The Rural or General Pathway ?
Applying for GP training and confused about the Rural vs General Pathways?
If you are, well, you’re not alone. From our discussions with applicants it’s clear many are rather bewildered about the differences.
Here’s the story - they’re actually not that different!
First, let’s get rid of the most common misconception: The Rural Pathway is not a longer route to vocational registration. The Rural and General Pathways can both be completed in 3 years.
So what’s the difference?
For registrars applying to NCGPT’s program there is very little difference between the two pathways. The only significant difference is where you do your training. Rural Pathway candidates must undertake their training in a rural location as established by the Government’s remoteness areas (RA). Rural is classified as RA2 and above. That’s pretty much 95% of our region. The only area NCGPT Rural Pathway candidates can’t be placed is within a few kilometres of the Qld border. General Pathway candidates are allowed to work in the border township of Tweed Heads which is classified as a “major city” in the RA classifications.
What about the education and training?
Importantly, the education program and supports for both pathways are exactly the same. The curriculum is the same, the education release days are the same, the final college exams are the same and the college fellowship you attain is the same.
And the money?
Guess what….it’s the same. All registrars starting the program are supported by the National Minimum Terms and Conditions for GP Registrars. Also, since 2010 the General Practice Rural Incentive Program (GPRIP) is the same for both pathways.
So why are there two pathways?
It’s a long story with a convoluted history, but in short, it is the way that the Government seeks to ensure that at least 50% of the GP training places across the country are located in rural areas. That’s a great policy for regional areas like the north coast of the NSW.
What about the two different Colleges?
OK, that’s where it gets a little more complicated, but only a little. Both Rural and General Pathway candidates can complete the requirements for Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP) in 3 years. Once again, it’s the same. However, candidates wishing to pursue the Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) do need to complete a fourth year of ‘Advanced Specialised Training’.
The RACGP also offers an optional fourth year leading to the Fellowship in Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP). The additional and advanced rural training offered by both colleges is specifically aimed at those wishing to prepare for the challenges presented by rural and remote general practice . NCGPT‘s education program supports registrars to pursue all three of these qualifications.
Your GP Qualification.
NCGPT has historically been very popular with GP registrars who are keen to work and live in regional areas once they complete training so most of our training places are for the Rural Pathway. If however you later return to the city or do some overseas travel, your rural pathway training is equally accepted in GP standing, from Lightening Ridge to London or Dubbo to Dublin.
Selection Success
For 2013, NCGPT have 37 Rural Pathway places and 8 General Pathway places available. Depending on your score from the assessment centre and the number of applicants competing for pathway places in an RTP, it may be worth considering changing your pathway or RTP preferences. You will have one week (23rd - 30th July 2012) to submit any changes to your preferences.
So, if you’re debating “Rural” or “General” we hope we’ve cleared up a few of your questions. In summary,
· The rural pathway and general pathways both lead to the same qualifications.
· Both pathways undertake the same training program and the same timeframe to complete.
· There are a few restrictions on where you can undertake the rural pathway training.
· You are eligible for rural incentive payments doing either pathway in a rural area.
· There are no restrictions on where either pathway allows you to practice after completing your training.
If you are still unsure about the two pathways or the two colleges why not give us a call on 6681 5711. We will be very happy to talk you through the differences.