Healthcare Australia (HCA) supports nurses, carers and allied health professionals with access to flexible work opportunities across hospitals, aged care, disability services and community health settings nationwide. If you’re a clinician, the process of joining HCA is straightforward once the key steps are understood.
This blog is for those who’ve asked: How do I get into HCA? We answer what to expect, from eligibility through to your first placement.
How can nurses, carers and allied health professionals apply to HCA?
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before applying, it’s important to confirm that you meet the basic requirements to work with HCA. For Australian-based applicants, this typically includes:
- Relevant qualifications for your profession
- Current Australian registration (where required)
- The right to work in Australia
Eligibility is assessed slightly differently for international applicants. Healthcare Australia works with internationally qualified healthcare professionals who already hold, or are eligible to obtain, Australian registration and work rights. While HCA does not offer visa sponsorship, our team can advise on role suitability once registration and work eligibility are in place.
Step 2: Research available roles
HCA places healthcare professionals across a wide range of roles, specialties and locations, including metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
Before applying, we recommend exploring current opportunities through our Find a Job pages. This helps applicants understand:
- The types of roles available
- Required experience levels
- Location options and shift flexibility
Reviewing vacancies early allows you to align your application with roles that match your skills and availability.
Step 3: Prepare your application materials
Having documentation ready helps streamline the application process. Most applicants are asked to provide:
- A current CV or resume
- Photo identification (such as a passport or driver’s licence)
- Details for two consultant, or supervisor-level referees
- Relevant checks, such as police checks or working-with-children checks (HCA can assist with some checks where required)
International applicants may also need to supply additional registration or certification documents, depending on role and profession.
Step 4: Submit your application
If you’re a healthcare professional wondering, “How do I get into HCA,” you can complete the application process online through our registration system. After submission, the team will review your details and guide you through any additional steps required to complete registration.
Applicants who need assistance during the process can contact us directly for support. Once registration is finalised, you will receive access to the Member App, which allows you to manage your profile and view available shifts.
Step 5: What happens after you apply
After you apply with HCA, healthcare professionals can access work opportunities through the Member App. The app allows you to:
- View and accept shifts that match your preferences
- Manage availability and placements
- Access role and location details in one place
There are no minimum shift requirements, and you’re not obligated to accept work offered. This flexibility is particularly valuable for clinicians balancing multiple commitments.
Depending on the role, payment may be managed through HCA’s weekly payroll or directly by the client. Pay rates vary based on experience, role type and location. For some regional placements, travel and accommodation costs may be covered by the client.
Working across locations and ongoing requirements
HCA offers opportunities across Australia, subject to role-specific requirements. Some employers may request additional documentation before commencement.
Healthcare professionals are also required to:
- Maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance (where applicable)
- Notify HCA of any conditions on registration
- Keep certifications and compliance documents up to date
Start your application with Healthcare Australia
Healthcare professionals exploring flexible work options can access a wide range of placements through HCA, supported by experienced local teams across Australia. Job opportunities are available across hospitals, aged care, disability services and community health settings, with flexibility around location and shift selection.
For those asking how nurses, carers and allied health professionals apply, the process begins by exploring current opportunities and completing our online registration. Explore current opportunities or register with HCA to begin the application process and access placements aligned with your skills and availability.
