MWT Study Abroad

OSCE for RNs (Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Registered Nurses)

Delivery Mode:

On Campus

Unit:

01

Course Duration:

02 Weeks

  • On Campus: Total Tuition Fee: AUD $2,000
  • Melbourne

About the Training

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical, performance-based assessment widely used in healthcare education to evaluate clinical competence. During the OSCE, candidates rotate through a series of structured stations where they engage in simulated clinical scenarios involving standardized patients, medical equipment, or clinical tasks.

This assessment method evaluates a range of essential skills, including clinical decision-making, communication, and practical proficiency. By replicating real-world healthcare situations, the OSCE provides an objective and reliable measure of a candidate’s readiness for professional practice, making it a vital component of healthcare training and assessment programs.

Join the training program and take the next step toward achieving your dream of becoming a registered nurse in Australia, Canada, or the United States.

Details about the Course

Training Details

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a widely recognised assessment method used across healthcare disciplines, including nursing, medicine, and allied health. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s clinical competence, communication abilities, and professional behaviour in a structured and objective manner.

The OSCE consists of a series of stations, each focusing on a specific clinical skill or scenario. These may involve interactions with standardized patients, simulated clinical situations, or the use of medical equipment and mannequins. At each station, candidates are given a fixed amount of time to complete designated tasks or demonstrate specific competencies.

Throughout the assessment, candidates may be required to perform activities such as taking patient histories, conducting physical examinations, demonstrating clinical procedures, making informed clinical decisions, or communicating effectively with patients and their families. The OSCE ensures a consistent and fair evaluation of practical skills across all candidates.

By replicating real-world clinical situations, the OSCE plays a vital role in assessing a learner’s readiness for professional practice. It is widely used as part of licensing examinations, certification processes, and healthcare training programs to ensure graduates meet industry standards for safe and effective patient care.

Why Choose IHM Australia for Your OSCE Preparation?

Expert Faculty
Our experienced and highly qualified educators provide specialised guidance tailored specifically for OSCE preparation. Their industry expertise ensures high-quality training and effective skill development.

OSCE-Focused Training Programs
IHM offers dedicated OSCE preparation programs designed to strengthen clinical competencies, communication skills, and overall examination performance.

Mock OSCE Sessions
To help students gain confidence and familiarity with the examination format, we conduct realistic mock OSCEs in simulated clinical environments. These sessions offer valuable hands-on practice and constructive feedback.

Comprehensive Study Resources
Students receive access to well-structured learning materials specifically developed for OSCE preparation, enabling focused study and a deeper understanding of assessment requirements.

Personalised Academic Support
Individualised guidance is provided to address each student’s strengths and improvement areas, helping maximise performance and learning outcomes.

Reputation and Accreditation
IHM is a recognised and accredited institution, offering quality education aligned with industry and regulatory standards.

Flexible Learning Options
Our flexible scheduling allows students to balance OSCE preparation with work or personal commitments.

Professional Networking Opportunities
Studying at IHM enables students to connect with peers, educators, and healthcare professionals, supporting professional growth and collaboration.

Extended Lab Access
Students have access to IHNA laboratory facilities from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, allowing ample time for hands-on practice and skill development.

1. What is the OSCE exam?

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a structured assessment method widely used in healthcare education to evaluate a candidate’s clinical competence, communication abilities, and professional conduct. It consists of a series of timed stations where candidates engage in simulated clinical scenarios or interact with standardized patients to demonstrate practical skills and decision-making abilities.

The Registered Nurse (RN) OSCE Examination is conducted at the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health Simulation Centre. Candidates are required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements to attend the examination in Adelaide.

The primary purpose of the OSCE is to assess whether healthcare professionals possess the clinical competence and communication skills required to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.

To be eligible to sit the OSCE, candidates must first successfully pass the NCLEX-RN examination. Once results are released, eligibility to proceed with the OSCE will be confirmed through the AHPRA online portal (OBA dashboard), where candidates will receive instructions to proceed with payment for the examination.

Before scheduling an OSCE date, candidates are required to complete the payment for the examination. Upon confirmation of payment, the examination team will contact the candidate via email and provide two available dates for selection, allowing the candidate to choose their preferred examination date within the allocated timeframe.

The training program is delivered on campus over a four-week period, with face-to-face sessions conducted from Monday to Friday. During this time, students will have full access to the laboratory facilities to practise and refine their skills in preparation for the OSCE. This additional practice support is provided at no extra cost to all IHM OSCE students.

IHM’s nursing simulation laboratories are purpose-built to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registration standards that were in place prior to the introduction of the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA). These facilities were originally developed to support the EPIQ-RN bridging program and are fully equipped to deliver high-quality clinical training.

All IHM campuses feature identical nursing laboratories, each capable of accommodating between 30 and 50 students. However, for the Registered Nurse (RN) OSCE preparation program, class sizes are intentionally limited to 10–15 students per intake. This approach ensures a highly supportive learning environment, allowing students to receive individualised guidance and maximise their readiness for the OSCE.

This structured and focused training model is designed to provide overseas-qualified nurses with the best possible preparation to successfully complete the RN OSCE on their first attempt.

The training is conducted four days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students are given daily opportunities to practise and refine their clinical skills in preparation for the OSCE examination. Additionally, laboratory facilities are accessible from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., allowing students extended time to practise and build confidence outside scheduled sessions.

At IHM, students receive expert guidance and supervision throughout their training. Access to fully equipped laboratories and practical learning resources ensures hands-on experience in a supportive environment. This comprehensive curriculum is designed not only to prepare students for success in the OSCE but also to equip them with the skills and confidence required for safe and effective nursing practice in Australia.

Students are encouraged to continue practising beyond the initial two-week training period until they successfully achieve a positive outcome. In addition, our lecturers are pleased to offer complimentary revision sessions prior to the examination to support final preparation and boost student confidence.

The Adelaide Health Simulation (AHS) facility is located within the University of Adelaide in South Australia. Examinations may be conducted at either of the two designated AHS locations. At present, these are the only authorised examination centres available within Australia.

The OSCE consists of 10 individual stations, each running for a total of 10 minutes, comprising 2 minutes of reading time followed by 8 minutes of active assessment. Candidates are advised to arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to their scheduled examination time.

Once all 10 stations have been completed, candidates will be required to leave all examination materials and equipment at the station. They will then attend a brief post-examination briefing before being escorted from the premises by an AHPRA invigilator.

Results are typically released within six weeks of the examination date. Candidates will receive an official email notification outlining their results, along with detailed information regarding the next steps in the process.

Each Registered Nurse (RN) OSCE station is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to perform specific clinical skills while also evaluating their capacity to deliver holistic patient care. Candidates are expected to consider the individual needs, circumstances, and well-being of each patient, ensuring that care is appropriately adapted and person-centred throughout the assessment.

  • Physiological observations
  • Vital signs
  • Calculating drug dosages
  • Subcutaneous/intramuscular injection
  • Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT)
  • Resuscitation in the hospital
  • Sharps disposal
  • Medication administration
  • Wound care
  • Hand hygiene
  • Therapeutic patient communication/consent
  • Infection control practices
  • Patient identification
  • Intravenous therapy administration/management

Candidates will receive hands-on training using both manikins and simulated patients. As manikins are used during the examination, it is essential that candidates demonstrate the same level of care, empathy, and professionalism as they would when interacting with real patients. Training emphasizes treating all simulated scenarios as authentic clinical encounters, as the examination environment includes both manikins and trained simulated patients to closely replicate real-world healthcare settings.

Applicants must hold current registration as a Registered Nurse (RN) in their home country.

 
 

Completing the OSCE training for Registered Nurses (RNs) prepares candidates thoroughly for the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) in Australia. Through this program, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the OSCE format and expectations at the Adelaide Health Simulation Centre.

The training equips students with the skills required to formulate clinical judgments, analyse patient information and diagnostic data, interpret results, and communicate effectively in clinical settings. It also enhances their ability to demonstrate safe, competent, and patient-centred care during assessments.

This OSCE preparation program is designed to familiarise overseas-qualified nurses with the structure, objectivity, and consistency of the Australian assessment process. By simulating real examination conditions, the training ensures fairness and standardisation while evaluating a wide range of clinical competencies. Ultimately, it provides candidates with a clear understanding of expectations, helping them approach the OSCE with confidence and readiness to succeed.

Self-Check Process for Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs)

Internationally Qualified Nurses and Midwives (IQNMs) who wish to apply for registration in Australia are required to complete a Self-check prior to submitting their application. The Self-check is an online assessment where applicants provide details of their nursing or midwifery qualifications. Based on the information submitted, applicants are placed into one of the following three assessment streams:

  • Stream A – For IQNMs whose qualifications are considered substantially equivalent to, or based on similar competencies as, an approved Australian qualification.

  • Stream B – For IQNMs whose qualifications are relevant to the profession but are not substantially equivalent to an approved qualification.

  • Stream C – For IQNMs whose qualifications are not considered equivalent or relevant to an approved Australian qualification.

There is no fee to complete the Self-check process.

Applicants who do not meet the required criteria under the Self-check, or whose qualifications are deemed not equivalent under Section 53 of the National Law, may be required to undertake additional study or upgrade their qualifications in Australia before becoming eligible to apply for registration.

IQNM Assessment Process

Applicants who successfully complete the Self-Check are required to proceed with the IQNM Assessment Process. As part of this process, candidates must pay a non-refundable assessment fee of AUD 640.

This fee covers the cost of assessing the documentation submitted to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and supports the administrative processes involved in evaluating the applicant’s eligibility. The assessment process may take up to six weeks to be completed.

Orientation – Part A

Part A consists of a 90-minute video-based orientation, followed by an online quiz designed to assess understanding of the content covered in the session.

Portfolio Stage

At this stage, you will be required to upload all necessary attested documents as part of the assessment process.

NCLEX-RN (Multiple Choice Examination)

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a computer-based multiple-choice examination conducted at authorised Pearson VUE test centres worldwide. This examination assesses the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment required for safe and effective entry-level nursing practice.

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a clinical assessment designed to evaluate whether candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional competence expected of a graduate-level nurse or midwife trained under an Australian Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)–approved program.

The OSCE simulates real clinical environments and patient scenarios that Registered Nurses (RNs) commonly encounter in practice. Candidates are assessed on their ability to safely assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care while applying evidence-based practice and professional judgement.

The OSCE examination fee is AUD $4,000. This fee replaces previous bridging program costs charged by private providers and contributes toward the administration, delivery, and quality assurance of the examination. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the NMBA are entirely funded through such fees, which support the assessment and regulation of internationally qualified nurses seeking registration in Australia.

Orientation – Part B

This e-learning module must be completed within the first six months of obtaining registration as a nurse in Australia.

Melbourne

Face to Face Delivery

  • 1st Week of the month

How to Prepare Effectively for the OSCE

Preparing for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) requires a strategic and well-organised approach. The following steps will help you build confidence, strengthen your clinical skills, and perform effectively on exam day:

1. Understand the Exam Format
Familiarise yourself with the structure of the OSCE, including the number of stations, time allocated per station, and the types of skills assessed. Understanding the format helps reduce anxiety and improves performance.

2. Identify Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Assess your current knowledge and clinical skills to identify areas that require more focus. This self-awareness will help you prioritise your preparation effectively.

3. Revise Core Clinical Skills
Review essential clinical competencies such as history taking, physical examinations, patient communication, and procedural skills. Regular practice will improve accuracy and confidence.

4. Participate in Mock OSCEs
Engage in mock OSCE sessions offered by your institution or study group. These simulations replicate real exam conditions and provide valuable feedback for improvement.

5. Review Clinical Guidelines and Protocols
Ensure you are familiar with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices relevant to your profession. Staying updated enhances decision-making and clinical judgment.

6. Strengthen Communication Skills
Effective communication is a key component of the OSCE. Practise clear, empathetic, and professional interactions with patients, including explaining procedures and responding to concerns.

7. Develop Time Management Skills
Learn to manage your time efficiently within each station by practising completing tasks within the allocated time frame.

8. Manage Stress and Build Confidence
Use stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation exercises to stay calm and focused during the examination.

9. Seek Feedback and Reflect
After practice sessions, seek constructive feedback from peers, mentors, or educators. Reflect on your performance and make targeted improvements.

10. Review Past Scenarios
If available, review previous OSCE scenarios to familiarise yourself with commonly assessed situations and expectations.

11. Collaborate with Peers
Participate in study groups to share knowledge, practise scenarios, and learn from others’ experiences.

12. Maintain Wellbeing
Ensure adequate rest, balanced nutrition, and hydration, as physical and mental wellbeing significantly impact performance.

By following a structured and consistent preparation plan, you can build confidence, enhance clinical competence, and approach the OSCE with greater assurance and readiness.

Total Tuition Fee :AUD $2,000
Administration (Non-Tuition) Fee :

**Only applicable to international students.

**AUD $250 (Non Refundable)
  • Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enroll now” on the program page’s upper right corner.
  • Enrollment Fee: After completing your application, you will be taken to the payment gateway, where you can make your payment immediately.
  • Confirmation of Admission: Once you’ve paid the enrolment fee, we’ll give you a confirmation of admission along with the orientation package so you can get ready for classes.

At IHM, we build strong partnerships founded on collaboration, transparency, and shared purpose. We value the meaningful relationships we have developed over time and are committed to working alongside organisations that share our vision of advancing healthcare education and practice.

We welcome nursing institutions, hospitals, healthcare organisations, and professional associations to express their interest in partnering with us. Our partnerships are designed to create mutual value and contribute positively to the future of healthcare.

Our industry and clinical partners play a vital role in enhancing student learning by providing access to facilities, equipment, and real-world environments that support hands-on training. In addition, our partners offer valuable opportunities for students to gain practical experience in clinical settings such as hospitals, aged care facilities, and healthcare centres. We also collaborate with organisations to deliver upskilling and professional development opportunities for healthcare staff.

Together, these partnerships strengthen workforce readiness and contribute to the ongoing advancement of quality healthcare delivery.