NT Landscape
Being a rural generalist in the northern territory
Remoteness Classification
(MMM)
With the exception of Darwin, which is classed as a MMM2 area, the remaining health clinics in the NT are classed as a MMM 6-7. This demonstrates the remoteness of communities and health clinics across the NT
In the Northern Territory there are
6
Hospitals
104
Primary health clinics*
40
Private general practice
1400 Doctors
Outside Darwin and Alice Springs there are
3
Hospitals
95
Primary health clinics*
4
Private general practice
140 Doctors
* Serviced by NT Government and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. Numbers are approximate.
Pathways
There are various pathways to becoming a Rural Generalist in the NT, with many partners collaborating to provide a unique and rewarding experience for you. The NT Rural Generalist Coordination Unit offers personalised career navigation and advice, and provides assistance and guidance in choosing the right pathway for you.
I'm a
Medical school
Requirements
The Doctor of Medicine post-graduate degree is a four year commitment at a full-time capacity. Students on the NTMP have an opportunity for a Return of Service Obligation Deed Agreement with the Northern Territory Government which provides the benefit of guaranteed employment within the NT for four years on graduation.
Who can help
Medical school (student)
Our Northern Territory Medical Program is taught across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek. Study our internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine with particular strengths in Indigenous and rural health and workplace development. In the Northern Territory Medical Program you'll have the opportunity to undertake an entire year or more of study in a remote area.
The NT also facilitates medical students from other Australian universities to complete placements in the NT.
Internship
Requirements
The Medical Board of Australia’s General Registration Standard requires an intern to complete a minimum of 47 weeks of satisfactory, supervised practice in clinical settings that will provide the required skills and knowledge to work in rural and remote settings.
The NT offers Intern rotations in rural and remote settings such as Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Tennant Creek and others.
Who can help
Pre-vocational Training
INTERNSHIP (PGY1)
The intern year (PGY1) is the transition from student to medical practitioner. It provides the opportunity to develop practical experience of applying the acquired theory to the safe treatment of patients as a responsible and independent professional. The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) issues medical graduates with provisional registration to undertake this period of supervised practice.
Pre-vocational Training
Requirements
To be a Resident Medical Officer you must successfully complete your Internship and General Registration with the MBA. If you are on an Australian Medical Council pathway you will need to achieve general registration by referring to the MBA website.
Who can help
NT Rural Generalist Coordination Unit
NT Health Medical Education Units
Resident (RMO) positions - Department of Health
hospitaldoctors.THS@nt.gov.au
Pre-vocational Training
RESIDENT PGY2+
A resident medical officer/postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) is completed following internship and provides additional years of general clinical rotations to gain further experience prior to enrolling into a specialty program.
Vocational Training
Requirements
Requirements in the vocational years are specific to the College in which you Fellow. Colleges that provide training for Rural Generalists are ACRRM and RACGP.
Who can help
The NT Rural Generalist Coordination Unit can assist with general enquiries about the NT pathway.
Vocational Training
REGISTRAR PGY3+
Fellowship programs to qualify you as a Vocationally Registered General Practitioner and a trained Rural Generalist are provided by ACRRM or RACGP. To complete these Fellowship programs there are multiple training pathways. Each pathway has specific requirements. The Rural Generalist Coordination Unit can assist in choosing the pathway that will best suit you.
Advanced Skills Training
Enhance your general practice career by completing specialised training in a specific discipline.
Advanced Training in at least one specialised field of practice is part of the essential skill set of a Rural Generalist. Advanced Specialised Training is incorporated into Fellowship training for the ACRRM Fellowship (FACRRM). Fellows of RACGP (FRACGP) can obtain these additional skills by enrolling in the Fellowship of Advanced Rural General Practice (FARGP).
The NT offers advanced skills training (1-2 year duration) in the following disciplines:
- Indigenous Health
- Remote Indigenous Health
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Anaesthetics
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Adult Internal Medicine
- Palliative care
- Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Surgery
The NT is also able to support Advanced Skills Training in many of the other discipline options defined in the Colleges’ Fellowship curricula.
Doctors enrolled on either the FACRRM or FARGP Fellowship pathways who are interested in acquiring an advanced skill can contact the Rural Generalist Coordination Unit or their corresponding College to facilitate additional training.
