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.
Applying to work as Resident Medical Officer in New Zealand
Applying during the Annual Recruitment Cycle
Resident Medical Officers (RMOs), also known as Junior Doctors, are primarily recruited in the 19 districts across New Zealand within an Annual Recruitment Cycle.
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.
The Annual Recruitment Cycle for 2024 opens on 10 May 2024.
Applying outside of the Annual Recruitment Cycle
We continue to recruit additional RMOs outside of the Annual Recruitment Cycle throughout the year as vacancies arise or there is increased demand. 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
The great news is that regardless of when you apply, 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: Roy's Peak, Queenstown, Otago
About the role
Benefits and salary range
|
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:
|
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:
- The New Zealand and Australian Graduates' Pathways
- The Competent Pathway, applicable to countries such as the UK and Ireland
- 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:
|
RMO Annual Recruitment Cycle (ARC)
Join us in 2025 in Aotearoa New Zealand as a Resident Medical Officer A.K.A Junior Doctor!
Discover your passion with a career in New Zealand. We offer a balanced lifestyle with access to diverse clinical experiences and cultural diversity, supported by a welcoming environment.
Explore a world of opportunities for career advancement with a high quality of life, all with a robust relocation package to help you make the move here.
Key Dates
The Annual Recruitment Cycle for the 2025 year in New Zealand for Junior Doctors/Resident Medical Officers runs 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: House Officers (PGY2+): |
Acceptance of Offer of Employment |
For Registrars and Designated SHO positions: For House Officers (PGY2+): |
Training Year Start Date |
For House Officers: For Registrars: |
Application Process During the ARC
Candidates wishing to apply for a position in New Zealand to begin the following January, will be required to apply directly with the district(s) they are interested in working at.
Once applications open on 10 May 2024, a link will be published to this webpage with all of the available positions candidates can apply to individually.
Districts will then be in touch with candidates directly with any offers of employment as outlined above.
Ahead of 10 May 2024
We recommend doing some research on each of the districts in New Zealand and what they each have to offer, to help you decide where you might want to apply once applications open.
Learn more about each district
It's also helpful to know which pathway to Registration to Practise you will be eligible for if you get an offer of employment. The Medical Council of New Zealand (our registration body) has a self-assessment tool you can use to help with this.
Register today!
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.
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.
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.
Photo location + credit: Hot Water Beach, Coromandel - 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 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!
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.
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.
Counties Manukau
Population: 500,000
Health New Zealand - Counties Manukau serves as a major source of employment within the Counties Manukau area, with over 8,000 individuals being employed across the region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wairarapa
Population: 48,000
Located in Masterton in the Wellington Region, Health New Zealand - Wairarapa is one of the smaller hospitals in the country with 89 inpatient beds providing comprehensive health services throughout the Wairarapa District.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Northern Region
Te Manawa Taki
Central Region
Te Waipounamu Region
How Kiwi Health Jobs works for you
When you apply outside of the Annual Recruitment Cycle, you will be redirected to Kiwi Health Jobs, our centralised recruitment portal. The Kiwi Health Jobs team are here to simplify the recruitment process by providing guidance, answering queries and connecting you to the right people in the Districts where you are most interested in working.
Kiwi Health Jobs also advertises a wide range of vacancies across the Health Sector, including vacancies at public, not-for-profit and private employers.
NB: Kiwi Health Jobs is not involved with applications made directly with districts during the Annual Recruitment Cycle. Please contact the district you are interested in working at for more information.
Photo location + credit: Rotorua, Lakes District - Miles Holden
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.