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How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Australia: careers in Nursing
Definition of a Registered Nurse (RN)
A Registered Nurse (RN) is a regulated health professional who delivers evidence-based care across Australia’s public and private health systems.
RNs are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). They assess patients, develop care plans, give medications, and supervise other nursing staff. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, aged care, community health, and primary care settings. Nurses must complete an NMBA-accredited degree and register through AHPRA before they can practise.
Strong analytical and communication skills are central to the role. RNs interpret clinical data, work with multidisciplinary teams, and educate patients about health and treatment. Many go on to specialise in critical care, surgical nursing, or mental health. They can advance to Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Consultant roles.
More than 366,200 nurses are employed nationally, with annual growth of 12,600 positions (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Salaries range from around $70,235 for new graduates to over $115,000 for senior and specialist nurses (Fair Work Australia).
About the author
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.
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