Program time
The AGPT Program is a three-year, full-time (or part-time equivalent) program. If you’re doing rural generalist training, this increases to a four year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program. These are minimum program times, not including recognition of prior learning experience (RPLE).
The program time differs according to your training stream and whether you’re training full-time or part-time. For more information about program time, refer to the AGPT Registrar Handbook.
Full-time
Navy and Army registrars who are confirmed as full-time employees by the ADF will be recorded by the RACGP as full-time for training purposes (ie 38 hours per week).
Full-time training is defined as a 38-hour working week, over a minimum of four days per week. A minimum of 27 hours must be in face-to-face, rostered, patient consultation time undertaking general practice activities. Work periods of less than three consecutive hours, or less than four calendar weeks in any one training site, won’t be considered. Hours worked beyond this definition of full time won’t be considered.
Part-time
Part-time training is defined as at least 14.5 hours over a minimum of two days per week in one training site of which at least 10.5 hours is face-to-face, rostered, patient consultation time, undertaking general practice activities. Work periods of less than three consecutive hours, or of less than four calendar weeks in any one training site won’t be considered.
Maintaining civilian general practice skills
If you complete an EST composite term at a Garrison Health Centre and a civilian general practice concurrently, you may apply for an exemption to the part-time training requirements. This exemption helps ensure you maintain your skills in civilian general practice. To apply, you will need approval from your ADF service and a valid secondment agreement.
What’s not included in the program time
Some types of leave are not included in the program time:
- Category 1 leave – leave entitled by law (eg sick leave, carer’s leave, etc)
- Category 3 leave - Australian Defence Force (ADF) service leave
Extending your program time
If you need to extend your program time, discuss this with your training coordinator and refer to the AGPT Registrar Handbook and Extensions of Program Time Policy