health.govt.nz Voluntary Bonding Scheme 2015 New Zealand : Ministry of Health

Name of the Organization : Ministry of Health
Name of the Scheme : Voluntary Bonding Scheme 2015
Country : New Zealand

Website : http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/health-workforce/voluntary-bonding-scheme

Voluntary Bonding Scheme :

Payments to reward medical, midwifery and nursing graduates who agree to work in hard-to-staff communities and/or specialties, and medical physicist, sonography and radiation therapy graduates who remain in New Zealand.

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The Voluntary Bonding Scheme is a practical initiative run by Health Workforce New Zealand to move graduates into the communities and specialties that need them most, and to retain essential allied health professionals in New Zealand. Those on the scheme receive annual payments to help repay their student loan or as top-up income.

It was launched in 2009 to encourage graduate doctors, midwives and nurses to work in hard-to-staff communities and specialties in New Zealand. Radiation therapists and medical physicists were added from 2012 – and sonographers from 2015 – to encourage graduates in these vulnerable and high-demand professions to remain in New Zealand. Payments are also available to GP trainees. Other ministries run similar schemes for teachers and veterinarians.

Online application forms will be posted in this section during the annual Registration of Interest period commencing Monday 2 February until Friday 13 March 2015. Eligibility criteria and payment forms for each intake year and profession can be found on the Terms and conditions page.

What does bonding mean?:
There is no up-front bonding agreement to sign. After being accepted, you begin working – or continue to work – in an eligible hard-to-staff community, specialty or profession. If you abide by the terms and conditions of your intake year, you can apply for payments after three, four and five years.

How much will I get paid?:
In addition to your salary, those accepted on the scheme will receive the following annual after-tax payments for up to five years:
Doctor – $10,000
Midwife – $3,500
Nurse – $2,833
Medical physicist – $3,932
Radiation therapist – $3,375
Sonographer – $3,932

The money will either be paid into your student loan account, or your bank account if you have no student loan. You can apply for your first payment after three years, and again at the end of your fourth and fifth years. Payment forms will be available for download on your intake’s terms and conditions page on this website towards the end of your third, fourth and fifth years.

The Inland Revenue Department’s website has more information about tax rates and voluntary bonding schemes.

Am I eligible?:
There are limited places available each year. To be considered, apply during the Registration of Interest period each year if you:
** study at a New Zealand accredited tertiary institute (check the terms and conditions for full list)
** graduate the year before the annual Registration of Interest period closes – for example, those who complete their studies in 2014 can apply for the 2015 intake
** are working – or intend to work – in an approved hard-to-staff community, specialty or profession
** are a postgraduate doctor intending to train as a GP
** are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident by the time you are accepted on the scheme.

In order to receive payments you must meet the terms and conditions of your intake year for at least three years. Graduation is considered to be the date on your statement of completion of studies – not the date of your graduation ceremony. Your education provider will be able to supply this statement.

If you have any questions, email vbs@moh.govt.nz