RVTS Overview
The Remote Vocational Training Scheme, or RVTS, is designed specifically for doctors who are either working in or looking to work in underserved areas of Australia, particularly rural and remote locations. This training pathway is unique in that it allows doctors to remain within their communities throughout their training, making it particularly appealing for those committed to long-term practice in rural and remote areas or in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Through RVTS, you gain access to high-quality training while maintaining continuity in the community you serve. The program offers two main training streams:
- The Remote Stream: This is tailored for doctors working in rural and remote areas within the Modified Monash Model, or MMM, regions 4 to 7.
- The AMS Stream: This stream is for doctors practicing within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, specifically in MMM regions 2 to 7.
We also have an RVTS Targeted Recruitment Strategy, which aims to address high workforce needs in specific areas by offering targeted support and training.
Applicant Guides
For each of these streams, there are comprehensive applicant guides available. These guides detail all aspects of eligibility and the selection process, ensuring applicants have a clear understanding of the requirements and commitments involved. You’ll find guides in downloadable PDF formats on our website, including the Remote Stream Applicant Guide, the AMS Stream Applicant Guide, and the Targeted Recruitment Applicant Guide. Make sure to review the guide that corresponds to your intended stream before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
Let’s delve into the eligibility criteria for each stream, as this is a critical component for any prospective applicant.
1. Practice Location
- Remote Stream: The practice must be located within MMM4 to MMM7 regions. You can confirm this by referring to the Health Workforce Locator provided by the Australian Government’s Department of Health.
- AMS Stream: For this stream, the practice must be an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service located in MMM2 to MMM7 regions. Additionally, it may include specific State or Territory Health Services as designated in Table 1 of the guide.
2. Practice Status
Regardless of stream, the position must involve delivering comprehensive, continuous whole-patient medical care that encompasses both individual and family-oriented community care.
3. Medical Registration
For all streams, medical registration through AHPRA, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, is required. Eligible doctors must have one of the following types of registration:
- General
- Provisional
- Limited Registration for Area of Need
Moreover, applicants must be under Level 3 or 4 supervision per the Medical Board of Australia guidelines. Note that doctors under Levels 1 and 2 are not eligible for the RVTS Training Program. For those with limited registration, completion of Part 1 of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exam is also required, and limited registration should have been granted on or after July 22, 2023.
4. Residency Status
The RVTS program accepts applications from Australian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents. Temporary residents should ensure they have sufficient time remaining on their visa to complete the training and are expected to provide proof of their application for permanent residency if applicable.
Program Structure and Experience
The Training Experience with RVTS
The RVTS syllabus is specially structured to address the unique challenges faced by doctors in rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This comprehensive curriculum integrates both the RACGP Curriculum and the ACRRM Primary Curriculum, enabling doctors to pursue dual fellowship opportunities.
RVTS differs from the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program in its model of remote supervision. Through remote supervision, doctors are able to complete their training in one location, an invaluable feature for those who have established roots in a community or are committed to providing consistent care in a particular area. AGPT registrars, in contrast, may need to train across multiple practices.
Support and Resources
One of the greatest advantages of RVTS training is the extensive support structure available to registrars. This includes:
- Remote Supervision: Each registrar is paired with an experienced supervisor who provides educational guidance and mentorship.
- Cultural Education and Mentoring: RVTS provides training to ensure cultural safety for registrars, supervisors, and staff, enhancing culturally informed care practices.
- Regular Webinars and Workshops: Weekly webinars provide an interactive learning environment for clinical content, and face-to-face workshops held twice a year offer procedural skill development.
- Clinical Teaching Visits: These visits allow a supervisor or experienced rural practitioner to observe the registrar’s consultations directly or via telehealth to provide constructive feedback.
In addition to these resources, RVTS offers a library of self-directed e-learning modules, as well as dedicated support from medical educators and cultural mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Fellowships Can Be Achieved?
Registrars with RVTS can train towards Fellowship with either ACRRM or RACGP. At the time of application, candidates should declare their intended fellowship pathway.
How Many Positions Are Available?
The Remote Stream funds 22 doctors per year, while the AMS Stream supports 10 doctors annually. Positions may be allocated through the Targeted Recruitment Strategy based on areas of high medical workforce need.
Do I Need to Relocate?
A significant benefit of the RVTS program is the ability to train without relocation. Once enrolled, doctors are not required to move, creating stability both for the physician and their community.
Can I Apply if I Already Have a Fellowship?
Doctors who have already attained Fellowship with ACRRM or RACGP are ineligible for RVTS.
What If I Am Unsuccessful in Selection?
If an applicant is unsuccessful, they are eligible to reapply in subsequent intakes. For instance, if unsuccessful in the January intake, reapplication in the July intake is possible.
Application Process and Documentation
To apply, be sure to complete the online application within the selection window, and upload the necessary documentation, which includes:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Support from Current Practice: Must include details such as employment duration, hours worked, and nature of duties performed.
- Proof of Citizenship or Residency: E.g., birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or passport.
- Passport-sized Photo
- Any Additional Required Documentation: This may include statutory declarations, evidence of medical registration, and proof of Level 3 or 4 supervision, as applicable.
Make sure all required documents are correctly formatted and submitted by the application deadline, as incomplete applications cannot be accepted.
The RVTS program provides an exceptional opportunity for doctors dedicated to serving remote, rural, and Indigenous communities, offering comprehensive training support and the ability to build a long-term career in these underserved areas. We encourage you to thoroughly review the relevant Applicant Guides, consider the unique benefits of each stream, and reach out to us with any questions you may have.