ACRRM gratefully acknowledges the contribution and support of the Australian Government in the production of this resource.

Training towards Fellowship of ACRRM (video) (11 minutes)

This video provides registrars with an overview of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, its three accredited training pathways, and its training and assessment requirements.

The ACRRM assessment process (video) (4 minutes)

ACRRM Registrars are assessed progressively. This video is a summary of the types of assessment.

Frequently asked questions(FAQs)

Read the College’s policy

The 2-page Policy on Vocational Training Program Enrolment and Participation covers the responsibilities of the training provider, the registrar and the College.

Apply for RPL

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can shorten a registrar’s training time. Registrars who would like relevant professional experience credited towards their training must apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) within 12 months of enrolling to train with ACRRM. The College strongly recommends registrars apply when enrolling (before the registrar’s Learning Plan is drawn up with the Medical Educator).

Guidelines for RPL A guide to completing the RPL application form

RPL application Form This online form should be completed in consultation with your registrar and their Medical Educator.

RPL Policy

Learning plan

Each registrar is required to develop a learning plan prior to beginning training. An online learning planner is available free to all ACRRM registrars on Rural and Remote Medical Education Online (RRMEO).

Core Clinical Training (CCT)

CCT is 12 months working in an ACRRM-accredited hospital. A registrar is required to complete rotations in anaesthetics, emergency medicine, general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics.

Read the College’s Policy on Core Clinical Training.

Primary Rural and Remote Training (PRRT)

PRRT IS 24 months training in one or more ACRRM-accredited rural and remote posts, such as a rural general practice, a rural hospital, the Royal Flying Doctor Service or Aboriginal Medical Service.

Read the College’s Policy on Primary Rural and Remote Training.

Advanced Specialised Training (AST)

AST is 12 months training in one of ten disciplines specified by ACRRM: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Adult Internal Medicine, Anaesthetics, Emergency medicine, Mental Health, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Paediatrics, Population Health, Remote Medicine, and Surgery.

The AST curricula currently available are on the Advanced Specialised Training page of the College website. Other curricula are being developed or reviewed.

Read the College’s Policy on Advanced Specialised Training.

Read the College’s Emergency Medicine Course Requirements (Vocational Training)

The current list of Tier 1 and 2 courses are listed here: Accredited Emergency Courses.

Multiple choice questions (MCQ) exams

The MCQ exams are done online either in the registrar’s community or at ACRRM’s exam centre. A registrar can apply to undertake an MCQ exam after 12 months training. However, the College strongly recommends that registrars first complete 12 months of Primary Rural and Remote Training.

Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)

Registrars are given feedback by peers and patients, according to criteria set by ACRRM. MSF can be taken after 24 months training, but is best done early in Primary Rural and Remote Training.

Mini Clinical Evaluation Exercise (miniCEX)

The miniCEX can be taken after 24 months training under the supervision of an ACRRM-appointed examiner. Ideally, it is done in a Primary Rural and Remote post.

Structured Assessments using Multiple Patient Scenarios (StAMPS)

The StAMPS exam is similar to a viva voce via video conference and can be taken after 24 months of training. The College recommends that registrars leave this exam until the latter part of their training.

Procedural Skill Logbook

Registrars must complete the Procedural Skills Logbook. Log books can be completed on line using the RRMEO electronic version or in ACRRM’s paper version. Some AST disciplines have additional logbooks.

The Assessment Handbook

Handbook for Fellowship Assessment

The Assessment Handbook provides training providers and their registrars with a detailed overview of the FACRRM assessment requirements.

Enrolling in Assessment

Below are enrolment forms for ACRRM Assessments:

2013 Enrolment form for Primary Rural and Remote Curriculum: This is the application form for miniCEX, MCQ, and StAMPS examinations.

2013 Enrolment form for Advanced Specialised Training: This is application form for the miniCEX, StAMPS examinations for AST and Projects.

Project Proposal Form for Advanced Specialised Training project

MCQ

Read the 12 sample MCQs that indicate style and format. After enrolling for an MCQ, registrars can undertake a practice exam and are offered online workshops.

StAMPS

Practice scenarios and marking information is available on the StAMPS practice scenarios page of the College website.

Registrars enrolled in StAMPS are also offered online workshops. (A training module will be available on RRMEO shortly.)

MiniCEX

You will find the formative miniCEX module on RRMEO module is also helpful when preparing for a summative miniCEX.

Formative assessment

ACRRM encourages regular formative miniCEX. this can be completed as part of External Clinical Teaching Visit (ECTV) and/or done by the registrar’s supervisor.

Forms

Scoring sheet (miniCEX)

Patient consent form (miniCEX)

The College encourages all registrars to undertake a formative Multi Source Feedback assessment. This can be arranged by contacting Client Focused Evaluations Program cfepbigpond [dot] net [dot] au.

To view more information about Assessment please go to the Assessment page.

Guide for Supervisors

This guide was developed for doctors supervising (or intending to supervise) registrars undertaking Primary Rural and Remote training (ACRRM Vocational Preparation Pathway).