Introduction to the program
The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is funded by the Australian Government and offers an apprenticeship model of training over three to four years. The RACGP has a national approach to training, with delivery by local training teams supported by regional and national teams.
The RACGP AGPT program is a comprehensive education program grounded in the RACGP educational framework and its three guiding educational instruments:
- The 2022 Curriculum and syllabus for Australian general practice provides the scope of educational content (42 individual units) to be learnt throughout the AGPT program and details the educational competencies and learning outcomes. It’s an indispensable tool for registrars and supervisors.
- The Progressive capability profile of the general practitioner is a public statement of the RACGP’s view of the capabilities of an Australian GP from entry to general practice training through to post-Fellowship. By defining the capabilities and competencies required at four milestones of general practice training, it is a benchmark for professional behaviour.
- Our education policies and standards aim to ensure high-quality, effective education and safe clinical practice in workplace training.
The AGPT program comprises hospital training, general practice placements (known as GPT1, 2 and 3) and extended skills training, and additional rural skills training for those in the rural generalist stream. Hospital training is undertaken in an accredited Australian or New Zealand hospital, and community general practice placements and extended skills and additional skills training are all undertaken at RACGP accredited training sites. The RACGP is responsible for setting the standards and ensuring training sites are accredited.
To be eligible to work in a community general practice, registrars must have completed at least two years of hospital training after graduating as a medical practitioner. These two years need to include terms in medicine, surgery, emergency medicine and paediatrics to prepare them for the context of general practice.
Registrars may choose to train with either the general stream – and work in or near a city – or the rural stream – working mainly in rural or regional areas. Figure 1 shows the pathways to Fellowship with the RACGP.
Figure 1. The RACGP journey to Fellowship