Big news for nurses! From 30 September 2025, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) introduced a major change to nursing practice.
For the first time, registered nurses (RNs) in Australia will be able to prescribe certain medicines once they’ve completed approved postgraduate study and received endorsement.
This new endorsement aims to make healthcare more accessible, especially in communities where getting in to see a prescriber can be tough.
Let’s break down what’s changing and what you can do to prepare.
What the Update Is About
Under the new NMBA Registration Standard: Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines – Designated Registered Nurse Prescriber, experienced RNs who meet education and experience requirements can now prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines, within their scope of practice and in partnership with an authorised health practitioner (for example, a doctor or nurse practitioner).
This “designated prescribing” model means RNs will work collaboratively under a prescribing agreement and clinical governance framework to ensure safe and effective use of medicines.
You’ll only prescribe medicines within your agreed scope and authorisation, keeping safety, accountability and collaboration at the centre of practice.
How to Become a Registered Nurse Prescriber
To apply for endorsement, you’ll need to show evidence that you meet the NMBA’s requirements:
- Current general registration as a nurse in Australia, with no relevant conditions
- At least three years (5,000 hours) of full-time clinical experience within the past six years
- Successful completion of NMBA-approved units of study (or equivalent) that prepare you to prescribe safely and effectively
Once endorsed, RNs will complete a six-month clinical mentorship with an authorised health practitioner. This mentorship period is designed to build confidence and ensure supported, safe prescribing before independent practice within your approved scope.
🎓 Where to Find Programs
At present, there are no approved education programs for registered nurse prescribing in Australia. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) is currently assessing programs submitted by universities and education providers for accreditation.
Once these programs are accredited by ANMAC and approved by the NMBA, they’ll be listed on the official AHPRA website and open for enrolment.
One example in development is the University of Melbourne’s Specialist Certificate in Registered Nurse Prescribing, designed to align with NMBA and ANMAC standards, though it’s not yet formally approved.
After completing an approved course and gaining endorsement, you’ll work under a prescribing agreement and complete your six-month supervised practice before prescribing independently within your agreed clinical scope
Timeline
- 30 September 2025: NMBA’s prescribing standard took effect
- Early 2026: Education programs expected to open for enrolment
- Mid-2026: First endorsed RNs likely to begin prescribing
So… What do you do while waiting?
Right now, RNs can’t prescribe medicines just yet — that will happen only once education programs are approved and endorsements start being granted.
But here’s what you can do to stay ahead:
- Review your clinical experience to make sure you meet the 3-year (5,000-hour) requirement.
- Keep an eye on updates from AHPRA and the NMBA — they’ll publish a list of approved programs as soon as they’re ready.
- Consider whether prescribing aligns with your area of practice, especially if you’re in primary care, aged care, or community health.
By getting ready now, you’ll be one of the first nurses eligible to enrol and apply for endorsement when programs open.
Looking Ahead
This is one of the biggest steps forward for nursing practice in decades. It opens new doors for nurses, gives patients faster access to care, and strengthens team-based healthcare across Australia.
If you’re a nurse ready to grow your scope and your impact, start planning now, registered nurse prescribing in Australia is on its way, and you’ll want to be ready.
💡 Want to build your experience while waiting for prescribing programs to launch?
Find flexible, high-quality nursing shifts on the uPaged app, to help you work where and when it suits you best.
Sources:
AHPRA – More access to prescribers under landmark change (30 September 2025)
NMBA – Registration Standard: Endorsement for Scheduled Medicines – Designated RN Prescriber
