$100k International nurse training facility set to open in 2022

A $100,000 nurse training facility will help address Australia’s nursing shortage and bring back the international workforce to communities across regional communities.

Becoming an Australian Registered Nurse is a goal for many nurses who are registered internationally, and with a new training facility pending state government approval, Wagga’s nurse force may increase.

National Education and Training Australia (NETA) currently operates training programs for international nurses who want to become registered nurses in Australia, including in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane.

The head office is based in Wagga and the organisation has just finished a revamp of its new headquarters and training facility on Baylis St.

The new facility aims to open by the end of January.

The facility is ready to operate with NETA awaiting council approval to begin training, which it aims to do by the end of January.

Founder and chief executive officer, Karissa Quindao Subedi, said the training was specialised for any overseas nurses who wish to become registered nurses in Australia.

“These nurses will need to pass two exams and we do the preparation work for the people who want to do these exam, the course is for nine months and so people will move here and hopefully then gain employment in the region after their course,” Ms Subedi said.

“I think its so important to have this facility right here in Wagga, as it is what we need and we wanted to help the Riverina region, and this is one of the ways we believe is best to give back to the community.”

A sneak peek at the ground floor plans for the training facility.

The Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Wagga Local Council are supportive of the new training facility, but a final tick of approval needs to be granted by the state government to allow NETA to become an accredited and registered training organisation in Wagga before the facility can open up for training.

The new facility fit out cost an estimated $100,000 and the process has taken nearly two years to finalise.

Ms Subedi said NETA’s training facility would compliment Wagga Wagga Base Hospital’s education department.

“Nurses do their training with us and when they go to the hospital they will have the same equipment and facilities, which is very beneficial for both students and the health care facilities having the up-to-date equipment and practices,” Ms Subedi said.

“The training will allow students to be work ready and we are so excited to finally be opening the training in Wagga.”

The nurse training program will run for nine months and a monthly first aid course will also be offered.