How to become a GP
So how do you become a GP? The most common way is by training in the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.
How do you become a GP
About the AGPT program
The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is an Australian Government funded vocational training program for doctors who want to specialise as general practitioners.
The program is managed by the Department of Health and is delivered by a national network of Regional Training Organisations (RTOs). GP Synergy is the RTO that delivers the AGPT program across the three NSW/ACT training regions – Western NSW, North Eastern NSW and Lower Eastern NSW.
Duration and fellowship endpoints
The AGPT program is typically three to four years in duration full-time. If you decide to undertake the program part-time, this will extend the length of the program.
The duration of the program also depends on which fellowship option/s you choose to pursue:
- Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP) – 3 years with optional 4th year
- Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) – 4 years
Both the FACRRM and FRACGP lead to specialist (general practitioner) registration with the Medical Board of Australia and the ability to work independently anywhere in Australia.
Registrars can choose to pursue either or both fellowships during their training.
Program structure
To become a GP, you undertake their training in a combination of hospital and general practice settings. The structure of the AGPT training program depends on your fellowship choice.
Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM)
For more information about the fellowship training options, including information about fellowship assessments, please download the GP Synergy FACRRM & FRACGP Quick Guide.
Overseas Trained Doctors / Foreign Graduates of Australian Medical Schools
Applicants that are Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) or Foreign Graduates of an Australian Medical School (FGAMS) may be subject to the 10 year Moratorium (Section 19AB of the Health Insurance Act 1973) and can only apply to train in rural areas known as RA 2-5 location under the rural pathway. Further information can be found on the AGPT website and the Doctor Connect website (which includes a map of rural areas).
How to apply
For information about how to apply to become a GP, please visit the How to apply page.
