Match - Round 1
- Nursing and midwifery careers are deeply rewarding, and like all popular work pathways, graduate positions can be competitive.
- This year, we are anticipating high demand on graduate nursing and midwifery opportunities in public health services, due to increased interest in Victorian graduate programs and improved retention of the existing workforce.
- While graduate programs are highly recommended, they are not mandatory and there are many ways for graduate nurses and midwives to begin their careers.
- Our health system always needs talented and passionate people.
- If you don’t get your preferred graduate placement in your first round, there are other options you can consider in second round and across Victoria’s health system
Match - Round 2
- If you aren’t matched in the first round, you will automatically be entered into the round 2 Match which commences on 23 September.
- In round 2, candidates and health services can view both filled and unfilled positions, as well as preference and upload information to the PMCV portal for remaining graduate positions in the Match.
- Round 2 offers candidates the opportunity to nominate up to eight preferences, compared to four in the first round.
- After round 2, there may still be unmatched candidates and vacant positions.
- Health services with remaining vacancies may undertake direct recruitment in November and December.
Other opportunities
- Graduates are encouraged to explore the Health Service Directory on PMCV’s website to find available graduate positions.
- Graduates can enter the nursing and midwifery workforce through avenues outside of the acute hospital graduate programs offered in the GNMP match.
- There may be opportunities available in areas graduates have not yet considered, including the aged care, primary and community care, mental health and disability sectors.
- Graduates are encouraged to look for roles beyond metropolitan Melbourne – there are graduate positions available in rural and regional health services, this can be a meaningful and rewarding way to start your nursing/midwifery career.
- Graduates can pursue further formal postgraduate studies or participate in a Transition to Practice Program, including through Commonwealth initiatives in aged care and primary care.
Further Support
- Contact your university course coordinator
- Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria provides assistance to students on work or life events – it is free, confidential, independent and is provided by experienced nurses and midwives.
Opportunities
Aged Care sector opportunities
Rural and regional opportunities
Mental Health sector opportunities
Explore public sector job boards
Private sector jobs
Further study and transition to practice options
Frequently asked questions
Q. What happens if I don’t get matched in the PMCV GNMP Match round 1?
First round results will be published on 17 September. If you are not matched in round 1, you will be automatically entered into round 2. Round 2 allows you to select up to eight preferences, giving you a new opportunity to find a role that suits your goals.
Graduates are strongly encouraged to take part in Round 2. In this round, graduates are encouraged to consider opportunities in rural and regional health services, which offer diverse and rewarding career opportunities, with the chance to make a meaningful impact in areas where your skills are highly valued.
From 10am Wednesday 24 September, candidates will be able to find unfilled positions at link https://gnmp.pmcv.com.au/health-service-directory. This information will assist candidates to upload revised preferences to the PMCV portal for remaining graduate positions in round 2 of the match.
After round 2, there may still be unmatched candidates and vacant positions. Further information will be provided to candidates at this time, including advice on how remaining vacancies may be applied for.
PMCV’s Heath Service Directory (https://gnmp.pmcv.com.au/health-service-directory) will be updated to reflect health services with vacant positions. The directory also enables access to the health service websites for further details.
Q. Can I still work as a nurse or midwife without completing a formal graduate program?
Graduate programs are not mandatory, and there are many other ways to enter the nursing or midwifery workforce. Nursing and midwifery graduates have full registration and can be employed in their first year of practice in any health, community or aged care setting in the private or public sector without undertaking a formal graduate program.
Do all public health services in Victoria use the annual PMCV graduate match and/or offer all graduate positions via this process?
All public health services in Victoria can participate in the annual PMCV graduate match if they have positions available.
Will I be disadvantaged if I don’t get a graduate program?
No. Graduate programs are not mandatory for employment as a registered nurse or midwife. Graduates can begin their careers in entry-level roles outside formal programs and still go on to build successful and fulfilling careers.
You might consider starting in:
- Aged care, disability, or primary and community health
- Private hospitals and health services
- Regional and rural health services
- Mental health or custodial services
Practical experience, adaptability, and a commitment to ongoing learning will place you in a strong position to begin your career. You can also pursue further study and professional development to support your progression. Your career path may look different, but it can still be rewarding and full of opportunity.
What study options are available to graduates to support career progression?
Further study
Further study can help graduates build specialised knowledge and explore new career pathways. Options include:
- Postgraduate nursing degrees in areas such as mental health, oncology, critical care, and paediatrics.
- Postgraduate or entry-to-practice midwifery programs for those looking to transition into midwifery.
University course coordinators can help graduates explore study options tailored to their interests and goals.
There are also several scholarship programs available to support further study:
- Australian College of Nurse Practitioners scholarships
- Aged Care Nursing Scholarship Program
- Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarships
- Full Course Fee Postgraduate Mental Health Nurse Scholarship Program – a fully funded initiative for those pursuing mental health nursing. More information is available at Full Course Fee Postgraduate Mental Health Nurse Scholarship Program | health.vic.gov.au
What study options are available to graduates to support career progression?
Transition to Practice Programs
These programs provide structured support as graduates transition from study into the workforce:
- Aged Care Transition to Practice Program – funded by the Australian Government, this program supports new aged care nurses with training and professional development.
- Nursing in Primary Care Transition to Practice Program – delivered by the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA), this is for graduate nurses working in primary healthcare who have graduated in the past two years and haven’t completed a transition program.
APNA also offers a job-matching service to connect graduates with employers in primary care settings.
Dual Degree Pathways
Graduates with dual degrees may also consider career pathways that utilise both qualifications.
For example, for graduates of a dual degree in nursing/paramedicine, the Graduate Ambulance Paramedic Program offers a structured graduate year for paramedics. Students in their final semester of a Paramedicine Board of Australia-recognised qualification are encouraged to register their interest. Applications and enquiries are accepted year-round. This pathway can be a valuable option for those looking to explore the paramedicine side of their dual qualification.