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Last updated: 2 February 2012

Vocational Training

Training Towards Fellowship of ACRRM

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is accredited by the Australian Medical Council to deliver a comprehensive training and assessment program that leads to the award of Fellowship of ACRRM (FACRRM).

The four-year training program would typically include:

Core Clinical Training:one year:training in hospital posts
Primary Rural and Remote Training:two years:training in rural or remote practices
Advanced Specialised Training:one year:training in an advanced skills post 

Other requirements for gaining Fellowship include successfully completing the Assessment components, the approved emergency medicine courses (please see below), and online modules on RRMEO (Rural and Remote Medical Education Online).

Emergency Medicine

To read the policy statement for this mandatory component, or to see a list of ACRRM-approved emergency medicine courses, please click:

Emergency Medicine Course Requirements Policy Statement 
Accredited Emergency Medicine Courses

Regional Training Providers who wish to apply for accreditation of additional courses that they run or recommend for their Registrars, will need to download the Emergency Medicine Accreditation Form. This form should be completed and emailed to trainingatacrrm [dot] org [dot] au along with all supporting documentation for consideration by the Vocational Training Committee.

Link to Vocational Training BrochureWhy FACRRM?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

ACRRM’s training pathways are designed to be flexible and to recognise prior learning and experience. Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are assessed by the College Censor and the amount of time awarded will depend on the nature of the previous experience, the environment in which it was gained and its relevance to ACRRM’s Primary and advanced curricula.

AGPT and RVTS Registrars are required to contact their Regional Training Provider or RVTS for RPL forms, guidance on applying, and a letter of recommendation to accompany their RPL application. Please lodge your completed RPL application with your RTP, who will forward it to ACRRM.

Flexible training program

  • Flexible Timing:
Core Clinical Training can be commenced after completing your first postgraduate year (PGY1). ACRRM then gives you flexibility to choose the order and timing of your remaining training and assessment components. 
  • Part-time Training:
For instance, the standard minimum time for a particular training component may be extended to accommodate registrars working part-time (because of family or other commitments. 

Fellowship of ACRRM

Successful completion of all training and assessment requirements entitles you to apply for the award of Fellowship of ACRRM (FACRRM).

Vocational Recognition

For Medicare purposes, Fellowship of ACRRM certifies vocational recognition as a general practitioner, and it entitles you to work in general practice anywhere in Australia.

In addition, skills and qualifications acquired while training towards FACRRM may also gain you credit towards other specialist medical qualifications or university awards.

Broad scope of practice
Fellows of ACRRM (as a rural medical generalist) have a broad scope of practice and have specific skills and training to independently diagnose, treat, and manage a diverse range of medical and surgical conditions.

The ACRRM Registrar Committee

The Registrar Committee provides registrars of the College with a formal opportunity to provide feedback, suggestions, and advice to the ACRRM Board. The Registrar Committee also represents the views of registrars in all Standards Committees of the College. If you are interested in nominating for the Registrar Committee, please read the Terms of Reference.

Training Pathways

Vocational Preparation Pathway

You can apply for a place in the government-supported Vocational Preparation Pathway through the Australian General Practice Training Program. For more information on the AGPT Program, please visit the Australian General Practice Training website: www.agpt.com.au.

Standards for Regional Training Providers

To enrol:

Post/fax: Registrar enrolment form

Online: Registrar enrolment form

Independent Pathway

The ACRRM Independent Pathway will suit experienced practitioners who prefer self-directed learning. This full-fee pathway is a very flexible way for registrars to meet the requirements for vocational competency in general practice and attain Fellowship of ACRRM.

Applications have now closed for 2012 intake.

Please complete the online formif you are interested in applying for the 2013 intake.

Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS) Pathway

This structured distance-education pathway is a flexible way for FACRRM registrars working in more remote communities to meet the requirements for vocational registration. To enrol with ACRRM on this pathway you must first be enrolled with RVTS. For more information please visit the RVTS website: www.rvts.org.au.

To enrol:

Post/fax: Registrar enrolment form

Online: Registrar enrolment form 

Other Resources for Registrars

Fellowship: Vocational Training brochure 
       (an overview of training and assessment for Fellowship of ACRRM)

FAQs (about Vocational Training)

More Information?

For more information, or to discuss any issues concerning your training or assessment, please contact the ACRRM Vocational Training Team by phone or email:

Freecall 1800 223 226
Email: trainingatacrrm [dot] org [dot] au.

Feedback

The College welcomes feedback as we continue to improve and expand our services. You can remain anonymous.

Whether you to wish to make a complaint, pay a compliment, or offer a general comment please use the feedback form. It only takes a few moments to complete and send.

If you would prefer to use phone, email, or post, you'll find this information on our Contact page. 

Thank you for your time and interest.