Assessment pathways to registration for IMGs to practice in Australia

Doctors whose primary medical qualifications were obtained in a country other than Australia or New Zealand are known in Australia as international medical graduates (IMGs). For any doctor to practice medicine within Australia, they must be registered with the Medical Board of Australia (the Board). IMGs seeking registration with the Board must undertake assessment of their knowledge and clinical skills via an appropriate pathway. For more information on the assessment pathways click here.

Standard Pathway

The Standard Pathway is for IMGs who do not qualify for the other assessment pathways and are seeking general registration as a medical practitioner within Australia. IMGs applying for the Standard Pathway should apply directly to the Australian Medical Council (AMC). To be eligible to apply for general registration with the Board under the Standard Pathway, IMGs must meet the Board’s registration standards listed here. To read more, visit the page here.

About the workplace based assessment (WBA) program in WA

The WBA program in Western Australia (WA) is 12 months in duration. Through assessment in the everyday workplace, the WBA program assesses an IMGs clinical skills and knowledge at the level expected of an Australian medical graduate at the end of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) or internship level. The WBA is an assessment program, not a bridging or a training course. To read more, visit the page here.

Where can I undertake a WBA?

In Western Australia, the accredited provider for the WBA program is the WA Country Health Service (WACHS). Sites providing accredited WBA programs in WA are Bunbury Hospital, Geraldton Hospital and Kalgoorlie Health Campus. You can find other accredited WBA programs throughout Australia by clicking here.

How do I apply for the WBA program in Western Australia?

1. Apply via the AMC to undertake the Standard Pathway and successfully complete the AMC computer adaptive test (CAT) multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination
2. Apply for a job opportunity which is (a minimum of) 12 months at Bunbury Regional Hospital, Geraldton Hospital or Kalgoorlie Health Campus through WACHS Medical Vacancies or MedJobsWA and express in your cover letter that you are interested in the WBA program  
3. Successful applicants who are eligible for the WBA program will be invited to complete a WBA application (from October)
4. You will be notified once the panel has assessed all WBA applications (from November)

To be eligible to apply for the WBA program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an International Medical Graduate with an employment contract or offer of employment at Geraldton, Bunbury or Kalgoorlie hospitals for a minimum of 12 months
• AHPRA Level 2+ supervision
• Have passed the AMC CAT MCQ (AMC Part 1)
• Be performing clearly at or above expected level in an Australian hospital

Preference will be given to applicants that;

• Have experience working at hospital of application
• Have recent clinical experience at RMO Yr1+ standard across the clinical areas of medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, paediatrics, women’s health and mental health 
• Demonstrate evidence of continuing professional development
• Have demonstrated communication skills including English proficiency and ability to work in a team
• Demonstrate interest in a specialist discipline currently in undersupply in the region, including general practice and rural generalism
• Demonstrate evidence of a commitment to clinical service in regional WA
• Hold employment contracts that are broad enough to enable assessments in most of the listed clinical areas as part of day-to-day work 

What is the cost?

Applicants undertake paid employment at as part of the WBA program. A fee of $12,500 per applicant is paid to the WA Country Health Service for providing the WBA program. This can be paid in instalments. These fees are utilised by the hospital for program-related expenses associated with the management of the program, delivery of training workshops for supervisors and assessors, assessor fees and governance of the program. Applicants are also required to pay an administration fee directly to the AMC. If you are accepted onto the WBA program, you will be contacted to pay the appropriate fees.

More information?

If you would like further information about the WBA program in WA please contact us.