Training Programs Entry Policy


Policy

Notice
2024.2 applicants eligible for the 2024.2 Fellowship Support Program (FSP) will be exempt from the requirement to undertake the National Entry Assessment (Candidate Assessment Applied Knowledge Test) (clause 4.3.i).


This exemption may not extend to subsequent intakes of the FSP. The RACGP will provide relevant information to subsequent intakes as it is available.

For further information about applications, interviews and offers, please refer to the Fellowship Support Program page.

 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define the entry principles and requirements for RACGP Training Programs, including eligibility, selection, and enrolment.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to:

    1. all medical practitioners applying for entry into :
      1. the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program, or
      2. the Fellowship Support Program (FSP), and
    2. RACGP Staff.

2.2 This policy is to be read in conjunction with the relevant Application Handbooks and Staff Training Manuals.

2.3 This policy replaces the previous AGPT Selection Policy and comes into effect as of 4 July 2022. For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that there is any inconsistency between the previous policy and this policy, the terms of this policy apply.

3. General Principles

3.1 The RACGP is committed to ensuring entry into Training Programs:

    1. is transparent, rigorous, and fair for all Applicants,
    2. is robust, valid, consistent, and free of discrimination,
    3. upholds the Closing the Gap initiative and improves access to training in general practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors,
    4. is based on merit, and
    5. uses contemporary selection tools where necessary.

4. Entry Requirements

4.1 The entry requirements identify the Applicants capability for the AGPT Program and FSP.

    1. The RACGP prioritises Training Program positions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants where those Applicants meet the entry requirements.

4.2 Eligibility

    1. For eligibility requirements, please refer to the AGPT eligibility and application guide and AGPT program guide or FSP Application handbook relevant to the year of application.

4.3 Selection

    1. Eligible Applicants (Candidates) must undertake the National Entry Assessment.
      1. For Candidates applying to the AGPT Program,  National Entry Assessment outcomes hold validity for the intake year for which the Candidate is currently applying. Candidates may only sit the National Entry Assessment once per intake year.
      2. For Candidates applying to the FSP, National Entry Assessment outcomes hold validity for the intake for which the Candidate is currently applying and the following intake.
      3. The Candidate’s National Entry Assessment score informs the next stage of the entry process as applicable.
      4. Candidates who have a valid Fellowship Exams pass when applying to the FSP may be exempt from sitting the National Entry Assessment.
    2. AGPT Program Applicants must complete an interview with the RACGP.

4.4 Accepting a Training Program position

To formally accept a position on the Training Program, all Applicants must:

    1. confirm the Applicant holds AHPRA Medical Registration appropriate for the Training Program,
    2. declare any changes, including additions of Addenda, or investigations related to the Applicant’s AHPRA Medical Registration,
    3. accept the offer in writing, including signing the relevant Training Program Agreement, and
    4. pay Training Program fees as applicable.

5. Amendment of this Policy

The Censor-in-Chief (CiC) may, without the consent of the RACGP Board, make Minor, Moderate and Consequential Amendments to this policy at any time.

If the CiC makes amendments, they must advise the RACGP Board of those amendments as soon as practicable.

The RACGP Board may make amendments to this policy at any time.

6. Responsibilities

6.1 Applicants

  1. Providing the RACGP with a complete application to the relevant Training Program

  2. Holding Financial RACGP Membership

  3. Accepting an offer for a position on the relevant Training Program if offered

6.2 Candidates

  1. Enrolling in and undertaking the National Entry Assessment if eligible

  2. Attending an interview if offered (AGPT Program only)

6.3 Censor-in-Chief

  1. Approving Minor Amendments

  2. Approving Moderate Amendments

  3. Approving Consequential Amendments

6.4 RACGP

  1. Identifying Applicant capability for entry into the Training Programs

  2. Holding the National Entry Assessment

  3. Conducting interviews

  4. Offering successful Applicants training positions

6.5 RACGP Board

  1. Approving Major Amendments

 

7. Glossary

7.1 Addenda

Includes, but is not limited to restrictions, conditions, limitations, reprimands, supervision requirements, tribunal outcomes, suspensions, undertakings, and/or any other remarks or changes on their medical registration.

See AHPRA's website for more information.

7.2 AHPRA Medical Registration

Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA ) which allows the registrant to practise medicine.

Refer to AHPRA’s website for more information.

7.3 Applicant

The medical practitioner applying for entry into the AGPT Program or Fellowship Support Program.

7.4 Business Day

A day when both the RACGP national and relevant regional office are operating.

7.5 Candidate

The Applicant who has progressed to participation in the National Entry Assessment.

7.6 Consequential Amendment

An amendment which requires urgent implementation as a necessary result of an amendment to another policy or process.

7.7 Major Amendment

An amendment that materially changes the operation of the policy but is not otherwise a Minor or Moderate Amendment (ie a change to one major clause or policy review).

7.8 Minor Amendment

An amendment to style, to correct grammatical mistakes, change overall formatting, make updates that do not materially change meaning, or any other amendment, which in the opinion of the Censor-in-Chief, does not materially alter the operation of the policy.

7.9 Moderate Amendment

An amendment that materially changes the operation of a policy by a limited amount (ie a change to one minor clause, or changes that have a limited impact on the outcome of the policy).

7.10 National Entry Assessment

A component of the selection process to the AGPT Program and FSP.

7.11 RACGP Assessment

Assessments run by the RACGP which includes the following:
  1. National Entry Assessment
  2. Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
  3. Key Feature Problem (KFP), and
  4. Clinical Examination, which depending on the time of sitting, is the Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE), Remote Clinical Exam (RCE) or Clinical Competency Exam (CCE).

7.12 RACGP Staff

Anyone who is an employee or contractor of the RACGP

7.13 Training Program

Either the:
  1. Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program, or
  2. Fellowship Support Program (FSP).

 

8. Related Documents, Legislation and Policies

9. Policy Review and Currency

This policy will be reviewed every three calendar years from the last approval date, or when there is a significant change in the intent of the policy. This policy remains valid and applicable notwithstanding if it is overdue for review.

 

 
Version Date of effect Amended by
4 16/01/2024 Education Policy and Guidance Lead
Amendment details
  • Update to Glossary terms
  • Update to titles of application guide and handbook
3 06/06/2023 Education Policy and Guidance Coordinator
Amendment details
  • 4.2.i Update to titles of application guide and handbook.
  02/05/2023 Education Policy and Guidance Coordinator
Amendment details
  • Update to ‘related documents, legislation and policies’ to reflect correct document titles.
1 04/07/2022 Education Policy and Guidance Lead
Amendment details
  • Translated policy from a process to the requirements for entry
  • Realigned language to entry rather than selection
  • Included the requirements to accept a Training Programs position
  • Included entry requirements for the Fellowship Support Program alongside the AGPT Program
Policy owner: RACGP Board
Approved by: CiC Approved on: 02/06/2022
Next review due: 06/2025    

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