Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) for registered nurses
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Applications close 19 June 2026 at 5:00 pm
The Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP) offers exciting opportunities in our Local Health Networks (LHNs) and across South Australia. A Combined TPPP and Research Program will also be available in 2027.
As a newly qualified nurse you will be provided with all the tools and supports you need to build a rewarding and enriching professional career.
Three specialised graduate nursing programs will be available in 2027, see the following specialised pages for more information:
Key dates
- Monday 1 June 2026 - Applications open
- Friday 19 June 2026 - Applications close 5:00 pm
- July and August 2026 - Application assessment period
- Early September 2026 - First round of provisional offers
- Mid to late September 2026 - Subsequent round/s of provisional offers if required
Eligibility
To apply for TPPP, registered nurses must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- complete studies between January 2026 and February 2027, or by negotiation within 2 years of graduation with your preferred LHN, ensuring you will be eligible for AHPRA registration a minimum of 4 weeks prior to your commencement date
- complete no more than 456 hours (3 months full time equivalent) of paid experience as a RN in any setting within Australia/New Zealand
- hours of paid experience completed outside of Australia/New Zealand are not counted if the applicant is required to retrain in Australia to obtain Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration
- complete no more than 3 months of a graduate nurse program (or equivalent) previously in any setting and in any country
- apply outside the ‘employment exclusion period’ after taking a Targeted Voluntary Separation Package (TVSP) from the SA Government.
- required to provide evidence of English Language Skills Requirement, as outlined in the Registration Standard
- eligible graduation at time of offer, or if you sat a supplementary exam, you will have gained registration a minimum of two (2 weeks prior to your employment commencement date).
Role description
The Registered Nurse Level 1 (RN1) role description (PDF 211KB) provides information about the skills, knowledge and attributes considered essential for success. It outlines the selection criteria for the RN1 position and is used in the assessment of TPPP applications.
The Registered Nurse Job Capacity Statement (PDF 260KB) provides information about the likely demands of working as a RN.
You are encouraged to read the above documents to gain an understanding of the RN1 role prior to applying for the TPPP.
Locations and specialty programs
Each LHN offers a variety of specialty programs across different locations/sites. The number of positions available will vary according to service and operational needs of the LHNs.
When completing your application form you will be asked to select your location/site preferences. Based on this, you will be prompted to choose your preferred specialty program(s), secondary location and intake date(s).
See the statewide map (PDF 317KB) to show the boundaries for each of the regions LHNs.
For information about the speciality programs and rotations being offered by each LHN applicants are encouraged to attend LHN information sessions. For details of information session dates and times visit LHN pages below.
Further information
The Applicant Handbook (PDF 1264KB) and frequently asked questions and may assist you with any questions you have. If you have further questions, email healthjobs@sa.gov.au.