In order to obtain specialist registration as a general practitioner in Australia and to be vocationally recognised under the Medicare system you are required to have a fellowship from either the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM). There are a number of training pathways available which are listed below.

Training Programs

Australian General Practice Training

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is a government funded vocational training program for medical graduates and overseas trained doctors with little or no general practice experience wishing to pursue a career as a general practitioner.

Three to four years in duration, the program is delivered in WA by the Regional Training Providers (RTP) WAGPET. Covering the whole state, WAGPET offers training opportunities in metropolitan, rural and remote locations.

Remote Vocational Training Scheme

The Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) is a government funded vocational training program for medical practitioners in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and remote and isolated communities throughout Australia.

The training provided meets the requirements for Fellowship of both ACRRM and RACGP and by extension, Vocational Recognition with Medicare Australia.

RVTS supervises and supports its registrars via distance education and remote supervision, allowing them to practice independently in any location throughout Australia. The four year program allows doctors to access vocational training while they continue to provide general medical services to their community.

Independent Pathway

ACRRM’s Independent Pathway is a full-fee vocational training program best suited to experienced doctors who prefer self-directed learning and flexibility. Training requirements are set according to individual needs following assessment of prior learning and experience through the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process.