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Introduction
RACS advises the MCNZ on applications received from International Medical Graduates (IMGs) for vocational registration in the nine surgical specialties of the College. The MCNZ is the statutory authority and final decision maker on applications for vocational registration.
IMGs with formal postgraduate specialist qualifications in surgery who wish to work in Aotearoa New Zealand can apply to the MCNZ for an assessment of the equivalence of their qualifications and experience to vocationally registered surgeons.
The Role of Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa I the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)
Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) is the regulatory authority responsible for medical registration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Practising in Aotearoa New Zealand
To practise medicine, you must be registered with the MCNZ and hold a current practising certificate. Registration pathways vary depending on your qualifications, training, experience, and whether you intend to work permanently or short-term. The MCNZ website provides guidance on pathways, requirements, and expected timeframes.
The Registration self-assessment tool will help you determine the right pathway for you.
Applying for short-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand
Special Purpose Scope is for IMG who intend working in Aotearoa New Zealand for a fixed period of time for a specific purpose.
- Special purpose locum tenens scope of practice is for doctors with an overseas specialist qualification on MCNZ's approved list, who have a job offer to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for 12 months or less.
- Special purpose postgraduate training registration is available for doctors looking to come to Aotearoa New Zealand on a temporary basis, to complete a post-graduate fellowship year to gain experience and skills to take back to their home or sponsor country.
Applying for long-term work in Aotearoa New Zealand
Medical practitioners registered within the General scope of practice (or the Provisional General scope of practice, which precedes it) are typically resident doctors, resident medical officers (RMO) and doctors undergoing vocational training. Provisional General Registration is available to medical graduates from comparable health systems. Council currently recognises 29 countries as having health systems comparable to New Zealand.
There are 36 Vocational scopes recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). A list of vocational scopes is available on the MCNZ website.
Once an application for Vocational Registration fulfils the MCNZ's initial criteria, advice is sought from the relevant Vocational Educational and Advisory Body (VEAB). The MCNZ makes its decision after considering the advice of the VEAB. RACS is the VEAB for its nine surgical specialties.
The Role of Te Whare Piki Ora o Māhutonga I the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
The College is an advisory body to the MCNZ and provides advice regarding the equivalence of IMG training and experience to that of surgeons vocationally registered in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Assessment process
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The MCNZ conducts an initial review to confirm your application for Provisional Vocational Registration is complete.
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Your application is then referred to RACS to assess and provide advice on the equivalence of your training, qualifications, and experience with those of a vocationally registered surgeon in the same specialty in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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The MCNZ considers this advice when making its decision on your registration application.
Specific information required by RACS to be included in your MCNZ application for provisional vocational registration:
- RACS Form – to be completed as required. Incomplete forms cannot be assessed.
- Summary logbooks – complete the relevant specialty logbook summary and submit with your application.
RACS Regulation
Vocational Assessment of International Medical Graduates in Aotearoa New Zealand Regulation 2046