What's the NFPMT, and why is it being introduced?

1. Training and Assessment: Requirements for training programs.
2. Training Environment: National standards for prevocational training programs and terms.
3. Quality Assurance: Procedures for assessing and accrediting prevocational training authorities.

Who is responsible for the NFPMT?

Several entities are involved in the design, implementation, and monitoring of the NFPMT:

• Australian Medical Council: Establishes the new framework, provides resources, and accredits Prevocational Medical Councils (PMCs).
• Prevocational Medical Councils: Ensure the framework is implemented in relevant jurisdictions and accredit employing health services.
• Employing Health Services: Deliver prevocational training programs in line with the new framework.

The RACP doesn't directly implement the NFPMT, it ensures a smooth continuum of learning from prevocational training to RACP vocational training programs.

How's the NFPMT being implemented? 

Each PMC is implementing the NFPMT based on local contexts.

All PMCs must implement the framework for:

• PGY1 by 2024 
• PGY2 by 2025 (some jurisdictions may implement PGY2 in 2024 if desired). 

Where can you find more information?

For general information, visit the AMC. Each PMC website provides specific information for their location:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

What do the NFPMT changes mean for prospective Basic Trainees?

The impact of these changes will vary depending on where you intend to undertake Basic Training. For the most current information, consult the relevant PMC. 

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Can doctors start Basic Training in their second postgraduate year without the AMC’s certificate of completion of PGY2? 

Yes. The AMC confirms that PGY2s enrolled in college training programs don't need to complete PGY2 under the new framework. The RACP allows entry into Basic Training from PGY2 onwards, provided all selection and entry criteria are met as outlined in the RACP Training Handbook. The RACP has no plans to change these criteria.

Some PMCs or accredited training settings may have additional eligibility criteria for Basic Training positions that require applicants to complete PGY2 under the new framework. These criteria are available from the relevant PMC or health service. The RACP is compiling these into a central resource for prospective trainees.

What's the RACP’s role in selection for Basic Training positions? 

The RACP has established policy and standards (PDF) for processes for selection into RACP training programs, along with entry and eligibility criteria, however we don't make individual decisions about selection into accredited training positions. 

It's the responsibility of the respective employer/accredited training provider to conduct the recruitment process into accredited training positions, although this process is sometimes centrally facilitated by entities such as PMCs.  

The RACP monitors employers’ compliance with policy and standards through its accreditation of training settings program.  

Do doctors that commenced Basic Training in PGY2 also need to satisfy the new NFPMT requirements in addition to the RACP’s requirements? 

The AMC has confirmed that PGY2 doctors that are enrolled in college training programs don't need to undertake PGY2 under the new Framework.  

Some PMCs are looking at the potential for doctors in training to complete both sets of requirements simultaneously, which would allow the award of the AMC’s certificate of completion of PGY2.  

Some accredited training settings/networks require applicants complete PGY2 before commencing accredited Basic Training roles. What's the RACP’s stance on this practice?

The AMC has confirmed that PGY2 doctors who are enrolled in college training programs don't need to undertake PGY2 under the new Framework. The RACP will continue to allow entry into Basic Training from PGY2 onwards, subject to all other entry and selection criteria being met.

We acknowledge that there's a lot of variation in the systems and contexts for managing the junior medical workforce across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This is due to differences in service delivery structures, employment legislation and practitioner regulation, and workforce and healthcare access patterns, as well as training and education considerations. Therefore, we recognise that employers may have selection/recruitment criteria for accredited Basic Training positions that are more stringent and may require applicants to complete PGY2 under the respective country’s prevocational framework.

In navigating changes to prevocational training and impacts on entry to Basic Training, the RACP is seeking close collaboration with PMCs and remains a committed advocate for:

• pathways for doctors-in-training to be as expedited as educationally justified.
• increased flexibility throughout training pathways for doctors-in-training.
• competency-based approaches to determining progression for doctors-in-training.
• patient safety and socially accountable training programs.
• trainee and educator wellbeing.
• high-quality training environments.
• responsible use of training capacity across our health systems.
• transparent and timely communication about changes relating to doctors-in-training.