Australia has a large number of job opportunities for doctors and medical professionals. You need to have the relevant qualifications and training to work as a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia. The country value its skilled employees and pays high salaries for them. The more experience you gain, the higher your salary will be.

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is one of the training methods to become a GP in Australia. Here is a complete guide on the AGPT program, eligibility criteria, and application and selection process.

About AGPT Program

The AGPT program is a way of becoming a GP in Australia offering 1500 government-funded training location each year. Registrars who have complete the training program can work unsupervised in any hospital, practice, medical centre, or clinic in the county. The location could be cities, and rural, regional or remote areas in Australia.

AGPT provides full-time on the job training for not only Australian doctors but also International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Once you complete the AGPT training program, you can train towards achieving one of the following:

·        Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)

·        Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)

·        FRACGP and Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice

After attaining one of the above Fellowships, you need to register with the Medical Board of Australia to practice as a GP anywhere in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

You need to meet the following criteria to be eligible for the AGPT program:

·        Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent residency holder with an Australian or New Zealand medical degree.

·        A foreign-trained doctor who fulfil specific requirements.

·        Foreign graduate with an Australian-accredited medical school.

·        An Australian Defence Force doctor.

Benefits that AGPT Program Offers

The AGPT program offer doctors several benefits including the following:

·        Access to a Medicare Provider Number for Medicare benefits.

·        Ability to get training in a practical work setting with professionals in hospitals and practice centres.

·        Access to various advanced skills training opportunities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training.

·        Training fees fully covered by the Government of Australia. You only need to pay the application and assessment fees.

·        Access to financial incentives when working in regional, remote and rural areas.

·        The ability to choose your training location.

AGPT Pathways

There are two pathways to becoming a GP in Australia through the AGPT program.

·        One method is through the rural pathway in a rural or regional area. This is available through the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

·        Another method is through the general pathway in or near a metropolitan or city area. This is available through the RACGP.

Application process and key dates

You can apply to the AGPT program through the college that you decide to attain Fellowship with. Applications that you submit in 2022 are for GP training placements that commence in 2023.

Following are the key dates for the AGPT application process in 2022.

The first round of applications are generally from March to April. Interviews for the selected applicants for the first intake are held in late July, early August. Offers are released in August. The second round of applications are generally during August to September period.

Here are the application fees for the AGPT pathways:

ACRRM: $700

RACGP: $725

Note that paying the application fee does not guarantee a place in the AGPT program.

AGPT Program Inclusions and Employee Conditions

The AGPT program includes the following:

·        Discussion with the supervisor.

·        Teaching visit from medical educators.

·        Workshops with fellow trainees.

·        Self-study.

If you work in a public hospital, you will be paid a salary by an employee awarding body or enterprise bargaining agreement. If you work in a general practice, your income will be through billing patients for your medical services.

               What does AGP training offer?

               Placement

               Duration

Choose your Training Region

A Regional Training Organisation (RTO) will deliver your training under the AGPT program. There are nine RTOs which occupy one or more of the 11 training regions across Australia. Here are the guidelines when choosing your training region:

·        Applicants can nominate their preferred training region. However, the decision on which location of the region you get selected for is not to be made by you.

·        Applicants can nominate up to four training regions.

·        Applicants can accept only one training region for the AGPT program duration.

AGPT Duration

How long you take to complete AGPT depends on which program you choose and if you are undertaking it full-time or part-time. Generally, the AGPT program takes 3 to 4 years to complete when done full-time. However, if you wish to follow it part-time or take leave during training, it could take more than 4 years to complete. This is completely up to you to decide.

There are also other limitations on how long you can take to complete you training. However, you do have the chance to apply for extension in certain situations.

Outcome of the application process

Once you are deemed eligible and your application process is a success, the next step are the interviews and offers.

·        With ACRRM, you need to give referees to support your application. The referees will be provided with a survey which will be assessed by the relevant authorities. Applicants that are shortlisted from this process will progress to the interview stage.

·        With RACGP, you need to pass the Candidate Assessment and Applied Knowledge Test (CAAKT) to move onto the interview stage. This exam focuses on the knowledge and skills required to become a General Practitioner in Australia.

Visit the Department of Health website for more information on the AGPT program and its application and interview processes.

You can also read the article Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT) for more details.

Conclusion

The AGPT program is popular among a majority of General Practitioners in Australia. It allows access to many benefits as a GP in Australia, especially due to the Medicare Provider Number. Being informed about the AGPT eligibility criteria, application procedure, and its key dates, will ensure a smooth application procedure for you.

At Medfuture, we provide amazing opportunities for qualified General Practitioners in Australia. Amazing possibilities exist for GPs with AGPT training, including high salaries and various employee benefits.

Visit our website for the latest GP jobs across all states and suburbs in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is GP training in Australia?

GP training in Australia takes between 3 to 4 years full time. You also have the option to apply for part-time training or take leave during training. This will result in an increase of time to complete the GP training.

Does AGPT involve any cost?

The AGPT program is fully-sponsored by the Government of Australia. You only require to pay the application and assessment fee.