FAQs

Browse and read the answers to some frequently asked questions about general practice and general practice training.

If you have any other relevant queries that are not covered by our FAQs, you could post your question on the GPSN discussion forum or email us at gpsn.enquiries@gpra.org.au.

What is general practice?
General practice is the provision of patient centred, continuing, comprehensive, coordinated primary care to individuals, families and communities. It is the cornerstone of the Australian healthcare system. In 2010, general practice was acknowledged by the Medical Board of Australia as a medical speciality.

Who is a GP?
A GP is a registered medical practitioner who:
• is qualified and competent for general practice anywhere in Australia
• has the skills and experience to provide whole person, comprehensive, coordinated and continuing medical care, and
• maintains professional competence for general practice.

Australia’s GPs work in all parts of Australia ranging from large cities and rural towns, to remote settlements in central Australia. There will always be a need for GPs and as other disciplines continue to sub-specialise, more and more complex general medicine is falling into the domain of general practice.

How do you become a GP?
In order to practise as a GP in Australia, all graduates need to undertake training and complete the assessment process of one of two colleges: The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) or the
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

How long does it take to become a GP?

Vocational GP training is 3-4 years full-time. The program is flexible and many GP registrars opt to undertake the program part-time.

What is the AGPT program, and how does it work?

The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program is a world-class vocational training program for medical graduates wishing to pursue a career in general practice in Australia. Click here for an overview of the AGPT program.

Visit the AGPT website.

How long is the AGPT program?

The program is 3-4 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), which can be reduced with recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Is the AGPT program funded?

Yes, the AGPT program is fully funded by the Australian Government.

What are RTPs and how do they fit into the AGPT program?

Regional training providers are commonly referred to as RTPs, and their role is to deliver the AGPT training program. There are 17 RTPs throughout Australia.

GPET, AGPT, RTPs, AGPN, DoHA, GPRIP: so many acronyms! What do they all stand for?

Acronyms and abbreviations abound in the language of GP training. Browse our jargon busting acronym and abbreviations guide to crack the code.