bulk Billing Rate decreased from 78.1% to 74.5%. Despite this, total benefits paid increased, while the Average (out-of-hospital) Patient Contribution was less than last year at $72.64, compared to $72.87 in 2022.

This article from NewsGP refers to a new ABS analysis of patient experiences, which reveals that the number of people who are delaying or avoiding seeing a GP due to cost, has doubled since last year. The article discusses price perceptions, cost-of-living pressures, practice viability in disadvantaged areas, fragmented care and the widening gap between health outcomes and access to services.

In this report we take a look at the latest registration data from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and compare quarterly figures over the past five years, from 2018 to 2023.

This media release from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomes the Department of Health's support in adapting digital assignment of benefit forms for GPs undertaking bulk-billed telehealth consultations. This change will allow for better integration into general practice software and enable forms to be uploaded and pre-populated with patients’ details.

This article, from the Sydney Morning Herald, looks at the nationwide shortage of pathologists and how this might be delaying pathology test results for patients. Workforce supply and workload could be improved by increasing the Medicare rebate for pathology services, by increasing funded Pathology training programs, and by adopting new technologies.

This article takes a look at some main challenges facing Australia's health workforce into the future. It explores the latest Government initiatives and opportunities for health career development.

The AMA has released a position statement on medical workforce distribution, highlighting inconsistencies, fluctuating under and over supply of medical prodessionals, and the geographical maldistribution of the workforce. They identify inconsistent planning cycles and bottlenecks of PGY 3+ doctors and unaccredited service registrars trying to access down stream vocational training.

This article provides a good summary of an article published in The Australian: Staffing reforms trigger surge in aged care shutdowns. It refers to a model created by a coalition of academics from the University of Melbourne, University of the Sunshine Coast and Monash University, which shows the nation is on track to experience deep workforce shortages in the aged care sector, as more aged care facilities close down and government nursing reforms place extra strain on the sector.

In this article we compare different job boards and explore the benefits of niche job boards which cater to the health sector.

This in-depth and well-referenced article from MJA Insight talks about the 'General Practitioners with a Special Interest' program, whereby GPs can work across community and hospital settings. This model, which originated in the UK, can benefit practitioners, hospitals, health services and patients alike, by strengthening collaboration and continuity of care, reducing waitlists, and improving discharge rates in hospitals.

This LaTrobe University news release looks at the Professional Certificate in Rural Nursing Practice, including it's 5 micro-credentials. It encourages Registered Nurses to enrol and take advantage of the free and discounted places available for commencement in 2024.

This article explores Nursing as a career in Australia - how to enter Nursing, study options, qualifications, programs, progression and specialisation.

This Media and News item from the Department of Health and Aged Care is notifying Bachelor of Nursing students of the opportunity to apply for high-quality clinical placements in the aged care sector through the Aged Care Nursing Clinical Placements Program. It provides links to further information, including application details and requirments.

This Q&A by Monash University speaks to Associate Professor Helen Rawson, the Deputy Head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, who has led a team of researchers conducting a mixed-method examination of nurses' perceptions and experiences, within the context of aged and long-term care. This Q&A takes an honest look at the characteristics, challenges and strengths of the Aged Care workforce and multi-diciplinary team.

In this article we list some Job Ad writing tips for Australian Health Care Employers looking to attract extra talent.

This Australian Defense Force News story, by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell, explores the rewards and challenges of providing remote visits and essential dental care to Australia's First Nation communities, as part of a two-person dental team from 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron.

This article explores workforce shortages in Aged Care, the importance of residential services for our aging population, and the connection between workforce supply and the availability of worker accomodation.

Throughout your career, your CV, or résumé, may need a spruce up. This article explores top tips and improvements for CV success.

In this AMA Media Release, AMA Queensland President Dr Maria Boulton calls on the Health Minister to allow private specialists to practise in public hospitals to address workforce shortages, especially in regional areas and maternity units.

In this media release, the Minister for Health and Aged Care talks about the government's 10-year National Mental Health Workforce Strategy, and outlines funding and priority initiatives to help build a diverse and resilient mental health workforce.

Discover the benefits of using MedicalJobsAustralia.com as a targeted recruitment tool for health services. The health care sector is diverse and expansive. With ongoing health care staffing demand and shortages throughout Australia, health care employers continue to depend on online advertising and recruitment tools which target the right medical and health care candidates.