The first 3 years of specialist Psychiatry training are spent in Basic Training which is coordinated by a Training Network. After successfully completing the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) Basic Training assessments, the Trainee then enters 2 years of Advanced Training in either Advanced Generalist or Sub-Specialty Training.

Joining a Network - Recruitment

Recruitment into Psychiatry training is a joint venture of NSW Health Area Health Services, the Psychiatry Basic and Advanced Training Networks and RANZCP. Most trainees enter the program via the major annual recruitment process but occasionally vacancies arise during the year. For information on the annual recruitment process click here or contact the RANZCP. Application close 19 August 2009 (TBC).

For information on possible vacancies at other times contact the individual Network offices.

Curriculum, Courses and Assessment

Information on the curriculum requirements for training can be found on the RANZCP site www.ranzcp.org. Each Network site will provide specific information on the teaching support and program they offer to assist trainees to complete their training requirements.

Trainees enrol in courses offered by the NSW Institute of Psychiatry visit www.nswiop.nsw.edu.au for more information or the Hunter New England Training Network (contact information below) depending on their location and needs. 

Assessment is ongoing and set by the RANZCP. It includes assessments by your supervisors, case histories, written examinations and clinical vivas. For detailed information go to the RANZCP website.

Basic and Advanced Generalist Training Networks

Each Network has the following staff:

• Network Director of Training (NDoT) to lead and develop the program across each network
• Education Support Officer (ESO) to assist the NDoT organise and administer the Network Training Program
• Site Coordinators of Training (SCoT) responsible for the delivery of training at the local site. Some networks may choose to cluster their sites under the supervision of a SCoT.

Each network website will provide information on the opportunities and training programs offered in the network. Trainees are rotated to sites within the network. All trainees are required to complete a rural term to fulfill their mandatory college requirement. Most trainees nominate to complete this within their Basic Training. Training is equally offered to metropolitan and rural sites.

All sites within the networks are accredited for training with the RANZCP.

Traning Networks