The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)

Program description

1. Clinical Radiology

A clinical radiologist is a specialist medical practitioner who has had postgraduate training in the conduct and interpretation of diagnostic imaging tests, and in the performance of interventional procedures or treatments, using x-ray, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.

Clinical radiologists assist other doctors and specialists in treating patients. They do this with diagnosis

and treatments using medical imaging. Clinical radiologists have the medical knowledge to understand and explain a patient’s medical problem or symptom through images of the inside of the body. Further details are on the College website at A Career in Clinical Radiology.

The RANZCR clinical radiology training program is a five-year program in two phases:

• Phase 1 (three years): General radiology training
• Phase 2 (two years): Systems-focused rotations for advanced radiology training.

Trainees are expected to meet milestones in each year of the training program. These include projects, examinations, logbooks and other forms of assessment. The curriculum consists of seven roles which encompass the competencies of the specialty. These roles are based on the CanMEDS model which stipulates the medical expert and six intrinsic roles as they pertain to clinical radiology:

• Teamwork
• Communication skills
• Patient support and advocacy
• Professionalism
• Leadership and administrative skills
• Research and education.

2. Radiation Oncology 

A radiation oncologist is a specialist medical practitioner who uses radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer patients. Radiation oncologists work in teams with other doctors, as well as radiation therapists and radiation oncology medical physicists, to create and deliver treatments. Further details are on the College website at A Career In Radiation Oncology.

The radiation oncology training program is a five-year program in two phases:

• Phase 1 (1–36 months)
• Phase 2 (36–60 months).

Radiation oncology training is in two major phases. The exact length of each phase depends on progress and achievement of milestones. Progress through the program is achieved by regular satisfactory assessments from supervisors and DoTs. Trainees are expected to meet assessment requirements in each year of the training program. These include projects, research, reports, examinations, logbooks and other forms of assessment

RANZCR is commissioning a full review of its trainee selection guidelines for both Faculties. The existing clinical radiology guidelines specify the need for selection to consider rural or regional origin.

To be accepted in the RANZCR training program, you must:

• Have MBBS or equivalent medical qualifications as recognised by the registering authority of the country in which the RANZCR training program is conducted and the Board of the College
• Be registered as a medical practitioner by the registered authority recognised by the Board of the College in the state or country where you are training (Australia, New Zealand or Singapore)
• Have completed at least two full years in an approved hospital as an intern or resident.

The College has also developed selection guidelines and principles

1. Clinical Radiology
2. Radiation Oncology

Indigenous Entry Pathways Description

Not applicable.

Key Dates

Please see the website for exam details.

Placement Requirements

1. Clinical Radiology (Radiodiagnosis) Curriculum
   • Network Training Policy (Currently being updated)
   • System Focused Rotations

2. Radiation Oncology Curriculum

   • Network Training Policy (Currently being updated)

1. Clinical Radiology Assessments

The prerequisites for clinical radiology trainees to be admitted to Fellowship of the College (FRANZCR) are:

• Pass both Part 1 and Part 2 exams in clinical radiology
• Complete a minimum of five years of practical training in training positions the College has accredited
• Complete all training, experiential, assessment and portfolio requirements defined in the RANZCR Radiodiagnosis Training Program Curriculum
• Update and finalise all activities on TIMS.

2. Radiation Oncology Assessments

The prerequisites for radiation oncology trainees to be admitted to Fellowship of the College (FRANZCR) are:

• Pass both Phase 1 and Phase 2 exams in radiation oncology
• Complete a minimum of five years of practical training in training positions the College has accredited
• Meet all training and assessment requirements defined in the RANZCR Radiation Oncology Training Program Curriculum
• Updated and finalised all activities on TIMS.

Membership Fee

• Financial Year July 2019-June 2020
• Australia: $2,290 Full Time; $1,475 Part Time
• New Zealand: $2,390 (NZD) Full Time; $1,550 (NZD) Part Time

Training Fee

• Calendar Year 2019
• Australia: $1,932* Full Time; $1,200* Part Time
• New Zealand: $2,145* (NZD) Full Time; $1,330* (NZD) Part Time

Indigenous Mentoring Programs, networks, support programs etc

Indigenous Health Working Group (IHWG)

IHWG advocates for the Indigenous peoples of Australia and New Zealand to have equivalent cancer outcomes to the rest of the population, and to positively influence Indigenous health in both countries

Mentoring Working Group

RANZCR has commenced plans to establish a mentoring project to support trainees and early career Fellows. Its purpose is to supplement existing learning frameworks and steward a well-rounded career pathway. The project will facilitate a mutually beneficial relationship between mentee and mentors which enables two-way learning, enhances professional networks, empowers individuals and generates resilience.

College Scholarships

In 2018, the Board approved the establishment of a scholarship ($30,000) for Indigenous trainees to encourage medical students identifying as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori to enter the specialties. Advertising for the scholarship occurred in January 2019.

Financial Assistance

The College has a Financial Hardship process under the Fees Policy for all active members.