The Townsville Hospital and Health Service has developed a bridging course to support international medical graduates (IMG) to be ready for opportunities in the Australian healthcare industry, particularly in north Queensland.

This process is for IMG Medical Practitioners to register their interest in participating in the North Queensland IMG Preparation (Prep) Program.

Job details

The program includes:

• Core knowledge modules – available online
• Core skills workshops
• Core placement under supervision

The core knowledge modules cover the Australian healthcare system, healthcare processes, healthcare teams, cultural awareness, patient safety, professional role, registration, and credentialing and CPD and sociocultural needs.

The core skills and placement components are delivered via a 12-week placement in Townsville Hospital and Health Services where the IMG Prep Medical Practitioner rotates through four disciplines, working as a part of the healthcare team under Level 1 AHPRA registration or above.  Core skills topics include electronic medical records, cultural safety, Advanced Life Support, ethical practice, cultural consulting, clinical reasoning, IV cannulation, team-based care, acute deteriorating, and other clinically related skills.

At program commencement, IMG Prep Medical Practitioners will undertake a learning needs analysis to focus their learning needs and placement options.  During the program workplace-based assessment for feedback and learning further inform the participant's learning needs resulting in an individual Professional Development Plan and Certificate of completion at finalization of the placement.

Course frequency

In 2026, there will be three NQ IMG Prep programs with 10-15 participants in each.

Applications are now open for Cohort 1: 23 February 2026 – 15 May 2026.

Fees and requirements

Financial investment in the IMG Prep Program is $7975 (including GST), exclusive of AHPRA registration fees. 

The full amount must be paid prior to accepting the position and no refund is available.  

If the participant has previously completed the Core Knowledge modules (at a separate cost), this cost will be deducted from their program fees.

Please note: expressions of interest, application for, or completion of this program does not guarantee of future employment within the Townsville Hospital and Health Service.

It is the responsibility of the individual to organise their own accommodation during their placement, and transport to and from their rostered sites (and between sites where applicable).

Entry Requirements

• Must possess a degree qualification from a recognized tertiary institution as per the AMC Standard pathway.
• Internship (one year working in clinical practice following professional qualification) completed in country of study.
• Full working rights in Australia, i.e. current visa with work entitlements.
• Passed the AMC Part 1 examination.
• Be eligible for or have provisional or limited registration with AHPRA.
• Competent in English as outlined in the Medical Board of Australian Registration Standard: English Language skills.
• Have practicised medicine for two or more years full-time (in Australia or Overseas).
• Hold recency of practice within the last two years.
• Have graduated within the last five years.
• Hold medical indemnity insurance in Australia.

Pre-employment screening:

• Criminal History Check (may include aged care screening if applicable)
• Blue Card: working with children check.
• Vaccine Preventable Disease (VPD): Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella and Pertussis. 

Your application

• CV or resume, including referees
• Cover Letter
• Proof of Identity x 3 - certified
• Primary Medical Degree - certified
• AMC 1, and if applicable AMC 2, certificate/s
• IELTS or similar
• Proof of residence (if in QLD or North QLD)
• VISA status - certified

If your application is deemed eligible, you will receive a scenario to provide a video response for that will be used in conjunction with your application for shortlisting.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview.

Successful applicants may be waitlisted for future NQ IMG Prep Program cohorts provided their applications remain valid.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service are planning and innovating for the future, advancing healthcare through impactful research, training tomorrow’s health sector workforce.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• NQ IMG Prep Program Terms (PDF, 140KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  Role Description - Cohort 1 2026 (PDF, 264KB)
  Role Description