Common graduate registration complaints

Learning from common complaints graduates make when applying for health practitioner registration

Australian university graduates for 2021 must apply to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and demonstrate that they meet their registered profession’s requirements to practise in Australia.[1]

In 2020-21 we recorded at least 15 issues in a small number of complaints related to the processing of graduate registration applications.[2] Most complainants shared concerns with us about delay in processing their application (10) or that a process was unfair (3).

Delay in processing graduate registration applications

Delay in the management of a graduate application for general registration was the fourth most common issue raised in registration-related complaints we received in 2020–21.

Our analysis of these complaints suggests that most delays occurred when Ahpra needed to request more information from the graduate to assess their application. This may have been because the graduate did not provide the information (sometimes because they believed it was not necessary), or the information did not meet the requirements. Certain information appeared more likely to drive delay, including:

• incorrectly certified or uncertified documents
• police checks (both international and domestic)
• international criminal history checks
• evidence of meeting the English Language Skills Registration Standard.

Tips for graduates to avoid delay

Based on these complaints, we advise graduates to carefully consider and review the documents they need to provide based on the requirements outlined in their registration application. This appears to be particularly important for those who have lived overseas (generally for longer than six month) and may need to request information from an organisation in another country. This early research gives graduates the chance to prepare and avoid having to re-submit or wait for documentation.

We encourage graduate to learn more about required documentation and processes on Ahpra’s website:

• Graduate applications
• Certifying documents
• Proof of identity
• Police checks
• International criminal history checks
• English Language Registration Standard.

How we can help

Graduates who have concerns about the processing of their registration application are welcome to contact our office and make a complaint. For more information about how to complain, visit www.nhpo.gov.au/make-a-complaint.

We speak with each complainant to understand what they are hoping to achieve from making a complaint. Generally, we then work with them and Ahpra to resolve the concern. This could include Ahpra:

• answering queries and providing information about a process, policy or standard
• providing an update on the progress of an application
• speeding up the processing of a delayed matter in exceptional circumstances.

Complaints can make a difference

We also use complaints we receive to inform our work to make systemic improvements in the registration process. This includes our monitoring of emerging issues and suggestions for improvement about how to address the root causes of delay and enhance communication with applicants.

[1] The following health professions are registered by Ahpra: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, dental, medical, medical radiation practice, nursing and midwifery, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, paramedicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry and psychology.