Resident Medical Officers (RMOs)

In New Zealand, Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) benefit from competitive salaries, good work-life balance, and numerous professional growth opportunities. 

Salary: 

The salary for RMOs in New Zealand depends on the number of years of experience and the specific roster they are employed into. RMOs are also compensated for any additional shifts worked which can increase their income. 

For detailed salary and benefit information please see the RMO collective agreement via Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.

If eligible, up to a 6% superannuation contribution from Health New Zealand as your employer. Find out more here.

Benefits: 

• Professional Development and Education: RMOs are supported with Continuing Medical Education (CME) leave, and access to various training programs to develop their skills and specialisation. 

• Work-Life Balance: RMOs in New Zealand work in a system that values work-life balance, providing regular leave (up to six weeks of paid annual leave per year), alongside sick leave and parental leave options. 

• Relocation Assistance: RMOs from overseas may receive relocation support packages, including assistance with visa applications and accommodation. 

• Union Representation: RMOs have the option of being represented by one of two Unions the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association (NZRDA) or Speciality Trainees of New Zealand (STONZ)ensuring protection and advocacy for fair working conditions. 

• Additional Allowances: RMOs have the option to work additional shifts and receive meals as part of their role when on duty 

These conditions make the RMO role in New Zealand attractive, providing a solid foundation for further career advancement in the healthcare sector. 

To work as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in New Zealand, certain qualifications and experience are required. These requirements ensure that doctors are well-prepared for their roles in New Zealand’s healthcare system. 

Required Qualifications: 

Medical Degree: You must hold a recognised medical degree from an accredited medical school, either from New Zealand or overseas. 

• Medical degrees from the UK, Australia, Canada, and Ireland are typically recognised. 

General or Provisional Registration: You must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). There are several pathways for registration depending on where you obtained your medical qualifications: 

• General Scope of Practice: For those who have completed an internship (equivalent to PGY1) and meet MCNZ’s competency requirements. 

• Provisional General Registration: For those who have completed their medical degree but are required to undergo a year of supervised practice in New Zealand. 

English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate English proficiency by achieving specific scores in English language tests such as the IELTS or OET. 

Internship Completion (PGY1): If applying for an RMO position as a House Officer (PGY2 or above), completion of an internship (or its equivalent) is essential. This ensures competency in basic clinical skills and experience in multiple specialties. 

Required Experience: 

• Clinical Experience: RMOs, especially those applying for positions as Registrars, are expected to have prior clinical experience in a hospital setting. At least 1-2 years of post-graduation clinical experience is often necessary. 

• Specialty Experience (Registrars): For those applying for Registrar roles, experience in the relevant specialty is required. This often includes having worked as a Senior House Officer or having completed rotations in that specialty. 

• Professional Development and Training: RMOs are encouraged to engage in continuous professional development and training. Many RMOs may also be in the process of completing or preparing for advanced postgraduate qualifications, such as a Fellowship or Specialist College exams. 

These qualifications and experiences ensure that RMOs are equipped to provide quality care and are prepared for the demands of New Zealand’s health system. For specific registration pathways and requirements, you can consult the Medical Council of New Zealand or by using the Registration Self Assesment Tool (MCNZ)

Pathways for Registration to Practise Medicine in New Zealand

If you are an overseas-trained doctor, you will need to check your eligibility for registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) to practise medicine here.

Under General Scope of Practise there are 3 eligible pathways:

1. The New Zealand and Australian Graduates' Pathways
2. The Competent Pathway, applicable to countries such as the UK and Ireland 
3. The Comparable Health System Pathway 

The registration process is unique to every applicant so we encourage you to visit the MCNZ website to learn about the registration pathways available to you.

For more information, please visit Registration Pathways.

Requirements for International Doctors wanting to work in New Zealand:

International doctors wanting to work in New Zealand must pass the NZREX Clinical exam which is administered by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)

The NZREX Clinical exam tests both clinical skills and medical knowledge and covers communication, professionalism, cultural safety, history taking, physical examination, investigations/clinical reasoning, and management.