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Pathology covers Anatomical Pathology, so this is the parent specialty entry.
RCPA
When Anatomical Pathology applications run, and what the round looks like.
Eligibility requires current general (AHPRA) medical registration and at least two years of clinical experience after the primary medical degree — so typically PGY3+ at commencement. In exceptional circumstances, applicants without two years may be considered if they can show alternative relevant experience of a similar level; Overseas Trained Specialists assessed by the College as requiring no more than two years of additional assessment/training may also apply.
Training positions and workforce figures below are limited to Australian Capital Territory. Selection criteria, requirements and application dates are set by RCPA nationally and apply in every state.
Moderate
How Anatomical Pathology training is structured.
5 years
Competencies
To complete
Basic Pathological Sciences examination
Open to medical, science and dental students, interns and resident medical officers as well as registered trainees, and cheaper as a student. A pass or an exemption is required of everyone. Not a prerequisite for Part I, but required before sitting any component of Part II.
Before training starts, or early in it
Anatomical Pathology Part I
Two components. The written paper is sat online from home or a venue of your choice. The digital slides paper is online but at a local venue.
After a set period of accredited training
Anatomical Pathology Part II
Digital slides, small biopsy, special techniques and cytology, sat at a local venue. A repeat slides paper exists for a candidate who has to sit again.
Ordinarily the final year
One set of categories across every specialty, so two can be compared. Only those with criteria recorded for this specialty are shown.
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
Who is asked to report on you, and what they are asked
Registration mechanics and logistics not covered above
Timed steps, grouped by when each one is worth doing.
Before applying
Before the examinations
During training
After Fellowship
Queensland Health is the only state department publishing these figures so far.
No published figures exist yet for Australian Capital Territory. This is being worked on. The selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
2 posts across 2 hospitals in Australian Capital Territory. Each circle counts hospitals.
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Hospital locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. State boundaries from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Published by RCPA and the Medical Board unless stated.
Connected to this specialty by the Medical Board’s specialty structure, by college, or by a shared training pathway.
Requirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with RCPA before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.
Full registration as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia.
At least 2 years of full-time clinical training posts after graduating.
Awareness of obligations around patient confidentiality and access to medical records.
Able to undertake out-of-hours shift duties within safe-hours provisions.
A sound basic knowledge of internal medicine and its clinical practices. Completing the Basic Pathological Sciences examination is an advantage.
Knowledge of quality improvement in medical practice.
Knowledge of the ethics of medical practice.
Knowledge of occupational health and safety issues and workplace diversity practices.
A willingness to actively participate in departmental and collaborative research projects.
Ability to pursue both formal education programs and self-education.
The registrar role covers adult tissue pathology, cytopathology, perinatal autopsies, laboratory techniques, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, electron microscopy, molecular techniques including next-generation sequencing, quality assurance, medical school teaching and research.
Reappointment is almost automatic where performance is satisfactory, to a maximum of 4 years in the department. Trainees normally stay 3 to 4 years.