Nurse CV for Australia
For nurse jobs in Australia, lead with AHPRA registration (NMBA). Employers usually expect a CV on A4 paper, most recent experience first. Length: 2–4 pages is normal. Employers there usually leave out a photo, date of birth and marital status. If you are not a citizen, your right to work or visa status is usually stated.
Build a nurse CV for AustraliaYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Registration and licences
| Nurses | AHPRA registration (NMBA) |
|---|---|
| Midwives | AHPRA registration (NMBA) |
Put it near the top of the CV. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress” and the date you applied. Confirm current requirements with the regulator before you apply.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important |
|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended |
| Registration & licences | Expected |
| Experience | Expected |
| Education | Expected |
| Clinical skills | Recommended |
| Courses & CPD | Recommended |
| References | Recommended |
Length: 2–4 pages is normal.
Personal details in Australia
| What it is called | Curriculum Vitae |
|---|---|
| Length | 2–4 pages is normal |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Layout | Tabular, dates in a left column |
| Order | Most recent first |
| Dates | Month and year (e.g. Mar 2023) |
| Photo | Usually left out |
| Date of birth | Usually left out |
| Nationality | Usually left out |
| Marital status | Usually left out |
| Right to work / visa status | Usually included |
| References | List two or three referees with contact details |
| Explain gaps longer than | 6 months |
Key facts
- Nurses and midwives in Australia must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through Ahpra. Source: ahpra.gov.au
- In Australia, the Age Discrimination Act 2004 makes it unlawful to discriminate on the ground of age in employment, including in deciding who is offered a job. Source: legislation.gov.au
- In Australia, Ahpra works with 15 National Boards to regulate 16 health professions, and registered practitioners appear on a public register. Source: ahpra.gov.au
Facts checked 2026-10-15.
Tips
- Lead with your registration (e.g. NMC PIN, AHPRA number, RN licence) and its status.
- For each post give the ward or unit, patient group, bed numbers and shift pattern.
- List competencies: IV, cannulation, medicines management, specific equipment.
- Overseas nurses: state your OSCE / NCLEX / IELTS or OET status.
- In the EU/EEA, automatic recognition (Directive 2005/36/EC) covers nurses responsible for general care; specialist nursing qualifications go through the general recognition route.
- Two or three referees with phone and email are expected, usually recent supervisors.
- State your visa or residency status (citizen, permanent resident, visa subclass) near the top.
- Key achievements under each role carry more weight than duty lists.
- No photo or date of birth: anti-discrimination law covers age (e.g. Australia’s Age Discrimination Act 2004, NZ’s Human Rights Act 1993).
Questions
What registration do nurses need on a CV in Australia?
Nurses applying in Australia should show AHPRA registration (NMBA) near the top of the CV, with the registration number and status. If you are still applying, list it with the status “In progress”. Put it in its own section, above your experience. Requirements change, so confirm the current rules with the regulator before you apply.
Should a nursing CV for Australia have a photo?
No. Leave the photo off a nursing CV for Australia. Employers there don’t expect one and generally prefer CVs without it, and the CV Atlas readiness check flags a photo if you add one. Use the space for your experience and qualifications, and include a photo only if a job advert asks for one. No photo or date of birth: anti-discrimination law covers age (e.g. Australia’s Age Discrimination Act 2004, NZ’s Human Rights Act 1993).
How long should a nursing CV be in Australia?
Aim for 2–4 pages, the norm in Australia. Put your registration and most recent roles on the first page, keep older roles to a line or two each, and use A4 paper. Employers in this field usually check your registration first. CV Atlas warns you when the CV runs longer than usual.
What sections does a nursing CV for Australia need?
A nursing CV for Australia needs your contact details, experience, education and registration and licences, plus two or three referees with contact details. In the header, include your visa or right-to-work status. Leave out the photo, date of birth and nationality. Put the most recent role first and describe each post with the setting, scope and results. CV Atlas applies this structure when you choose the job and the country, and its readiness check lists anything missing.
Related guides
General guides: CVs for Australia and Nursing & midwifery CVs in any country.
Other jobs in Australia: Doctor, Dentist, Pharmacist, Allied health, Teacher, Engineer, Lawyer, Accountant, Electrician and trades, Care worker, Childcare worker, Social worker, Software engineer.
Nurse CVs for other countries: United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Singapore, Japan.
Start your nurse CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026; facts checked 2026-10-15. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.