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Specialty Intelligence
Radiology covers Diagnostic Radiology — showing the parent specialty entry.

Diagnostic Radiology

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists

Competition

High

Qualification

FRANZCR

Training duration

5 years

Applications

Jurisdiction-based, not a single national window: all Australian jurisdictions except Victoria advertise training positions externally (apply directly to hospitals/networks on their own timelines); Victoria's recruitment is managed internally by the College, and New Zealand runs a centralised College round (2026: applications closed noon 26 February, interviews 16 June). All applicants first need a College Registration Verification Number (CRVN) — registration fee AUD $800.

Selection format

Panel interview (network representatives in the centralised rounds; hospital panels elsewhere). Some networks include structured imaging interpretation assessments. The RANZCR Part 1 exam (Anatomy + Applied Imaging Technology) is typically sat in the first or second year of training — not at selection.

When to apply

Typically PGY2–5. Clinical breadth across medicine and surgery is valued.

Competition

Competitive, particularly in metropolitan hospitals. Interventional radiology subspecialty training is extremely competitive.

Selection criteria

Clinical experience

Rotations, logbooks, procedures, and exposure

  • College Registration Verification Number (CRVN) — mandatory before applying in any jurisdiction; AUD $800 registration
  • Broad clinical experience (radiology benefits from understanding clinical context)

Rural & regional

Rural, regional, and remote experience

  • Rural — CV scoring recognises Rural/Regional Origin (5+ consecutive or 10+ cumulative years in MMM 2–7) and Experience (12+ months residing in MMM 2–7), points set per jurisdiction; a Regional and Rural Training Pathway pilot offers dedicated positions

First Nations

Selection points and pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori applicants

Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCR.

Academic

Exams, qualifications, courses, and teaching

  • Physics and imaging science background
  • RANZCR Part 1 Examination — sat in the first or second year of training, not at selection

Publications & research

Papers, impact factor, audits, and QI

  • Research — publication or presentation in radiology or clinical imaging
  • Audit in a radiology or clinical department

Extracurricular

Leadership and roles beyond clinical work

Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCR.

Distinction

Prizes, awards, and academic standing

Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCR.

Eligibility & application

Prerequisites, referees, interviews, and fees

Nothing captured yet — verify with RANZCR.

Entry tips

01Research in radiology or clinical imaging (MRI physics, AI applications, image-guided procedures) is valued and relatively uncommon among applicants.
02Demonstrating an understanding of the clinical value of imaging — not just reporting — impresses interviewers.
03Interventional radiology is particularly competitive; publications and procedural experience are near-mandatory.
04The RANZCR Part 1 Examination covers anatomy and physics heavily — start physics preparation early.

Sourced from Australian medical community discussion. Always verify with RANZCR.

Recent updates

2026-07

Re-verified against ranzcr.com: selection is jurisdiction-based (Victoria College-managed; NZ centralised — 2026 deadline 26 Feb, interviews 16 June; other jurisdictions advertise externally). CRVN registration ($800) required for all applicants. Rural: Regional and Rural Training Pathway pilot (5 initial positions) plus published MMM 2–7 rural origin/experience CV-scoring definitions (point values set per jurisdiction). First Nations: RANZCR publishes scholarships (up to six at $5,000/year) and AIDA-partnered application support — support programs; no specific selection points independently confirmed.

2024-09

RANZCR updated the FRANZCR examination structure. Check the RANZCR website for the current examination blueprint.

Indicative only. Check the RANZCR 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 South Australia yet — the selection criteria and requirements above apply Australia-wide regardless of state. See the Queensland figures.

Community discussions

Recent discussion about Diagnostic Radiology training from Australian doctors.

Search r/ausdocs and r/doctorsofaustralia

Requirements, windows, and criteria change annually. Verify with Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) before making career decisions. Report an error on this page.

Radiology training — entry requirements and selection