Pathway to Australia to work as GP and acquiring FRACGP, after acquiring MRCGP INTERNATIONAL
its recommended to first watch the following Brief Video (6 minutes), (English and Arabic Available)
English
Arabic
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Frequently Asked Questions
Index of Questions
Q1: If I have received MRCGP INT in Dubai, am I eligible to apply for the Specialist pathway in Australia?
Q2: What are the steps to apply for working as a GP in Australia?
Q3: Where do I start the application process?
Q4: How can I find a job in Australia? Is it easy?
Q5: Are there any agencies that can assist with the application process or finding a job?
Q6: What is the timeline for completing the pathway?
Q7: Is there a pass or fail score for the work-based assessment?
Q8: Is there a specific timeframe to complete the pathway once I start it?
Q9: What is the cost of the whole program?
Q10: If I am currently working in a full-time job outside Australia, do I need to leave my job and go to Australia to apply for the PEP Specialist Pathway?
Q1: If I have received MRCGP INT in Dubai, am I eligible to apply for the Specialist pathway in Australia?
A: Currently, the only center recognized by RACGP for eligibility to apply for the PEP Specialist Pathway is the center of South Asia. However, this information is subject to change in the future.
Q2: What are the steps to apply for working as a GP in Australia?
A:
Submit a comparability assessment application.
Once approval is received, apply for a job that meets the requirements of RACGP for the PEP Specialist Pathway, which involves working as a GP under supervision in specific areas of need.
When you find a job offer, submit it to RACGP, and they will provide you with an RACGP Provider number. You can then contact the Australian Medical Council to obtain limited registration as a GP under observation.
After receiving your license, you can work for six months and complete your work-based assessment tasks (WBA).
Upon completion of the WBA, you can apply for the FRACGP exams (AKT, KFP, and RCE).
After successfully passing all the exams, you can apply for the FRACGP certificate and obtain unlimited registration to work as a GP anywhere in Australia.
Q3: Where do I start the application process?
A:
Before starting, verify your qualifications (MRCGP INT certificate and Bachelor's degree) through the EPIC website. Follow the instructions and pay the fees. You will also need to verify your identity through a platform like NotaryCam.
English test is not initially required, except when applying for limited registration after receiving a job offer. However, having an English test certificate (such as OET, IELTS, or TOEFL) can increase your chances of getting a job interview. Additionally, certifications like BLS and ATLS are not required initially but can enhance your CV.
When you're ready to begin the application, visit the RACGP website and carefully read all the instructions. You can download their manual for detailed guidance.
The comparability application requirements are detailed and precise. It's crucial to read the instructions carefully and follow the steps accurately. If you have any doubts or need assistance, you can reach out to the provided email addresses.
Q4: How can I find a job in Australia? Is it easy?
A: You can use websites like DoctorConnect (https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/doctorconnect) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/) to search for job opportunities. It's important to create a well-crafted CV, and having competitive achievements like English test or ATLS certifications can make your CV more appealing. The job search process can vary in terms of ease, and competition may exist.
Q5: Are there any agencies that can assist with the application process or finding a job?
A: Yes, there are agencies available to provide assistance. However, it is recommended to initially try to navigate the process on your own. Familiarizing yourself with the regulations and seeking information independently can reduce costs and empower you to handle the application process effectively. While agencies may help, they often charge fees, and self-reliance is valuable. One agency you may consider is My Advancemed (https://my.advancemed.com.au/), but please note that the agency list may change over time.
Q6: What is the timeline for completing the pathway?
A: The official timeline to work as a GP in Australia is six months. However, there are additional factors to consider, such as:
Time needed to prepare for English tests and fulfill any missing requirements.
Time required to complete the comparability application.
The duration from submitting your comparability application to receiving the outcome, which can take up to 10 weeks.
Time to find a job.
Time for your job offer to be approved, which may take approximately three weeks.
Time to obtain a provider number and limited registration from the Australian Medical Council (AMC), which can take up to 12 weeks.
Time to complete the work-based assessment after the initial six months of work. It's worth noting that you can start the work-based assessment before the six months are completed, which can save time.
Time to study for the FRACGP exams and the duration required if you need to retake any of the exams.
Q7: Is there a pass or fail score for the work-based assessment?
A: The work-based assessment consists of various assignments and clinical evaluations. The assessment outcome can be categorized as substantially comparable, partially comparable, or non-comparable. Both substantially comparable and partially comparable results are considered a pass. However, if the assessment outcome is non-comparable, you may be required to repeat the work-based assessment based on the recommendations of your supervisor.
Q8: Is there a specific timeframe to complete the pathway once I start it?
A: Yes, once you start the pathway by beginning your job as a GP, you must complete the entire program within 24 months if your job is full-time, or within 48 months if your job is part-time.
Q9: What is the cost of the whole program?
A: The total cost of the program is 18,575 Australian dollars (effective from July 2022). This is equivalent to approximately 12,300 USD, 47,000 Saudi Riyals, or 45,000 Euros. It's important to note the following:
The fees mentioned above do not cover expenses such as travel tickets, English test fees, retaking any of the FRACGP exams if unsuccessful, exam preparation courses, BLS or ATLS fees, or agency fees (if you choose to use an agency).
The fees are paid at different stages of the process, including the comparability assessment application fee (575 AUD), the PEP Specialist Pathway fee (8,000 AUD), RACGP membership fee (474 AUD), and the FRACGP exam fees (9,430 AUD), which are paid after completing the six-month GP work and the work-based assessment.
Q10: If I am currently working in a full-time job outside Australia, do I need to leave my job and go to Australia to apply for the PEP Specialist Pathway?
A: No, it is not necessary to leave your current job before applying for the PEP Specialist Pathway. You can apply for jobs and obtain registration while still being employed elsewhere. It is recommended to remain in your current job until you complete the application process, secure a job offer, and receive registration. This way, you can smoothly transition to Australia and begin your new job on your first working day.
Please note that this list of questions and answers is subject to updates based on your inquiries. Feel free to add any additional questions, and I will be happy to provide answers to them.