What are the eligibility criteria to train with RVTS?
To qualify for entry into the program applicants must:
- currently work and reside in a rural/remote community in which local medical services would be substantially compromised by their departure in particular where there is no alternative doctor;
- have full medical registration in an Australian State or Territory (International Medical Graduates with conditional or special purpose registration whohave general practice qualifications and experience that have been assessed as at least category 4, as set out by the National Reference Panel on Overseas Trained Doctors may be considered);
- have an expressed interest in a career in rural and remote medical practice; and
- be committed to continuing to reside and work in a rural/remote community for the majority of their training (except for approved hospital training and advanced skills posts).
The following additional criteria will also be considered in assessing applicants:
- evidence of community support for their continued practice in the community;
- the candidates suitability (based on all available evidence) to the program; and
- written evidence from the relevant Rural Workforce Agency that the proposed training practice is in a rural or remote area of need.
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How does the RVTS program fit in with GPET and the Australian GP Training Program?
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme is similar to the Australian General Practice Training Program (AGPT) in that it provides vocational training towards Fellowship of both ACRRM and RACGP. Doctors training with RVTS are able to access Medicare's A1 rebates.
Doctors who under their current arrangements would be unable to train with the AGPTP may be able to train through RVTS under distance supervision arrangements.
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Do I have to move to different locations during my training?
Doctors must already be working in an eligible location to apply for training with RVTS. There is no requirement for a doctor to move from that location to undertake their training. Doctors training with RVTS must continue to work and reside in a rural/remote location for the majority of their training. Advanced skills training (eg anaesthetics, obstetrics and surgery etc) may require a doctor to move to a regional centre for 12 months to gain appropriate training within a teaching hospital.
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Does RVTS place registrars in training locations?
RVTS does not place registrars. Doctors must already be working in an eligible location to apply for training with RVTS.
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Can I access the Registrar Rural Incentive Program (RRIP) as an RVTS registrar?
RVTS registrars are eligible for RRIP payments of up to $240,000 over the duration of their training, depending on their location. Further information is available from the Registrar Rural Incentive Payments brochure.
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Does RVTS train towards Fellowship of ACRRM or RACGP?
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme provides vocational training towards Fellowship of both ACRRM and RACGP.
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How much does it cost to join the RVTS program?
The RVTS program is funded by the Commonwealth. It is limited to an intake of 15 doctors per year.
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Can I get recognition of prior learning?
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme provides vocational training towards Fellowship of both ACRRM and RACGP. Doctors can apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to either or both Colleges. RACGP provides RPL of up to eighteen months and ACRRM provides RPL of up to two years.
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Can I train part-time?
Registrars are able to undertake training on a part-time basis. Part time training is not possible for time fractions less than 0.5 full time equivalent. Fulfillment of training time is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
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How long will it take for me to train with RVTS?
The RVTS is a four year training program. Recognition of prior learning is determined on an individual basis and may shorten training time.
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At what stage in my training can I sit the FRACGP exam?
Registrars must have completed at least 12 months of training with RVTS before being eligible to sit the FRACGP exam.
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When am I eligible to undertake assessment for FACRRM?
The ACRRM assessment program is made up of a number of components which can be undertaken at various stages during training:
- Clinical Skills Logbook - progressively
- Summative Multi Source Feedback - any time after 24 months of completed training
- Summative MiniCEX - any time after 24 months of completed training
- MCQ - any time after 12 months of completed training
- StAMPS - After summative MSF and MiniCEX, clinical skills logbook, learning planner and MCQ have all been successfully completed.
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