A Registered Nurse (RN, Division 1) practises to the full scope of nursing: assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating care, autonomously and in teams. RNs delegate to and supervise Enrolled Nurses and AINs, and stay accountable for the decision to delegate.
Do you need a degree?
Yes: either an NMBA-approved Bachelor of Nursing (AQF 7, ~3 years), or, if you already hold a bachelor degree in another field, a graduate-entry/pre-registration Master of Nursing (AQF 9, ~18–24 months). Both lead to the same RN registration.
The qualification & registration
Qualification
An NMBA-approved, ANMAC-accredited entry-to-practice program: a Bachelor of Nursing (AQF 7) or a graduate-entry Master of Nursing (AQF 9). Both are accredited against the ANMAC Registered Nurse Accreditation Standards 2019, which require a minimum of 800 hours of professional experience placement.
Registration
Yes: you must hold general registration with the NMBA as a registered nurse (Division 1) before practising. There's no separate licence beyond NMBA registration.
How to become a registered nurse, step by step
1. Complete an NMBA-approved Bachelor of Nursing (AQF 7, 3 years) or, with a prior degree, a graduate-entry Master of Nursing (AQF 9, ~18–24 months); each includes a minimum of 800 hours of placement.
2. Apply to the NMBA (via AHPRA) for general registration as a registered nurse and meet the registration standards, including the English language skills standard.
3. Start practising; most graduates begin in a hospital graduate (transition-to-practice) program.
Specialty experience plus, usually, a relevant postgraduate qualification. The exact qualification and years are set by each state's nursing award; see your state's clinical-nurse pay page for the local thresholds. The top rung, Nurse Practitioner, additionally needs an NMBA-approved Master + NMBA endorsement.
Do you need a degree to become a registered nurse?
Yes: either an NMBA-approved Bachelor of Nursing (AQF 7, ~3 years), or, if you already hold a bachelor degree in another field, a graduate-entry/pre-registration Master of Nursing (AQF 9, ~18–24 months). Both lead to the same RN registration.
Do you have to register with AHPRA to work as a registered nurse?
Yes: you must hold general registration with the NMBA as a registered nurse (Division 1) before practising. There's no separate licence beyond NMBA registration.
How do you become a registered nurse in Australia?
Complete an NMBA-approved Bachelor of Nursing (AQF 7, 3 years) or, with a prior degree, a graduate-entry Master of Nursing (AQF 9, ~18–24 months); each includes a minimum of 800 hours of placement. Apply to the NMBA (via AHPRA) for general registration as a registered nurse and meet the registration standards, including the English language skills standard. Start practising; most graduates begin in a hospital graduate (transition-to-practice) program.
Written by Jacob Stretton, registered nurse and final-year medical student. General information about Australian nursing pathways; always confirm current requirements with the NMBA/AHPRA and your education provider.