IMG Clinical Readiness Program (ICRP)

The IMG Clinical Readiness Program (ICRP) is a pilot program designed to provide program participants with an orientation to the NSW Health system  and experience in a clinical setting under supervision in a NSW public hospital. Participants will be part of a medical team and will participate in ward rounds, have opportunity to practice history taking and clinical examination, and perform simple procedures under supervision.

Key features of the ICRP program

• Structured 12-week program.
• Participation in the program is unpaid and voluntary.
• The program is made up of three parts:
• Part 1 – five days of intensive orientation training in Sydney. This will include learning about the Australian healthcare system, communication techniques, and simulated clinical learning.
• Part 2 – five days on location orientation training introducing site-specific information including electronic Medical Records (eMR) and other system management.
• Part 3 – ten weeks of supervised clinical practice on a ward/unit (supported by a dedicated supervisor) .
• At completion of the program participants will receive a certification of completion and a Professional Development Plan that will assist with future job applications.
• Employment is not guaranteed at the end of the program; however it is expected that participants will have gained sufficient exposure and experience in a hospital setting to enable applications into suitable medical officer vacancies.

For more information about the program, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

About the role

Once selected into the program participants will be referred to as Medical Support Officers (MSO).

An MSO is not a registered medical practitioner in Australia and therefore cannot be called a doctor.

 The MSO will work under the supervision of a senior medical officer and assist in clinical tasks, including but not limited to:

• Participation in ward rounds
• Performing basic procedures under supervision
• Taking clinical histories and basic clinical examinations
• Reviewing/entering notes in the electronic Medical Record (eMR) with a medical practitioner countersignature

Please see the Role Description for more information.

Who is eligible for the program?

• Must be an Australian Citizenship or Permanent Resident
• Must have completed a recognised medical degree (Must be provided as part of the application with certified translation)
• Passed the Australian Medical Council Part 1 exam
• Must not have previously worked in Australia as a Medical Officer
• Passed International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with minimum score of 7 or the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
• Evidence of 3 doses of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised COVID-19 vaccine (in accordance with ATAGI minimum intervals)

Visit the ICRP - How to apply page for more information on how to apply for this role.