Psychiatrist Jobs

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the specialist medical college responsible for training, assessing and accrediting psychiatrists in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The College oversees the Fellowship Training Program, awards Fellowship of the College (FRANZCP), and assesses internationally trained psychiatrists seeking specialist recognition to practise in Australia or New Zealand.

Becoming a Psychiatrist

Doctors wishing to specialise in psychiatry complete the RANZCP Fellowship Training Program.

The program includes:

A minimum of five years of accredited specialist training
Rotations through hospitals, community mental health services and other accredited settings
Workplace-based assessments
Clinical and written examinations
A College-approved formal education course
Supervised clinical practice throughout training

Successful completion leads to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP), enabling independent practice as a consultant psychiatrist in Australia and New Zealand.

Overseas-Trained Psychiatrists (Specialist Assessment)

If you've already completed specialist psychiatry training overseas, you may be eligible to apply through the RANZCP Specialist Assessment pathway.

The College compares your qualifications, specialist training and clinical experience against the standard expected of a RANZCP Fellow.

Your assessment may result in one of three outcomes:

Substantially Comparable
Partially Comparable
Not Comparable

Depending on the outcome, you may be required to complete a period of supervised practice and other assessment requirements before becoming eligible for Fellowship or specialist recognition.

RANZCP Assessment Pathways

Fellowship Training Program

Suitable for doctors undertaking psychiatry specialist training in Australia or New Zealand

Specialist Assessment

Suitable for overseas-trained psychiatrists seeking specialist recognition

Accelerated Pathway

Suitable for eligible international psychiatrists with recognised qualifications

Area of Need (Australia)

Suitable for specialists filling approved workforce shortage positions

Short-Term Training Placements

Suitable for overseas psychiatrists undertaking temporary supervised training in Australia

Vocational Registration (New Zealand)

Suitable for overseas-trained psychiatrists seeking specialist registration in New Zealand through the MCNZ process

What RANZCP Assesses

When assessing internationally trained psychiatrists, the College considers:

Specialist psychiatry qualifications
Structure and duration of specialist training
Clinical experience
Scope of psychiatric practice
Continuing professional development (CPD)
Professional references
Currency of practice

Each application is assessed individually to determine how closely the applicant's training and experience align with Australian and New Zealand specialist standards.

How We Can Help

Our recruitment team supports overseas-trained psychiatrists throughout the recruitment and registration process by helping you: