Training in a rural area
WACHS established, with the support and provisional accreditation from RANZCP a unique and specialised, training zone that provides an end-to-end psychiatry training pipeline across the seven WACHS regions, known as the Rural Psychiatry Training WA Program.
WACHS established, with the support and provisional accreditation from RANZCP a unique and specialised, training zone that provides an end-to-end psychiatry training pipeline across the seven WACHS regions, known as the Rural Psychiatry Training WA Program.
The Key Difference - Program vs Pathway
The Program's key difference is that Trainees who apply and are successful applicants to training are offered length of training contracts, entry to the fellowship program with ongoing support for assessments, exams, supervision and provided the mandatory core rotations required for every stage of training.
The Program's ultimate view is to “grow our own” Psychiatry workforce to stabilise the critical workforce shortage across our pressured mental health services. The Program's Trainee's normal training trajectory is across 60 months, however this is excluding break in training which are unique to Psychiatry.
Dandjoo (Together) Weekend
Our annual Dandjoo weekend, formally named ‘Orientation weekend’ is a critical part of the RPTWA program to bring together all trainees from across rural and regional WA, to orientate new trainees to the RANZCP program, build connections and help build further knowledge for existing trainees. Stronger connections between the trainees helps in reducing the potential for social and professional isolation.
Cultural Immersion Weekends
This weekend is an important opportunity to bring trainees together and facilitate cultural learnings across the regions they work and live in.
We have worked with a number of our local Regional Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinators and local cultural providers to develop a weekend of content for you all to experience.
Trainee Support
Training Program Directors of Training (DOTs)
Your training program is responsible for coordinating your rotations, overseeing your progression, and ensuring the local delivery of the RANZCP Fellowship Program.
Each trainee has a DOT who can support you with:
- Rotation selection and progression planning
- Difficulties meeting EPAs or WBAs
- Concerns about supervision or post suitability
WA Rural Psychiatry Trainees (WARPT)
WARPT is a subcommittee of WAAPT that specifically advocates for the interests of rural psychiatry trainees in Western Australia. It provides a platform for rural-based trainees to raise concerns, share experiences, and shape training improvements.
WARPT contributes to:
- Representing rural trainee perspectives within WAAPT
- Highlighting issues around equity, isolation, supervision, and housing
- Supporting community and visibility for trainees outside metropolitan areas
If you’re working in a rural post, WARPT is your voice within the broader WAAPT structure.
WA Psychiatry Training Committee (PTC) – formerly WA BTC
The WA PTC is the WA-based branch of the College’s training oversight structure. It includes representatives from the RANZCP, Directors of Training, senior College members, and trainees.
The PTC is responsible for:
- Overseeing the implementation of the Fellowship Program in WA
- Advising on training post accreditation
- Discussing systemic training issues raised by DOTs, supervisors, or WAAPT
- Liaising with national RANZCP committees and the Committee for Training
WAAPT regularly attends PTC meetings to ensure the trainee voice is formally represented at this level.
Program overview
The Fellowship Training Program is a postgraduate medical course for doctors. On successful completion of the program, you are eligible to become a Fellow of the RANZCP (FRANZCP). This qualifies you to practice independently as a consultant psychiatrist in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Fellowship Program takes a minimum of 60 months full-time equivalent (FTE) to complete. During the training period, you will work as a registrar in hospitals and clinics, where you will be supervised by experienced psychiatrists.
Stages of Training
Basic Level - 12 months in adult psychiatry, at least six months of which must be in an acute setting.
Proficient Level - 24 months in a range of areas of practice, including a mandatory six months in child and adolescent psychiatry and six months in consultation-liaison psychiatry, and 12 months in elective areas of practice
Advanced Level - 24 months with the option to train in either general psychiatry or in various sub-speciality areas of practice.