Otorhinolaryngologist (ANZSCO 253515)

    Updated

    What an Otorhinolaryngologist does

    Performs surgery to correct diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Registration or licensing is required.

    Also called
    Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon
    Specialisations
    Laryngologist, Otologist, Rhinologist

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    253515
    Skill level
    1Bachelor degree or higher
    Visas that list it
    189190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    Medical Board of Australia
    National shortage
    Shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • examining patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimating and explaining risks to patients, and selecting the best operational procedures
    • reviewing reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories
    • consulting with Anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients
    • performing surgical operations
    • examining instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed
    • instructing other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements
    • prescribing post-operative care, and observing and investigating patients' progress
    • maintaining records of operations performed
    • may specialise in particular types of operations

    Shortage by state

    • NationalShortage
    • ACTNo shortage
    • NSWShortage
    • NTNo shortage
    • QLDShortage
    • SAShortage
    • TASShortage
    • VICShortage
    • WAShortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does an Otorhinolaryngologist do?

    Performs surgery to correct diseases and disorders of the ear, nose and throat. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Otorhinolaryngologist on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Otorhinolaryngologist (ANZSCO 253515) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Otorhinolaryngologist?

    253515. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can an Otorhinolaryngologist migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Otorhinolaryngologist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Otorhinolaryngologist for an Australian visa?

    Medical Board of Australia, the skills assessing authority listed for 253515.

    Is Otorhinolaryngologist in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au