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 Western Australia. 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 Western Australia. This is being worked on. The selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
6 posts across 6 hospitals in Western Australia. Each circle counts hospitals.
Show these kinds of site
Select a circle to see the hospital. A numbered circle is several too close to draw apart, so open it to zoom in.
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.
Registered or eligible for general registration with AHPRA.
At least 2 years of postgraduate hospital-based work, an intern year and postgraduate year 2, completed or likely to be by the time the program starts.
Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or residing in Australia with a valid working visa.
Demonstrated clinical and procedural experience across a range of medical disciplines, with at least 2 years by the time the program starts. Preference may be given to experience in the Australian or New Zealand health system.
Ability to provide teaching, supervision and training support.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
Organisational and time management skills.
Knowledge and understanding of continuous quality improvement principles.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education and research.
Demonstrated commitment to a career in anatomical pathology.
PathWest at QEII Medical Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, the new Children's Hospital, and King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women.
Private: Western Diagnostic Pathology at Myaree, and Australian Clinical Labs at Subiaco.
Specialised units: Neuropathology at PathWest, Royal Perth Hospital, and Forensic Pathology at PathWest, QEII Medical Centre.
Both current registrars and new applicants apply each year.
Placement is decided by the incumbent registrars' requests, the stage of training, and availability.
Depending on applicant numbers and vacancies, those on temporary visas may not be offered an interview.
Each panel member ranks every suitable applicant and a combined rank decides offers. Those not placed go on a reserve list, which may be drawn on up to 6 months into the academic year.