Registration now open for graduates set to finish study in next three months

12 Sep 2022

Graduates set to complete their course in the next three months can take the first step in their new health career by applying for registration now.

Applying before you finish study means we can start assessing your application while we wait for your graduate results.

Registration with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (the Board) is required before you can start working as a Chinese medicine practitioner – and means you can work anywhere in Australia.

Easy steps to apply online

1. Create your account using the online services portal and complete your application.
2. Upload your documents and pay the required fees. Check that you have provided all required documentation to prove you’ve met the registration standards, including certified copies of your photo ID.
3. Wait for your education provider to provide your graduate results to Ahpra.

Once we’ve received your graduate results from your education provider and we are satisfied that you have met all the requirements for registration, we will finalise your application.

When you are registered, we will publish your name on the Register of practitioners, and you can start working as a Chinese medicine practitioner!

Watch our video to get your application right

Applying for graduate registration video.

You’ll find helpful advice, tips for avoiding common causes of delay and downloadable information flyers on the graduate applications page of the Ahpra website.

Photo ID

It's important that you provide correctly certified photo ID documents with your application - the wording is very specific.

‘I certify that this is a true copy of the original and the photograph is a true likeness of the person presenting the document as sighted by me.’

To get it right the first time download the guide ‘Certifying Documents’ and take it with you to the authorised officer.

Who can certify documents?

In addition to JPs, most registered health practitioners, public servants, teachers, lecturers and members of the legal profession can certify photographic ID documents. For the full list of authorised officers see the guide.

Meeting the Board’s registration requirements

When you apply for registration, your application is carefully assessed against the Board’s requirements for registration, which includes meeting the following registration standards:

• English language skills, and
• professional indemnity insurance.

You also need to tell us about any criminal history and any health impairments that may affect your ability to practise.

You can also check out the Board’s video for graduating students which introduces you to the Board, outlines the professional standards expected of Chinese medicine practitioners.

How long does it take to assess my application?

If you’ve submitted everything you need to prove you’ve met the requirements for registration, we aim to finalise your application within two weeks of receiving your graduate results.

Get your application right and submit it to us before you finish studying, so we can be ready to go when your results come in.

What is a protected Chinese medicine title?

Only practitioners registered with the Board can use the following protected titles:

• ‘Chinese medicine practitioner’
• ‘acupuncturist’
• ‘Chinese herbal medicine practitioner’
• ‘Chinese herbal dispenser’, and
• ‘Oriental medicine practitioner’.

They align with the division of Chinese medicine practice that a practitioner is qualified in. This means when applying for registration you need to apply for the division or divisions you’re qualified in.

How do I apply for registration in a new division?

If you’re already registered in one division and want to register in another division, you must apply for registration using the relevant application for registration form available on the Forms page of the Board’s website.

Contact us

For registration enquiries or difficulties with the online application form: contact us by making a web enquiry or by calling 1300 419 495 (within Australia).

For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200.