What do I do if I didn’t get into the AGPT program?
Don’t stress — here are some of your options
1. You can always apply for the next intake to the AGPT program.
Just because you’ve applied to the AGPT program once and were not successful, doesn’t preclude you from applying again for the next intake. Keep an eye out on the College websites for more information on the next intake. The FGP network eNewsletter will also keep you up to date with the latest.
2. Before you reapply, talk to your preferred RTO.
Your preferred RTO will be able to advise you on which hospital rotations to undertake to improve your chances of selection for next time.
Sometimes, an unsuccessful application may have occurred because the applicant wasn’t enrolled in the mandatory hospital rotations for general practice. Ensure you’re doing the right rotations; check your preferred college’s website for the requirements.
Reassess your training region preferences. You may have put a more high-demand training region as your preference (typically, training regions encompassing the CBD of major Australian cities have more training applicants). You may want to consider a training region where there is a high demand for doctors and a shortage of trainees. Your preferred RTO will be able to give you details specific to their area.
3. Consider another training pathway
See a full list of training pathways, otherwise consider the following:
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM)
Independent Pathway
While the Independent Pathway isn’t for everyone, it may suit some who are unable to get into the AGPT program. The Independent Pathway is offered by ACRRM and is for experienced doctors, who prefer self-directed learning. Training is provided by ACRRM (NOT an RTO) and is self-funded, plus additional costs for assessments, applications, membership, etc). However, Commonwealth funding is available for eligible doctors. This is a pathway for international medical graduates or Australian citizens who want to get into rural general practice. Application, selection and enrolment are all managed by ACRRM.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
The General Practice Experience Pathway (PEP)
There are two streams within the PEP program:
PEP – Standard Stream
The PEP standard stream is designed for non-VR doctors who do not hold specialist qualifications and those who had a Specialist stream comparability assessment and this deemed them as non-comparable. The PEP is co-funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Australian Government’s Stronger Rural Health Strategy for Doctors based in MMM2 to MMM7 areas. Training in MMM1 areas is self-funded.
PEP – Specialist Stream
For international medical graduates (IMGs) with a recognised overseas specialist qualification who wish to qualify for Fellowship of the RACGP (FRACGP). The PEP Specialist Stream is co-funded by the Commonwealth Government under the Australian Government’s Stronger Rural Health Strategy for Doctors based in MMM2 to MMM7 areas. Training in MMM1 areas is self-funded.
Note: The Fellowship Support Program (FSP) is a new education and training program to support doctors on the General Practice Experience (GPE) Pathway when the Department of Health subsidy for the Practice Experience Program (PEP) ends in June 2023. Check the RACGP website for more information.
4. Consider the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS)
RVTS provides towards training to GP Fellowship with the RACGP and ACRRM. In the RVTS you will live and work in a remote location while studying. Training is conducted remotely by RVTS and is government-funded. You apply directly to the RVTS. This pathway is for experienced doctors, who prefer self-directed learning.