How to Become an Enrolled Nurse (EN)
How to become an enrolled nurse in Australia, including a Diploma of Nursing, registration requirements, job options and salary comparisons.
Becoming an enrolled nurse in Australia requires you to complete an 18-to-24-month Diploma of Nursing. You then need to register with the NMBA through Ahpra and seek EN jobs. Competition for graduate EN roles varies by location and employer, so getting your first job can be challenging where applicants outnumber suitable vacancies.
The role of an EN is to support the nursing team under the direct or indirect supervision of registered nurses (RNs). ENs are often more involved in direct patient care, whereas degree-qualified RNs manage complex work such as comprehensive assessment, care planning, delegation and care coordination.
EN-only registrants account for about 13 per cent of nurses with general registration in Australia, with a further 12,570 people holding both EN and RN registration as at 31 March 2026. Given the EN role’s narrower scope and lower pay ceiling than an RN position, enrolled nursing is not ideal for every aspiring nurse. However, completing the diploma offers a faster entry into the nursing workforce and can lead to an EN-to-RN Bachelor of Nursing program.
Steps to Become an Enrolled Nurse
In a few steps, including completing a nursing diploma, you can qualify to work as an enrolled nurse.
1. Complete a Diploma of Nursing
The standard qualification for enrolled nurses in Australia is a Diploma of Nursing. Approved programs usually take 18 to 24 months full-time and combine classes and simulation training with at least 400 hours of clinical placement. The qualification consists of 25 units covering essential skills such as health assessment, wound care, medication administration, infection control and communication.
Related: Approved Diploma of Nursing Programs
2. Register with the NMBA
You can apply through Ahpra for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) up to 90 days before you expect to complete every course requirement, including placements. Registration is required before you can practise as an EN. Applicants must complete an approved program and meet the mandatory registration standards, including English language skills and criminal history requirements.
3. Apply for Nursing Positions
Once registered, you can apply for enrolled nurse jobs. EN positions are available across healthcare settings, and common fields include aged care, mental health and perioperative nursing. Further education or employer training may be expected for some roles, including perioperative and anaesthesia-related positions.
Difference Between an EN and an RN
Enrolled nurses (ENs) and registered nurses (RNs) have overlapping roles, with a key distinction being that ENs work under the direct or indirect supervision of an RN. RNs are degree-qualified, typically holding a Bachelor of Nursing.
Daily tasks often overlap because ENs and RNs work together in the same unit. The exact division of work depends on patient needs, each nurse’s competence, employer policies and the available staff mix.
ENs tend to focus more on direct patient care and support. EN practice spans a range of nursing activities, but RNs often lead comprehensive assessment, care planning, task delegation and care coordination.
According to the NMBA Fact Sheet on Nurse Scope of Practice and Capabilities, ENs gather and interpret patient data, contribute to care plans, and perform clinical tasks within their competence and delegated scope.
Table 1. EN and RN Standards for Practice
| EN Standard | Closest Related RN Standard |
|---|---|
| 1. Functions in accordance with law, policies and procedures | 1. Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice |
| 2. Practises nursing in a way that upholds rights, confidentiality, dignity and respect | 2. Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships |
| 3. Accepts accountability and responsibility for own actions | 3. Maintains the capability for practice |
| 4. Interprets information for care planning | 4. Comprehensively conducts assessments |
| 5. Collaborates in developing care plans | 5. Develops a plan for nursing practice |
| 6. Provides skilled care that promotes independence and decision-making | 6. Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice |
| 7. Communicates and uses documentation to inform care | 1. Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice; 2. Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships |
| 8. Provides nursing care informed by research evidence | 1. Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice |
| 9. Practises within safety and quality guidelines | 6. Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice |
| 10. Engages in ongoing professional development | 3. Maintains the capability for practice |
The standards are not direct equivalents; the RN column shows the closest related standard. Sources: NMBA Enrolled Nurse (EN) Standards for Practice, NMBA Standards for Registered Nurse (RN) Practice
Salary Comparisons
Table 2. EN vs RN Salaries
| Region | EN Entry | EN Top Increment | RN Entry | RN Top Increment | RN Pay Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $74,755 | $81,229 | $81,468 | $114,379 | 41% |
| Victoria | $75,358 | $80,184 | $84,188 | $107,510 | 34% |
| Queensland | $75,573 | $80,204 | $87,790 | $112,607 | 40% |
| Western Australia | $76,012 | $80,138 | $82,945 | $106,630 | 33% |
| South Australia | $70,806 | $77,824 | $77,824 | $106,187 | 36% |
| Tasmania | $73,109 | $80,524 | $80,524 | $102,295 | 27% |
| ACT | $75,849 | $80,611 | $82,993 | $108,780 | 35% |
| Northern Territory | $71,359 | $81,479 | $80,665 | $107,800 | 32% |
| Australia | $74,103 | $80,274 | $82,300 | $108,274 | 35% |
* RN pay premium is the percentage difference between the top standard RN and EN increments shown. Rates are annualised public-sector base rates current at 10 August 2026, excluding superannuation, penalties, allowances and advanced or specialist classifications. Weekly rates were multiplied by 52. Australian figures are simple averages of the eight jurisdictions. State and territory agreements use different classification structures and progression points. Sources: Public-sector nurse and midwife awards and agreements for each state and territory. Refer to our nursing resources page.
In the public sector, the simple-average entry salary across the eight jurisdictions is about $74,103 for a diploma-qualified EN and $82,300 for an RN. At the top standard increments, the averages are $80,274 and $108,274 respectively. The mature RN rate is about 35% higher, before superannuation, penalties and allowances.