Cardiology
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Competition
Very high
Qualification
FRACP (Cardiology)
Training duration
3 years BPT + 3 years Advanced Training in Cardiology (36 months FTE, minimum 24 months in Australia/New Zealand) = approximately 6 years total
Applications
BPT: state/hospital network selection, applications typically September–November for February start. Advanced Training (Cardiology): register with RACP by 28 February (first half or whole year) or 31 August (second half). Cardiology positions at accredited hospitals are applied for directly and are highly competitive.
Selection format
BPT selection is hospital-based. Cardiology Advanced Training positions are secured directly at the accredited hospital — each department runs its own selection. Research output and procedural exposure are major differentiators.
When to apply
FRACP Written Examination must be passed during BPT. FRACP Clinical Examination must be passed before commencing Advanced Training. Cardiology-specific procedural exposure (echocardiography, coronary care) during BPT is highly valued.
Competition
Cardiology is one of the most competitive FRACP subspecialties. Advanced Training positions at major centres are significantly oversubscribed. Research publications strongly differentiate candidates at the AT application stage.
Selection criteria
Clinical experience
Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure
- Cardiology rotations during BPT — coronary care unit (CCU), cardiac ward, and cardiac investigations exposure
- Procedural exposure — echocardiography, stress testing, Holter monitoring
Rural & regional
Rural, regional, and remote experience
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
First Nations
Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Academic
Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching
- FRACP Divisional Written Examination — sat during Basic Training (sitting early is strongly recommended)
- FRACP Divisional Clinical Examination — both Divisional exams must be passed to complete Basic Training and become eligible for Advanced Training
Publications & research
Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI
- Research publications — first-author cardiology publication strongly differentiates Advanced Training applicants
Extracurricular
Leadership and roles beyond clinical work
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Distinction
Prizes, awards, and academic standing
Nothing captured yet — verify with RACP.
Eligibility & application
Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees
- 36 months FTE of accredited Advanced Training (minimum 24 months in AU/NZ)
- Two RACP supervisors per rotation throughout Advanced Training
Entry tips
Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RACP.
Recent updates
RACP new curriculum for Advanced Training in Cardiology implemented from 2024. Trainees starting AT in 2024 or later follow the new curriculum and work-based assessment tools.
Indicative only. Check the RACP website for current information.
Official resources
State workforce data
2026 first-year selection
31 of 132
eligible applicants selected
- Specialists in QLD
- 288 / 1,401 AU
- Trainees in QLD
- 43
- New fellows in QLD
- 23 / 85 AU
- Average week
- 47.5 hrs
How you reach a post
- A centrally coordinated Queensland Health pathway or network
Queensland Cardiology Advanced Training Pathway
A centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in cardiology, supported by the Cardiology Directors of Advanced Training at accredited Queensland hospitals.
- Entry runs only through the centralised pathway — Queensland Health does not list facility-level allocation for cardiology
- 31 of 132 eligible applicants were selected in the published 2026 round, the tightest ratio of the core physician specialties in Queensland
- At 47.5 hours, the average week is the longest of the physician specialties covered by Queensland Health data
- Eligibility — completed RACP Basic Training including the Written and Clinical Examinations, and appointment to an advanced training position
- Flexibility — minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent; the training program must be completed within eight years
- Interrupted training — allowed, but interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require a Return to Training Plan agreed with a supervisor and approved by the relevant training committee
Queensland figures published by Queensland Health (medi-nav). Selection numbers are for first-year entry and vary year to year — confirm the current round with the college and with Queensland Health before relying on them.
Community discussions
Recent discussion about Cardiology training from Australian doctors.
Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustraliaRequirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.