Welcome to your Graduate Program Application Checklist!

We understand that navigating the application process can be daunting. That's why we've created this comprehensive checklist to guide you through the preparation for your online applications. Here's what you need to know:

Remember… Preparation is Key!

Before you begin, keep in mind that this checklist covers general requirements. Each hospital may have specific criteria, so be sure to check their individual application guidelines.

1. Academic Transcript or Statement of Results:

Obtain a recent copy of your Academic Transcript.
Ensure that your transcript includes a grading key page and your GPA.
If you haven't graduated, hospitals may allow you to provide an unofficial transcript or ‘Statement of Results’. This is available through your institution's online portal, or by contacting student services.
Some hospitals require this document to be certified.

2. Current Working with Children’s Check (WWCC):

This may be requested as part of your application or upon successful acceptance for the position.
Make sure that you apply for an Employee WWCC. If you do not receive this in time, some hospitals may accept a receipt of payment showing proof of application.
Please note that WWCCs are issued under separate state and territory laws. Therefore, make sure you apply for the correct one for your intended work location.
It’s advisable to apply for your Employee WWCC early, as processing can take up to 4 weeks.

3. Immunisation History Statement:

Hospitals require evidence of current immunisation in accordance with each individual state / territory health policy.unknown nodeunknown nodeunknown nodeunknown nodeunknown nodeunknown node
For directions on how to obtain your Immunisation History Statement, please refer to the instructions on the Services Australia website

4. Evidence of Identification and Working Rights:

To confirm your identification and working rights, you must provide appropriate documentation. Examples of acceptable documents are:

Australian or New Zealand passport
Australian Birth Certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate
Permanent Residency Visa (along with a copy of your passport in some cases)
Working Visa (along with a copy of your passport in some cases)

Note: If your documents display a name different from your application form, you must also provide evidence of the name change. This could be in the form of a Marriage, Divorce, or Change of Name Certificate.

5. Clinical Placement Report(s):

Yes that’s right - your Clinical Placement Reports matter as they provide employers with invaluable insights into your clinical performance and capabilities.

Here's what you need to know:

Each hospital has specific requirements, so make sure you check their individual criteria.
Typically, 1-2 Placement reports are required, preferably from your most recent practical placements.
Reports should be from your 2nd or 3rd year and completed by two different people who have been directly involved in your supervision or education in the clinical setting.
Depending on the hospital, these reports may need to be certified or can be submitted uncertified.

Your Clinical Placement Reports must include:

Name of the hospital or place of placement
Dates and duration of the placement
Clinical area and specialty, including the name of the ward or department

6. AHPRA Registration:

Before you can begin practicing, you must register with AHPRA and the national boards.

Here's what you need to know:

You must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) before commencing employment as a Registered or Enrolled Nurse or Midwife.
The registration process can take many weeks, so it's wise to start early.
Ensure you meet eligibility criteria for registration with the NMBA.
Have all required documentation ready for registration through NMBA.
You can initiate your application 4 - 6 weeks before completing your studies, but registration won't be finalised until you've received confirmation of passing your course.

For detailed steps on applying for Graduate Registration, visit: AHPRA Graduate Applications

7. Cover Letter:

Please review our separate resource on ‘How to Write a Cover Letter’ for detailed tips.
Begin drafting your cover letters well in advance to allow for thorough preparation.
Address each cover letter to the Graduate Program Coordinators specified in the application information.
Tailor each cover letter to the hospital you’re applying to, highlighting your interest for their program.
Keep your cover letter concise, limiting it to one page maximum.

8. Curriculum Vitae (CV):

Refer to our separate resource on 'How to Write a Stand Out CV' for detailed tips.
Make sure your CV makes a good first impression and showcases your skills effectively.
Keep your CV concise, limiting it to a maximum of three single-sided A4 pages.
Ensure the formatting is clear and easy to read.
Your CV must include your full clinical placement experience.

9. Professional Referees:

Each hospital has specific requirements, so it's essential to be aware of their individual criteria. In order to be prepared for applications, prepare for providing the following referees

2 x Nursing/Midwifery Clinical Referees:

Examples include a Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Facilitator/Teacher, or Clinical Preceptor.
These referees should have direct knowledge of your clinical practice and performance.
Ideally, select referees from your two most recent clinical placements, preferably from separate experiences in your final year of study.

1 x Professional (Non-Placement) Referee:

This referee can be from paid or unpaid work, such as your current employer or a supervisor from volunteer work, sports coaching, extracurricular activities, or community involvement.

Tips for Organising Your Referees:

When providing references, ensure to include their full name, job title, place of employment, phone number, and email address
Some hospitals may use online systems for reference submissions, so providing accurate email addresses is essential.
Request permission from your referees before listing them and ensure they are aware they may be contacted.
Have a conversation with your facilitators about using them as a reference before finishing placement to ensure they remember you and your performance.
Before the employer conducts reference checks, it's good practice to remind your referees of the dates you attended clinical placement at their unit as they may need a refresher.

10. Placement History Evidence:

Some hospitals may request an additional document detailing your full clinical placement history. This document coincides with the information provided in your CV. It can be presented in table format, specifying:

The name of the institution, hospital, or organization
Specialty of the clinical area
Dates of placement
Duration of each placement
A brief outline of the skills practiced and developed during each placement.unknown node
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11. Passport Photo or Photo Identification:

You may be asked to provide a recent passport photo or photo ID. If photo identification is required, make sure it's a professional and recent headshot.

By following this checklist and tailoring your applications to each hospital's requirements, you'll be well-prepared for success in your Graduate Program applications.

Good luck!

Your Graduate Program Application Checklist!

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