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Getting Started as a GP in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started as a GP in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Started as a GP in Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a General Practitioner (GP) in Australia involves several steps, exams, and regulations, which can be overwhelming for both Australian Medical Graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). At Health Jobs Hub, we’ve simplified the process for you, breaking it down into easy-to-understand steps.

For Australian Medical Graduates

After completing your medical degree and internship, the next step toward becoming a GP is entering a Fellowship Training Program in your chosen specialty. For General Practice, there are five Fellowship program options available.

Key Note:

If you were not an Australian permanent resident at the time of applying for your Australian medical qualification, you will be restricted by section 19AB, which requires you to work in a Distribution Priority Area (DPA) location to access Medicare benefits.

For International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

There are three pathways for IMGs to become a GP in Australia:

  1. Standard Pathway
    Requires completion of AMC Part 1 (AMC Part 2 is optional but highly recommended to support job applications).
  2. Competent Authority Pathway
    After establishing your AMC portfolio, you can start looking for a job directly.
  3. Specialist Pathway
    Requires a comparability assessment before you can find a job offer.

Regardless of your chosen pathway, all IMGs must create an EPIC account, apply to the AMC for primary source verification, and pass the English Language Test if required.

Steps to Becoming a GP in Australia

1. Verify Your Medical Qualifications

  • Create an EPIC account through ECFMG for primary source verification.
  • Establish a portfolio with AMC.
  • Check if you need to take an English language test.

After these steps, if you're on the Standard Pathway, you can apply for AMC Part 1, and optionally, AMC Part 2 to boost job prospects. For the Specialist Pathway, you’ll need a job offer before applying for a comparability assessment.

2. Find a Job Offer

Once your qualifications are verified, it’s time to find a suitable job offer. Check platforms like Health Jobs Hub,  Seek, Indeed, RACGP, or recruitment agencies website

If you’re restricted by 19AB, ensure the job is in a DPA location to access Medicare benefits. The more rural the location, the faster you can reduce the 10-year moratorium under 19AB.

3. Apply for PESCI

As a GP, you’ll need to take the Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI), which assesses your suitability for the role. PESCI is not required if you're on the Specialist Pathway.

PESCI providers include:

  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
  • Institute of Medical Education (IME)
  • Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)

4. Apply for AHPRA Registration

There are three types of AHPRA registrations you may be eligible for:

  • Limited Area of Need
  • Limited Post Graduate Training & Supervised Practice
  • Provisional AHPRA Registration

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for PESCI or AHPRA registration. Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is mandatory to maintain your registration.

5. Apply for a Visa (If You’re a Temporary Resident)

As an IMG, you will need a visa to work in Australia. More information on visas is available here.

6. Join a 3GA Program

If you’re a permanent resident, you may be restricted by 19AA, which requires you to participate in a 3GA program to access Medicare benefits until you achieve Fellowship. Once you pass your exams, you’ll be a Vocationally Registered GP but still subject to the 19AB moratorium.

7. Obtain a Provider Number

After completing your PESCI and receiving AHPRA registration, you’ll need to apply for a provider number through Medicare Australia to bill for services.

For IMGs, this provider number will require working in a DPA location. Australian residents or citizens who are Non-VR GPs will need to be part of a 3GA program to get their provider number.

Final Steps: Start Working as a GP!

Once you have your provider number and are registered with AHPRA, congratulations! You’re officially a GP in Australia. Stay informed by familiarizing yourself with the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), which outlines what you can bill Medicare for during your consultations.

Helpful Resources:

  • Acronym Guide: Check our guide to industry acronyms.
  • Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS): Learn more about billing and consultation codes.

For more detailed guidance and support in becoming a GP, visit Health Jobs Hub for all the latest healthcare job opportunities and resources in Australia.