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Resident Medical Officer (RMO)

Also known as: Junior Doctor.

Are you ready for the opportunity of a lifetime? We’re looking for Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) to join our teams in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Register now

An RMO stands with her left arm resting on a vacant incubator
Roys Peak RMO Hero

Work as Resident Medical Officer in New Zealand

Find your passion - join our world-class teams!

We are always recruiting for RMO positions. Applications are always open for these positions and there is no fixed start date. Register your details with us and we'll get in touch to look at placing you in a role. 

 

Relocating to New Zealand to work as a Junior Doctor

Resident Medical Officers are on Tier 1 of New Zealand's Green List. This means you are eligible for a fast-tracked Straight to Residence Visa and can apply for New Zealand residency before you arrive, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer, like us!

Photo location: Wānaka

Resident Medical Officer Positions

Zaffer, SMO - Health New Zealand (433x303)

House Officer

Suitable for Foundation Year 2 (FY2) or Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY2) or above. House Officers have the most significant exposure to various services, rotating every 3 months.

Krishna - RMO - Health New Zealand (arms crossed)

Senior House Officers & Registrars

Aligned to a single service and suitable for RMOs in their Post Graduate Year 3 (PGY3) or above - rotating every 4 or 6 months.

Lupe, Senior Medical Officer - Health New Zealand

Fellows

Suitable for sub-specialty trainees that are nearing the completion of their specialist training and are working toward independent practice as a Senior Medical Officer.

About the role

Benefits and salary range

  • In New Zealand, the salary and benefits of some roles are determined by collective agreements between unions and employers.
  • The RMOs collective agreement can be found on the Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora website.

Required qualifications and experience

We’d love to hear from RMOs who want to make a real impact in the community and grow their careers. You’ll need to meet our fit for registration requirements:

  • Resident Medical Officers need to be able to gain registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand
  • Other requirements: An Annual Practicing Certificate is a requirement in order to be employed
Other helpful links

Information for internationally-qualified candidates

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.

Begin your career

To become a Resident Medical Officer, you need to:

  • complete the Health Sciences First Year programme at University of Otago, or the first year of either the Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science at Auckland University
  • complete a five-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree at Otago or Auckland.

About the Annual Recruitment Cycle

Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) are primarily recruited for a training year(s) in the 19 districts across New Zealand within an Annual Recruitment Cycle, with the role start date being January the following year.

The Annual Recruitment Cycle is a fixed window of time, usually mid-May to mid-June, where the majority of candidates are recruited for House Officer, Senior House Officer/Registrar and Fellow positions.

Applications for the Annual Recruitment Cycle for the 2025 training year closed on 10 June 2024 (NZST). Opening dates for the 2026 training year will be published in late 2024.

Key Dates

The Annual Recruitment Cycle for the 2025 year in New Zealand for Junior Doctors/Resident Medical Officers ran from 10 May 2024 to 10 June 2024. 

Applications Open Friday 10 May 2024
Applications Close

Monday 10 June 2024

Offers of Employment Made

 

For Registrars and Designated SHO positions:
Monday 19 August 2024

House Officers (PGY2+):
Monday 02 September 2024

Acceptance of Offer of Employment

For Registrars and Designated SHO positions:
Monday 26 August 2024

For House Officers (PGY2+):
Monday 09 September 2024 

Training Year Start Date

For House Officers:
Monday 13 January 2025

For Registrars:
Monday 27 January 2025

 

Hot Water Beach RMO Midpage Stacked

 

 

 

 

 

Photo location: Coromandel - Credit: Miles Holden

 

Explore Aotearoa

Aotearoa New Zealand has been in the top 5 countries in the Global Peace Index every year since it launched in 2009, and has a broad range of places to call home, from the bustling metropolis of our main centres, to the easygoing vibe of our coastal or rural communities.

Find out more information about what part of our beautiful country is the best fit for you.

Te Tai Tokerau

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

Population: 194,600
Northland is a beautiful and diverse region of Aotearoa, New Zealand with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you're interested in water sports, historic sites, natural beauty or ancient Kauri trees—Northland has it all!

Explore Northland

Waitemata

Waitematā

Population: 650,000
Waitematā is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing Districts serving the largest population of all Health New Zealand. Waitematā offers a balanced lifestyle that combines the convenience of city living with the natural beauty and community spirit of suburban life.

Explore Waitematā

Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Te Toka Tumai Auckland

Population: 500,000
Auckland the "City of Sails" is Aotearoa, New Zealand’s largest city and commercial hub. It’s where metropolitan sophistication meets breathtaking natural beauty. Auckland is filled with a variety of warm and welcoming communities, packed with new places to explore.

Explore Auckland

Counties Manukau

Counties Manukau

Population: 500,000
Counties Manukau is a vibrant place where there's never a dull moment! Living and working here ensures you're always close to amenities, events and nature. You'll never run out of places to visit or things to do.

Explore Counties Manukau

Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty

Population: 255,110
The Bay of Plenty is a place of beautiful harbours, long surf beaches and an easygoing lifestyle. We showcase the perfect place to explore a wide range of nature-based pursuits – this gives the people of the Bay of Plenty the chance for a better work-life balance. 

Explore the Bay of Plenty

Waikato

Waikato

Population: 425,000
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.

Explore the Waikato

Tairawhiti

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Population: 48,000
In family-friendly Tairāwhiti you will experience an easier pace to life that allows you to pause and reflect, and enjoy a true work-life balance. Gisborne’s relative isolation is its charm, surrounded by beaches & nature - don't worry though! Larger cities are only a quick flight away.

Explore Gisborne

Lakes

Lakes

Population: 110,000
The Lakes District is well known for its geothermal activity and natural hot springs. The area is located in the central North Island and is home to many geothermal attractions, such as geysers, hot mud pools, and steam vents. Visitors can also relax in the region's natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. 

Explore the Lakes District

Taranaki

Taranaki

Population: 130,000
Taranaki is a magical place with a majestic mountain at its heart, including the rugged coastline that's world-renowned for its surf. Its residents' love of art and culture, cafes and outdoor living mean it's also fantastic to work—and play!

Explore Taranaki

Te Mataua Maui HawkesBay

Te Matau a Māui Hawke's Bay

Population: 180,000
Known for its world-class wineries, stunning beaches and temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay boasts a lifestyle that is unmatched. The region is a popular destination for food and wine tourism, hiking, cycling and cultural events such as the annual Art Deco festival.

Explore Hawke's Bay

Whanganui

Whanganui

Population: 65,000
Whanganui has something for everyone. Our centrally located region offers access to outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, surfing, tramping, cycling, fishing and hunting. Nestled between two snow-capped mountains, on the banks of Whanganui River there is always plenty to do and explore.

Explore Whanganui

Capital Coast and Hutt Valley

Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley

Population: 445,000
Wellington, the capital city of Aotearoa New Zealand, is a bustling and diverse hub of culture and cosmopolitanism, renowned for its lively cafés, restaurants, and internationally acclaimed sporting and cultural events, all set against the stunning backdrop of a natural harbour. To the north of Wellington lie the regions of Porirua, Kapiti, and Hutt Valley.

Explore Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua Mid Central

Te Pae Hauora o Ruahine o Tararua MidCentral

Population: 190,000
Get the best of both worlds - the perfect blend of rural and city living with the mountains, city and sea at your fingertips. 

Explore MidCentral

Wairarapa

Wairarapa

Population: 48,000
From rugged coastlines, boutique vineyards to lush forests, Wairarapa is a slice of paradise for those who love the outdoors and seek a peaceful environment to recharge after a rewarding day's work. 

Explore the Wairarapa

Nelson Marlborough

Nelson Marlborough

Population: 150,000
Nelson Marlborough has been dubbed the artistic capital with a thriving urban centre and one of New Zealand's sunniest regions.

Explore Nelson Marlborough

Te Tai o Poutini West Coast

Te Tai o Poutini West Coast

Population: 32,000
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has views of both the mountain ranges and the ocean! It is an untamed natural wilderness of beautiful rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  

Explore the West Coast

Waitaha Canterbury

Waitaha Canterbury

Population: 600,000
The Canterbury region is a great place to live and work due to its natural beauty, vibrant economy, cultural diversity, strong community, and high quality of life.

Explore Canterbury

South Canterbury

South Canterbury

Population: 62,000
The South Canterbury District is an area of stunning beauty with great lifestyle opportunities, a safe and welcoming family-friendly environment, affordable living, excellent educational opportunities and a wide range of cultural and sporting facilities.

Explore South Canterbury

Southern

Southern

Population: 350,000
Well known for its beautiful natural scenery, which includes towering mountains, stunning fjords, majestic glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The region is also famous for its friendly communities, charming towns, and vibrant cities such as Dunedin and Invercargill. 

Explore the Southern District

Our Application Process

Submit Icon
Step 1: Submit

Complete the registration form as your expression of interest in a Resident Medical Officer role

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Step 2: Review

Our Candidate Management Team will review your application and check your suitability

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Step 3: Contact

You will be contacted by our Candidate Management Team to discuss career and location options

Referral Icon
Step 4: Referral

We will refer you to a Recruitment Team in your preferred location(s) for further assessment

Progress Icon
Step 5: Progress

Your chosen Recruitment Team(s) will be in touch with you to continue the recruitment process

"You can ski and surf on the same day!"

Brad is a Consultant Emergency Physician who moved from Kansas, USA to Taranaki. Find out what made him fall in love with Aotearoa New Zealand.

Webinar: Resident Medical Officers - Emigrating to New Zealand

Learn about the four steps to emigration for Resident Medical Officers from the Medical Council of New Zealand, Kiwi Health Jobs, Immigration New Zealand and Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora's Health Immigration Service. 

Listen to Elizabeth - a Registrar who moved here from Germany, talks about what she loves the most about living and working in New Zealand.

 

We'd love to help, reach out to us!

Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity and a big step, we're here for you! Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

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