1. Purpose and scope
The policy sets out the principles which underpin selection into RACP training programs. It outlines criteria for eligibility and selection into RACP training programs, and standards for the process of selection into training at RACP accredited training settings.
Training takes place in settings which have been accredited by the RACP. RACP trainees are concurrently postgraduate students in specialist training and employees of the health services.
The RACP is responsible for identifying doctors eligible to participate in its training programs. The RACP is not responsible for determining who will be employed in a training position; this is a decision of the employing body.
The processes of recruitment for employment and selection for training can often be interlinked.It is important for both the RACP and employers to be involved in selection of trainees.
2. Key principles of selection into RACP training
2.1 Selecting for excellence: to identify candidates with the capabilities and attributes required to successfully complete the training program and progress to competent independent practice as defined in the RACP Standards Framework.
2.2 Rigour and fairness: to use criteria and a process that is evidence-based, merit-based, transparent, current, sustainable, objective, equitable and procedurally fair.
2.3 Embracing diversity: to support a diverse range of candidates to apply for and progress through training.
2.4 Continuity: to advocate for the continued recognition of trainees who are progressing satisfactorily and support them to complete training.
3. Roles and responsibilities in selection of trainees
3.1 The RACP is responsible for identifying doctors who are eligible to participate in its training programs by:
i. Defining the principles and standards for selection into training
ii. Determining the eligibility criteria and the selection criteria
iii. Developing resources to support implementation of the process and provide guidance
3.2 The RACP accredited training setting is required to either conduct its own selection into training process or participate in a coordinated selection into training process, for example as part of a local or regional training network, a state, or whole of specialty group. The selection process must comply with The Standards for Selection into Training at RACP Accredited Training Settings (Attachment 1).
3.3 The health service jurisdictions and employing institutions provide employment and infrastructure for training. They are solely responsible for making employment decisions. Their responsibility is to provide adequate service to meet the needs of the population.
4. Eligibility to apply for selection into RACP training
4.1 To be eligible for selection into training candidates must meet the published eligibility criteria for the training program as set out in the relevant RACP training program handbook.
4.2 Meeting the RACP eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection into training, nor does it guarantee appointment to a training position and continuing employment. Employment decisions rest solely with the employer.
5. Selection into an RACP training program
5.1 Selection into training is undertaken at the entry point to each Divisional, Faculty, Chapter and Joint College training program.
5.2 For the purposes of this policy, Divisional Basic and Advanced Training are considered to be separate training programs. To commence Advanced Training, trainees must successfully complete a Divisional Basic Training program and then be selected into an Advanced Training program.
5.3 Selection into training will occur in accordance with The Standards for Selection into Training at RACP Accredited Training Settings (Attachment 1) and The Stages of Selection into RACP Training Programs (Attachment 2).
5.4 Trainees are selected using the selection criteria published in the RACP training program handbook for the relevant training program.
5.5 The published selection criteria for each RACP training program will include:
5.5.1 The candidate demonstrates a commitment to pursuing career as a physician.
5.5.2 The candidate demonstrates the appropriate level of ability, and willingness to progress toward competence, in each domain of the RACP Professional Practice Framework:
a. Medical expertise
b. Communication
c. Quality & safety
d. Teaching & learning
e. Research
f. Cultural competence
g. Ethics & professional behaviour
h. Judgement & decision-making
i. Leadership, management & teamwork
j. Health policy, systems & advocacy
6. Registration and commencement of training
6.1 Candidates who have been selected into training and obtained a suitable training position are required to register with the RACP.
6.2 An applicant cannot register to commence training without having been selected into training and obtained a suitable training position.
6.3 Subject to prospective approval of the proposed training by the relevant Training Committee, and payment of required fees, the candidate is recognised as a trainee and commences in the training program.
7. Monitoring and evaluation
Compliance with this policy will be monitored through the process for accreditation of RACP training settings.
8. Related policies and other documents
8.1 The Standards for Selection into Training at RACP Accredited Training Settings
8.2 The Stages of Selection into RACP Training Programs
8.3 The RACP Standards Framework
8.4 Progression through Training Policy
8.5 Accreditation of Training Settings Policy
8.6 Trainees in Difficulty Support Policy
9. Acknowledgements
The RACP would like to acknowledge and thank those who participated in the development, consultation and peer review process for this policy.
10. Definitions
i. Accredited training setting
The College accredits training settings to support the provision of quality training. The term “settings” refers to sites, facilities, individual posts, networks and consortia.
ii. Prospective approval of training
The process of applying for approval of a proposed training program with the relevant training committee (or delegate thereof) before commencement of the training position, or by the relevant deadline.
iii. RACP training program
Refers to any of the training programs of the RACP’s Divisions, Faculties and Chapters, and joint training programs with other medical colleges. Basic Training is a separate training program as are each of the specialty Advanced Training programs.
iv. Selection into training
Assessment of candidates to predict success in the training program, and ability to progress to competent independent practice. Assessment is based on demonstrated merit and excellence, and uses fair and transparent processes.
v. Training requirements
All training components which must be satisfactorily completed within a given training period, or prior to completion of the entire training program.