IMG Clinical Readiness Program (ICRP)

​​​​​​​The IMG Clinical Readiness Program (ICRP) is a program designed to provide 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 take part in ward rounds, have opportunity to practice history taking, documentation and clinical examination, receive exposure to multi-disciplinary teams 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. Commencing 2 March 2026. 
• Part 2 – Four-five days on location orientation training introducing site-specific information including electronic Medical Records (eMR) and other system management. Commencing 9 March 2026. 
• Part 3 – ten weeks of supervised clinical practice on a ward/unit (supported by a dedicated supervisor). Commencing 16 March 2026 and concluding 22 May 2026.
• Participants must be available for 12 weeks from 2 March to 22 May 2026.
• On successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certification of Completion and a Professional Development Plan that will assist with future job applications and medical registration.
• The majority of placements are in rural and regional facilities.  Participants must be willing to relocate to the allocated area for the duration of the program. 
• Term allocations are at the discretion of the participating hospitals/local health districts.  Placement in a participant's area of interest may not be possible, however the program will provide a general overview, exposure and the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team within the NSW hospital setting.
• Employment is not guaranteed at the end of the program; however it is expected that the majority of participants will have gained sufficient exposure and experience in a hospital setting to facilitate appropriate applications into suitable medical officer vacancies.
• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) medical registration is not required for this program.

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).

A 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 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?

To be eligible you must:

• be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid visa (a visa that allows for unrestricted working rights).  NOTE: Student and tourist Visas will not be accepted
• have completed a recognised medical degree
• have passed the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Part 1 exam
• not have previously worked in Australia as a medical practitioner or have a current job offer as a medical practitioner in Australia
• meet the requirements for the ​Medical Board of Australia English Language Skills registration standard Proof of English language Proficiency
• Worked as a medical practitioner performing clinical duties within the last 3 years/36 months AND meet the requirement for the ​Medical Board of Australia Recency of Practice Registration standard
• comply with the NSW Health Policy Directive Recruitment and Selection of Staff to the NSW Health service. This includes the National Police Check and Working with Children Check. For more information refer to Working with Children Checks and Other Police Checks.
• comply with vaccination and health check requirements for category A workers as per the Policy Directive Occupational Assessment Screening and Vaccination Against Specific Infectious Disease. Refer to Occupational assessment screening and vaccination - FAQ for more information.

What locations are available for placements commencing 2 March 2026?

The locations are still under review, the majority of placements will be in rural and regional NSW, participants must be willing to relocate.

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