Kia ora Physician Associates (PAs) and New Zealand Physician Associate Society (NZPAS) Members
The registration process for Physician Associates is progressing rapidly under the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). https://www.mcnz.org.nz. There are several steps to complete before the registration process is ready and MCNZ begins accepting applications.
All US, Canadian and UK trained Physician Associates that work here will need to apply for an Annual Practice Certificate (APC).
The New Zealand Physician Associate Society currently recommends all PAs considering employment in New Zealand should plan and expect that they will need to apply for registration before moving to New Zealand.
The first phase of the regulation process is nearing completion, covering proposed scopes of practice, prescribed qualifications, registration pathways, and a supervision framework. Development of good practice guidelines is also underway.
Physician Associates practising in New Zealand can expect to begin the application process for registration before the end of 2026. The MCNZ will release further details about the exact timeline in due
course.
Physician Associates from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom who have not worked in Aotearoa New Zealand must obtain MCNZ registration prior to working here. Please check our job page for some guidance on work experience requirements. The process to work in New Zealand requires several steps. It can take approximately 6 months.
Moving to New Zealand is costly and the contract you sign is usually a 2-year contract. All PAs must apply and receive MCNZ registration confirmation. You can start job hunting, sign contracts, apply for a work visa, and meet immigration requirements while waiting. It is important that your work experience matches MCNZ criteria. Discuss this with your clinic and recruiter and check here for updates.
The MCNZ expects to begin to register all Physician Associates before the end of 2026.
For ongoing updates and information on employment opportunities in New Zealand, please refer to the NZPAS website and job page.
Employment in Aotearoa New Zealand presents wonderful opportunities to live and work in a new country. Cultural safety and competency training requirements will be set by MCNZ. This is important to help PAs begin to understand, prepare and transition here with an introduction to Te Whare Tapa Wha. There are many internationally trained health professionals in New Zealand and all of them need to
understand the system and culture. The MCNZ and The New Zealand Physician Associate Society support cultural safety and the need to protect and serve our iwi and Māori communities.
Competencies for Cultural Safety
Culturally safe practice requires PA professionals to recognize that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a founding document of government in New Zealand. Internationally trained doctors and Physician Associates have a responsibility to honor and meaningfully affect the principles of and deliver services that enable equitable outcomes for Māori. The NZPAS supports this work and the education necessary to promote cultural safety requirements when PAs begin to work in New Zealand.
Some links to information about working and living in New Zealand
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/
https://www.health.govt.nz/about-us/new-zealands-health-system