Getting started as a new trainee

Welcome to the Fellowship training program and congratulations on becoming an Associate (trainee) member with the College. 

We’re so pleased you’ve chosen to be a part of over 8,500 psychiatrists and those in training who support the mental health and wellbeing of communities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

We want to set you up for a successful journey towards Fellowship. On this page you’ll find the essential College information and systems you’ll need, plus some shortcuts towards finding help. You can come back to this information any time in your first year of membership.

Fellowship training is a long journey. So, make sure you reach out if you need to. 

Welcome orientation 

If you weren’t able to make it to your local orientation event, please watch our most recent welcome orientation webinar (60 mins). Meet College leaders and hear from trainee peers who provide insights on getting started as a first-year trainee as well as answer questions. 

Supporting you and each other

If you're experiencing any problems during your training, ask for help early on: 

• let your supervisor know 
• contact your Director of Training – details can be found on InTrain
• contact the Training, Exams, and Specialist International Medical Graduate teams at the College 
• your local Branch training contacts are responsible for local oversight of the Fellowship program 
• access the RANZCP Confidential Member Advice Line. 

You can also talk to your local Bi-national Committee for Trainees representative, or your local association of psychiatry trainees representative in your jurisdiction. 

Staying well throughout training

If you are experiencing health, professional, and personal issues, you are not alone. Having and seeing your own GP is always a good starting point. We’ve designed our Wellbeing support for members information to help you find the right support for you, or a colleague in need. We encourage all members to know about, access and refer peers to these services if needed. 

Training requirements

Complete any starting requirements provided by your local training program. 

You may need to:

• complete an application to commence training form 
• pay a registration fee 
• sign a Training Agreement (provided to you by the College).

Your local training program or employer may have additional forms or processes to be finalised before day one of your Fellowship training, so pay close attention to any communication from them.

Map out your Fellowship progression

Mapping out your progression pathway is something you might want to start planning now. You’ll need to reach certain milestones in each stage of training, and gain experience in core areas of practice before you move onto the next stage – see the outline for each stage in the Fellowship Program overview. 

It’s important to keep track of the specific Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and experiences you need to complete before you can progress. Keep an eye out for opportunities for workplace-based assessments (WBAs) that contribute to future EPAs, not just the ones you’re completing in a particular rotation.

Decide when you want to sit for exams and set a target for completing your Scholarly Project. Think about suitable patients and supervisors for your Psychotherapy Written Case – it might take a year to complete forty psychotherapy sessions, so get the best head start you can.

Everybody’s journey through training is unique, and the Fellowship Program is built to give you the flexibility to complete requirements in the way that works best for you. The flip side of this is that you’re responsible for keeping track of what’s been completed and what you still need to do. But you’re never alone – your Supervisor and Director of Training will be keeping an eye on your progress and keeping you on the path to Fellowship.

Study for exams

• Access current clinical guidelines and published position statements 
• See where past exam papers and supporting materials are for the MCQ, MEQ and CEQ exams.
• Explore and use the College journals and other journal databases 

Code of ethics and conduct

How we interact with each other, at every level does impact our culture in psychiatry and training, both in the College and in the workplace. The College has a zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination and harassment in all forms, including in training environments. 

We all have a duty to uphold our RANZCP Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.  

Find out more about how we handle complaints about these behaviours, and how to make a complaint. 

Systems you’ll use

MyRANZCP     

Update your details, change your passwords, pay invoices and fees, access committee meeting papers and College journals – all with MyRANZCP. 

InTrain

InTrain is the College’s training administration system. It's where you will keep track of your progression on the training pathway, submit training activities for your supervisor to review, and access detailed feedback on your exam results.

Learnit 

Learnit is the College’s e-learning platform that provides access to online learning materials, including modules to help you navigate your training journey. There are compulsory courses that you will need to complete. 

Your representatives

Bi-national Committee for Trainees

As a trainee, your interests and concerns are represented and heard in the College through the Bi-national Committee for Trainees. This group advocates for trainees across all its education, governance and change implementation structures. 

Board and Trainees' Advisory Council

The College’s Board includes an Appointed Director, Trainee who is also the Chair of the Trainees’ Advisory Council that enables trainee voices to be heard from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and provides a valuable forum to raise and discuss issues between trainees at all stages of training. You can access more information about the Trainee’s Advisory Council via the TAC webpage.

Have your say

You will have many opportunities to provide feedback to the College via surveys and through your representatives. Please remember to take part in the AHPRA Medical Training Survey and the Fellowship programme accreditation survey as well as other surveys on issues that relate to you. You will be asked to provide feedback at the end of the Fellowship programme via the RANZCP Trainee Exit Survey. 

Feedback is considered carefully and confidentially by the College and your input helps us to improve the training experience.

Ways to get involved

• Get to know your local trainee representative through the Bi-national Committee for Trainees.   
• Find out if there are committee position openings for trainees, and apply for these.
• Join your local association of psychiatry trainees. The current Presidents of these groups are listed on the TAC webpage under 'External Associations of Psychiatry Trainees'.
• Immerse yourself in one of our many events – such as our annual Congress, our major scientific meeting that regularly attracts over 1,500 delegates and members each year. 
• Be a part of the Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) and help inspire the next generation of psychiatrists.
• Read the College’s journals and subscribe and listen to our Psych Matters podcasts.
• Use your member benefits – such as joining one of the College’s Faculties or Sections in a sub-specialty area you may be interested in, or taking part in our Mentoring Program designed specifically for trainees and early career psychiatrists.
• View and find current jobs with the Psychiatry Jobs Hub.
• Comment and give feedback using the Consultation Hub – an opportunity to take part in current consultations or projects that are happening in the College.