Overview of GP Training

GP Registrars enrolled in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program can choose to train toward Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP), Fellowship of Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM), Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP) offered by the RACGP, or a combination of these.

Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP)

Training toward the FRACGP generally takes three years and comprises the following:

Year 1: post-intern hospital year*

Year 2: supervised general practice training terms

Year 3: additional general practice experience

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

GP Registrars enrolled in the AGPT and working towards completion of the FACRRM normally undertake a four-year program which includes a year of specialised training to prepare for rural general practice. The program normally comprises:

    One year core clinical hospital training*
    Two years primary rural and remote training
    One year of rural specialised training

* Whether enrolled in the FACRRM or the FRACGP, GP Registrars who have completed additional hospital time beyond the intern year when entering the AGPT can apply to have this experience counted towards their GP training time, known as Recognition of Prior Learning.  Training time can be reduced by up to 12 months.

Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP)

GP Registrars working toward this qualification undertake a year of procedural skills training in addition to their FRACGP requirements.

FRACGP and FARGP candidates can undertake the RACGP Fellowship exam once they have completed their year of supervised general practice training terms.

Advanced Rural Skills Training

WAGPET provides Advanced Rural Skills Training posts for GP Registrars interested in preparing for rural general practice. Procedural training opportunities are available in Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Emergency Medicine and Surgery.  Advanced rural skills training is also available in Aboriginal Health and palliative care.

GP Registrars working towards the FACRRM or the FARGP follow a set training program which includes 12 months of specialised rural training, completion of emergency courses (such as EMST or APLS), a training log and specific modules set by the Colleges. These Registrars are supported by WAGPET’s College Advisor, an experienced Medical Educator who can offer advice on courses and training requirements to GP Registrars in rural training programs.