The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia.  

Before applying for training with the College, the Trainee must be employed in a training position in a College accredited site.  Once employment and supervision have been secured, the prospective Trainee must submit an Initial Registration application to the College and a copy of their prospective training program.

Prospective pathology Trainees are strongly advised to consult the relevant State Training Network Coordinator before applying to train. Training Network Coordinators provide information and advice on pathology as a career and will be a continual contact throughout the training period. For NT information please email bea@rcpa.edu.au

Entry requirements include:

• Evidence of two years of clinical experience as an Intern or Resident Medical Officer.
• For Australian citizens/permanent residents whose basic primary medical qualification was not gained in Australia or New Zealand, proof of having passed the AMC assessment to work as a doctor.
• Trainee applicants wishing to commence Joint training programs need to have satisfactorily completed all the requirements of Basic Physician Training with the RACP to be eligible to join the Joint training program. Trainees need to apply to both RACP and RCPA. Read more

Specialist International Medical Graduates (those international medical graduates who have obtained specialist pathology qualifications in their country of origin) who wish to work as a specialist pathologist in Australia are required to:

• Apply directly to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduate's (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) for verification of both primary and specialist qualifications. More information here.
• Complete an Australian Medical Council (AMC) online application to establish an AMC portfolio. Apply here.
• Apply to the RCPA for a Specialist and-or AON assessment

Pathology training is a five-year training program in accredited pathology laboratories and involves three levels of examinations: The Basic Pathological Science examination before or soon after commencing training, Part I examinations typically in 3rd year and Part 2 examinations during the final year of training. Training can be undertaken in General or Clinical Pathology or in one of the single disciplines:  Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Genetic Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Haematology, Immunopathology or Microbiology. No more than 4 years may be spent in a training laboratory. Rotation is mandatory.

• Foundation: first year of training
  
• Core: mid program/part one level
• Transition to Fellowship: end of program standard

Assessment requirements are detailed in each discipline’s handbook.