Aboriginal Application Pathway

Start your nursing and midwifery career your way

The Aboriginal Application pathway has been designed to offer a culturally safe and supportive application experience for Aboriginal nursing and midwifery students and newly qualified Aboriginal nurses and midwives applying for transition-to-practice (graduate) nursing and midwifery programs.

As an Aboriginal nurse and/or midwife your insights and experiences will meaningfully influence outcomes, strengthening the health and well-being of Aboriginal people and the broader Western Australian community.

About the Aboriginal Application Pathway

• a dedicated recruitment pathway for Aboriginal nursing and midwifery graduates
• an extended 6-month application period 
• a streamlined online application process, including direct access to the graduate recruitment teams
• flexible onboarding options
• person-led support throughout your application journey and beyond
• culturally safe and inclusive pathway into the workplace
• access to a nursing and/or midwifery cultural support partner
• significant support to transition into permanent employment after completing your graduate program.

WA Health Nursing and Midwifery graduate programs

The Aboriginal Application Pathway provides access to WA Health’s graduate nursing and midwifery programs, offering employment with a fixed-term annual contract as an entry level registered nurse and/or midwife, and a supported pathway toward permanent roles.

Participating in a graduate program allows you to:

• undertake a paid program that offers valuable hands-on experience
• gain exposure to a wide range of clinical settings and healthcare environments
• consolidate your theoretical knowledge while developing critical clinical skills and judgement
• build confidence as you transition into professional practice.

Nursing and midwifery graduates can join the WA Health workforce across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, reflecting the communities we serve.

Within WA Health, you will have the opportunity to:

• choose from a wide range of career opportunities
• build lasting relationships and network
• access continuous leaning opportunities to develop your skills
• shape your professional path while contributing to the Western Australian community.

Eligibility

To be considered for the Aboriginal Application Pathway, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Be eligible for registration as an enrolled nurse, registered nurse and/or midwife with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). You must be registered before you commence your graduate program.
• Have completed your nursing and/or midwifery studies after 1 January 2025.

How to apply

Applications will be available via this page from 9.00 am AWST on 31 August 2026 until 1.00 pm AWST on 1 February 2027.

To apply, you must complete the online application form and submit the below value-based statement:

Select any 2 of the values listed below and write a statement describing how you would demonstrate these values clinically as a newly qualified nurse or midwife:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Care
• Equity

Applicants are encouraged to keep their response to approximately 400 words.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone (0498 383 601) or email at NMAboriginalPathway@health.wa.gov.au. Our team is happy to help.

What if the application period has already closed?

You might remain eligible to apply for a nursing and/or midwifery graduate program with the participating health care providers for 2027|GradConnect. Candidate Care will be available if you are willing to get support before, during and after the GradConnect application period.