The Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway is now live!
This page is an evolving run down of the new fast tracked AHPRA pathway. As this pathway has only just opened, new details are flowing in daily. We wanted to ensure we have a page where you can find out the most recent updates combined with key details. In the next few weeks, we will have pathway breakdown and FAQ page available, so make sure you are subscribed to our newsletters!
Update as of 11 November 2024
We’re currently assisting a number of GPs with their application for the Expedited (Fast-Track) AHPRA pathway and this gives us some insights into implementation:
Job requirement: You need to have a valid job offer in Australia in order to complete your application for the Expedited Pathway.
RCGP letter requirement: One of the main issues is the RACP’s letter requirement to get a letter from the RCG, which confirms:
- Qualification awarded under the 2007+ RCGP curriculum
- Completion of a three-year general practice specialty training in the UK or the ATC pathway
The RCGP are currently not providing this letter but we have raised this problem with AHPRA are actively working on finding a resolution.
Supervision requirement: A successful application for the Expedited Pathway must include supervision arrangements. These are similar, but not identical to those required for the PEP Specialist Pathway, so make sure you are using the correct documentation.
You need a job in order to arrange for supervision and the practice will support you in arranging for a supervisor to sign the necessary documentation.
Registration options:
- If you have a pending provisional registration application, you will be given the choice to continue on this pathway on the PEP program or apply for Specialist registration.
- If you have a pending limited registration application and are eligible for the new pathway, you must change to the new pathway.
Attaining FRACGP qualification
It is still unclear what pathway to FRACGP will be available to GPs who have successfully completed the Expedited Pathway. We will share updates as they become available. We expect this information to be available in the coming weeks – well before the first GPs complete the requirements of the Expedited Pathway.
Update as of 31 October 2024
Alecto Directors, Monique and Martina, yesterday attended a special briefing by Dr Susan O’Dwyer, Chair of the Specialist IMG Pathways project.
Here are the main takeaways from this meeting:
- AHPRA expects to process applications in 6-8 weeks. We expect the total pathway to take a 4-6 months (including AMC, EPIC, Visa and Medicare application). This is compared to current 9-12 months processing time on the RACGP PEP pathway.
- The AHPRA assessment panel meeting reviewing these applications will be on 12 November, meaning that the first outcomes are unlikely to be available until several weeks later. All applications will be assessed by the panel until the program is firmly established.
- Medicare is updating all its information to clarify that Specialist Registration, rather than membership of a Specialist College, results in eligibility for claiming Specialist rebates.
- The Supervised Practice Plan is an important part of the application. It needs to be specific in outlining the planned training activities in more detail than required under other pathways. There are additional requirements on supervisors when completing paperwork for this pathway which means it may be more difficult to find supervisors – particularly for GPs switching pathways where other supervisor details have been submitted to AHPRA previously.
- Supervisor’s reports will be required after 3 and 6 months of work.
- Eligibility of qualifications from the UK, Ireland and New Zealand will depend on when a GP graduated from the program. Some older qualifications will not be recognised. Please see further details in the body of this blog.
- Once doctors start working in Australia, they be required to complete 50 CPD hours a year in order to renew their annual registration. This means that doctors will need to enrol in a CPD home relevant to their area of specialisation. For those who utilise RACGP as their CPD Home, we currently do not know how the RACGP will treat doctors on this pathway and if some level of membership will be required.
- Canadian and US qualifications are currently NOT being considered for future access to the Expedited Pathway.
Update as of 21 October 2024
- Application for AHPRA’s new pathway for Specialist IMGs has opened as of Monday 21st October 2024
- The pathway is available for Specialist International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with recognized qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand.
- The AHPRA application cost is $2,575 ($2,504 for NSW Applicants)
- Eligible GPs can bypass traditional college assessments and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia.
- A 6-month supervised practice period is still required, with a nominated supervisor in place before applying to AHPRA. This supervision ensures a smooth transition and provides support as you settle into practice in Australia. On balance there is possibly more paperwork for the practice/employer to complete compared to the PEP pathway, however we are still investigating this.
- Supervision reports and post-commencement assessments are still required, they are slightly different to those on the RACGP PEP Pathway, but are unlikely to be easier than with PEP. We are still investigating this further.
- While supervision reports and post-commencement assessments are still required, they are slightly different to those on the RACGP PEP Pathway, and are unlikely to be significantly easier.
- Mandatory orientation and cultural safety training will be provided to help prepare you for practice in the Australian healthcare system.
- GPs are the initial focus, with additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry expected to join the pathway from December 2024.
We now support GPs with both the PEP and AHPRA Expedited pathways for relocating to Australia. If you have made significant process with the PEP pathway, it may be best to continue down this route given the unknown challenges to be aware of with this pathway. While the AHPRA pathway shows no significant disadvantages (and is considerably cheaper), it is new and untested, so we recommend GPs assess their individual situations before choosing. We are still working through the details around supervision plans and paperwork, in addition to the post-commencement assessments.
AHPRA is introducing a new fast-track pathway for specialist registration for internationally qualified medical specialists. This Expedited Specialist Pathway is designed to streamline the registration process, enabling well-qualified specialists from comparable health systems to begin treating patients in Australia more quickly. This change is part of AHPRA’s ongoing efforts to address the increasing demand for healthcare services while maintaining rigorous standards for public safety.
Specialist GPs with one of the following accepted qualifications will be eligible to apply through the new pathway
- Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners (MICGP) from 2009 onwards and a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST)
- Fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (FRNZCGP) from 2012 onwards
- Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (United Kingdom) from 2007 onwards and a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
- Specific specialist qualifications in anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry will be added to the accepted list in December 2024, after a rigorous qualifications assessment process.
What does this mean for GPs with listed qualifications?
- The time to become job-ready should be reduced from 12 months to about 3 or 5 months. This definitely will make it easier for GPs with substantially comparable qualifications, to enter Australia more quickly and easily.
- This pathway is also much cheaper than the current alternative on the PEP Specialist pathway – but it will not lead to Fellowship with an accredited medical College.
Will these GPs avoid the 10-year moratorium?
The simple answer is no. Doctors on this pathway will need to work in a DPA area or gain a valid 19AB exemption in order to claim Medicare rebates.
There is one exception: As has been the case in the past, NZ graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of Medical school will still be exempt from moratorium provisions.
What are the key steps in the pathway?
Specialist IMGs will be able to complete a self-assessment and, if eligible, enter the expedited process, which includes the following key steps:
- Ability to gain Specialist Registration (with conditions) easily
- A period of supervised practice for up to six months (including orientation to the Australian healthcare system, and cultural safety education)
- Workplace based assessment and removal of the conditions to gain Specialist Registration without any restrictions
What is our recommendation to GPs considering this pathway?
It is difficult to give definitive advice in a rapidly changing landscape. We expect the unexpected, but our current advice is as follows:
If you have only just commenced application for the PEP Specialist Pathway: you may wish to try to switch pathways so you can get to Australia while the current DPA provisions are in place. Once you have started working here, you can enquire about the additional requirements that would lead to Fellowship. (check eligibility first)
If you have completed Part B and/or Part C of the PEP Specialist Pathway and are planning to arrive in the next couple of months: you may be better off staying on this pathway – even if it is more expensive. This pathway offers:
- Certainty about the outcomes and Medicare provisions
- Fellowship with the RACGP and any associated benefits
- Known timeframes for processing
What do you need to do to switch pathways:
Please contact the Registration Support Team at Alecto on [email protected]. They will help you complete and assessment of your eligibility and they will help you navigate the labyrinth of information. Additional costs will apply for this service.
Updates
We will keep you updated as soon as there is clearer information available. Email us at [email protected]
For more detailed information, visit the official AHPRA website or contact our team at Alecto Australia for guidance on your specific case.
Alecto Australia is in a prime position to keep you updated on the new pathway as Director, Martina Stanley represents the Recruitment Industry on the Specialist IMG Pathway Advisory Group.
Want to get started on your paperwork now?
For a small fee our registration team can support you with the AMC/EPIC paperwork. Click here to sign up. If you later secure a job with on of our clients this fee will be refunded upon commencement of work in Australia.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended as general advice only and may not be applicable to your specific situation. The details about the Expedited Specialist Pathway are based on current developments, and these may be subject to change. We recommend consulting with a qualified professional or regulatory body, such as AHPRA or the Medical Board of Australia, for detailed and personalized advice. Alecto Australia does not take responsibility for any decisions made based on the information provided here.