Frequently Asked Questions
There are Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs) in New Zealand?
Yes! In 2010, the first PA demonstration was conducted with two PAs working in a surgical ward in Auckland. They were only allowed to do pre- and post-operative work but proved to be very useful to the surgical team. The next demonstration in 2013-2015 was conducted by Health Workforce NZ and included seven PAs working in general practice and an emergency department. This was evaluated by an independent analytics and consulting group, Synergia, and their 112-page report showed PAs were an asset to the NZ health workforce. Since the demonstration, PAs have continued to work in NZ and carry the torch, pioneering the profession, and ultimately, towards our approval for regulation. Tiffany Hodgson, our PA liaison, was the first employed PA in New Zealand and helped set up the second pilot. She also participated in the pilot as one of the seven PAs (https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/phase-ii-of-the-physician-assistant-demonstrations-evaluation-report).
What is the status of the PA profession in NZ now?
Physician Associates are now a regulated health profession under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act). The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) will be the responsible authority for this regulation. This means PAs will be subject to standards for training, supervision, and ongoing professional development, ensuring public safety and quality of care. We are not expected, however, to be licensed and registered in New Zealand until late 2026 or 2027.
Who can work in NZ as a PA currently?
Based on the current requirements set by the Medical Council of New Zealand for foreign-trained physicians, PAs in New Zealand must have a current PA Registration/Certification from either the USA, Canada, or United Kingdom. No other countries will be considered at this time. They must also have a minimum of five years experience as a PA with a recent 3 years experience specifically in the field they’ll be working in New Zealand.
Can I work in a speciality as a PA?
While PAs can work in any medical speciality, we don’t have any speciality positions at this time. The current PA job vacancies are in family practices/GP, urgent, and emergency care clinics. However, with registration we are very optimistic that we’ll be able to expand into more specialty positions in New Zealand, but this may not be until late 2026 or later. Please send us an email to admin@pajobsnz.co.nz with your CV and we will gladly hold onto your details and let you know if any speciality opportunities arise.
Can new PA graduates be considered?
No. Due to the requirements set by the Medical Council of New Zealand, the vulnerability of the profession, and the inability for GPs to provide the often-additional support needed for a less experienced PAs, new graduates and PAs with less than five years experience cannot be considered. We would love to hear from you in the future though!
Are there PA training programs in NZ?
Not currently. Australia and NZ have formed a PA Standards Council and are currently working on accreditation and certification standards for future programs in both countries.
Are there many PA jobs in NZ?
The benefits of employing a Physician Associate are still relatively unknown to many clinics in New Zealand. PA Jobs NZ is actively working to raise awareness by partnering with practices that are exploring the potential of hiring PAs. We’re providing education, support, and resources to help them understand the value PAs bring to primary care. With registration we anticipate the want for PAs will also increase.
Where does NZ need PAs?
Statistics show 47% of General Practitioners in 2017 will retire by 2027, many in rural settings, so PAs with substantial family practice and urgent care experience are needed. We have placed PAs in clinics all over New Zealand, from Kaitaia to Invergargill. Opportunities for other specialties are limited or not available at this time, but this is likely to change after registration, as noted above.
What limitations do PAs have in NZ?
The biggest limitation is the lack of prescribing authority; all prescriptions must be signed by the supervising doctor. This is either done physically or by holding the electronic prescription to their EMR inbox to review and send. Understandably, this slows down a PAs practice, as time is needed to confirm the recommended plan and gain the doctor’s signature. PAs cannot sign most medical documents, and according to the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act, other limitations include “surgical or operative procedures below the gingival margin or the surface of the skin, mucous membranes or teeth.” You can find more details here. We are optimistic that once we are fully licensed that we will earn prescribing rights.
I’m a PA student. Can I do a clinical rotation in New Zealand?
No. Due to the infancy of the profession the infrastructure is not available to host PA students.
What is the average PA salary in NZ?
PA salary can range between $115,000 to $190,000 NZD depending on the position, location, experience, and hours worked. Full-time employment is typically 32 hours, but some PAs choose to work up to 40 hours a week. Full time employees are entitled to 4 weeks holiday per year in NZ, and indemnity insurance and CME credit are commonly negotiated. The exchange rate needs to be considered for those with large debt or mortgages.
Why choose PA Jobs NZ as a PA seeking work in New Zealand?
As a physician associate, you’ll never pay for our services – our support is completely free to you. What truly sets us apart is that we are PAs ourselves. We’ve been in your shoes: American-trained, we’ve made the move to New Zealand, worked here as PAs, and now proudly call this country home.
Because we’ve personally navigated this journey, we provide informed guidance rooted in real-world experience. We understand the PA profession in New Zealand inside and out, and we’re here to make your transition as smooth as possible.
Our comprehensive support includes:
- A personalized initial interview to answer all your initial questions
- Coordination of reference checks on behalf of clinics
- Introductions to clinics actively seeking PAs
- Contract review and tailored recommendations
- Resources to support your relocation to NZ
- Assistance with onboarding once you arrive and start your new role
We are advocates for PAs building a new life and career in New Zealand. Let us help you take the next step with confidence.
Interested?
Get in touch today for a commitment - free chat
If you meet the qualifications to work in New Zealand and are excited about the opportunity to relocate, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s schedule a commitment-free video chat to discuss the process and answer any questions you may have.
admin@pajobsnz.co.nz
Phone
+64 21 456 634
