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.
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
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.
About the role
Benefits and salary range
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Required qualifications and experience
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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:
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Other helpful links |
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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
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To become a Resident Medical Officer, you need to:
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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 |
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Offers of Employment Made
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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: |
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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 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
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.
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
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.
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
Our Application 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.
How Kiwi Health Jobs works for you
When you apply, 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.
Photo location: Rotorua - Credit: 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.