Station walkthroughs
Learn what to say, what to do, and which safety and communication checkpoints matter in each station area.
NZ OSCE preparation
NZ OSCE Exam Preparation for International Nurses
Turn exam expectations into confident, repeatable practice with station walkthroughs, small-group tutor feedback, and AI-powered virtual patient conversations through gotoMedics.
- 6 months course access
- Up to 3 learners per group
- 3 months gotoMedics included
AI-powered OSCE readiness
Practise a clinical conversation and see what to improve.
Use voice stations, transcript-backed AI feedback, and readiness progress to focus your next practice session.
Explore the readiness checkOpens gotoMedics. Individual access and plan terms may apply.
What is the NZ OSCE?
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is the in-person clinical competence assessment for candidates whose NCNZ pathway requires it. It assesses applied nursing knowledge, communication, clinical reasoning, patient safety, and professional practice.
Candidates complete a mandatory two-day orientation and preparation course before the OSCE. The orientation is held at the University of Canterbury and the examination at the Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre in Christchurch.
Your invitation and current candidate handbook remain the source of truth for eligibility, booking, and exam-day requirements.
10 stations
Each station uses 2 minutes reading, 8 minutes task, and 2 minutes transfer time.
8 stations
The same 2 + 8 + 2 minute station structure applies to enrolled nurse candidates.
Learn the station, practise the conversation, refine with feedback.
KNA combines teaching, guided human feedback, and repeatable AI communication practice in one preparation pathway.
Small-group review
Practise with a tutor in guided online sessions of up to 3 learners and receive targeted feedback.
AI virtual patients
Receive 3 months of included gotoMedics access for voice-based communication practice between classes.
How learners use the OSCE preparation stage.
Move from understanding each station to practising it under pressure, reviewing feedback, and repeating weaker areas.
- 01
Learn the station structure
Review expectations, communication frameworks, and critical safety checkpoints.
- 02
Practise with virtual patients
Rehearse consent, empathy, patient education, and handover through AI-powered conversations.
- 03
Join guided sessions
Apply your structure in live small-group practice and receive tutor feedback.
- 04
Refine and repeat
Use transcripts, feedback, and checklists to strengthen timing and communication flow.
Included AI practice platform
Build communication readiness with gotoMedics.
New KNA OSCE purchases include 3 months of gotoMedics access. Practise between tutor sessions, review transcript-backed feedback, and track the areas that need more work.
See gotoMedics NZ practiceVoice-based OSCE stations
Session transcripts
AI feedback after practice
Readiness progress over time
GotoMedics supports communication practice and readiness review. KNA provides the broader NZ OSCE teaching, station preparation, and tutor-led feedback.
Know the OSCE format before you practise.
- Nurse Maude Simulation and Assessment Centre, Christchurch
- 10 stations
- 8 stations
- 2 min read · 8 min task · 2 min transfer
Always follow the current candidate instructions and the assessment sequence.
Practise across the major station areas.
Build a consistent approach to assessment, safety, communication, clinical reasoning, and documentation.
- Mental health assessment
- Physiological assessment
- Professional responsibility
- Emergency management
- Clinical skills
- Medication administration
- Communication and teamwork
- Planning nursing care
- Deteriorating patient
- Documentation and handover
Mistakes to address before exam day
- Starting without a clear introduction, identity check, and consent
- Completing tasks without explaining the plan to the patient
- Missing safety checks or failing to escalate a concerning finding
- Using memorised scripts that do not respond to the scenario
- Running out of time without summarising or closing the interaction
Related OSCE and registration guidance
NZ IQN Theory preparation
Review the theory assessment stage that comes before OSCE for many candidates.
NZ nursing registration pathway
Understand how competence assessment fits into the wider NCNZ process.
OSCE preparation articles
Read practical guidance about communication, timing, and exam technique.
Need professional visitor visa application support?
Access optional Occupational Registration Visitor Visa application support through our independent licensed New Zealand immigration adviser partner.
OSCE preparation FAQs
Prepare with a complete system
Learn, practise, receive feedback, and repeat.
Combine KNA station preparation and tutor support with AI-powered gotoMedics communication practice.