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
Queensland Health’s medi-nav is the only state health department currently publishing the workforce and selection figures this section shows. We have not verified equivalent data for Victoria yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.
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.