NSW Rural Generalist Training

Recruitment and retention of general practitioners (GP) in rural and regional areas is an issue that is being experienced across the country.

NSW Health is committed to working with the Australian Government to explore opportunities for greater coordination to support a stable clinical workforce for rural and regional communities.  In partnership with the Australian Government, NSW Health is working to deliver the following programs to boost the number of junior doctors choosing to train as a GP:

1.      NSW Rural Generalist (Medical) Training Program (RGTP)

The NSW Rural Generalist Training Program (RGTP) is funded by the NSW Government and supports GP trainees wishing to combine a career in rural general practice with advanced skills able to support hospital or acute care services in rural communities.

A junior doctor can enter the RGTP pathway in 2 ways

• Foundations
• Advanced Skills Training (AST)

2.      General Practitioner Procedural Training Program (GPPTP)

The NSW Rural General Practitioner Procedural Training Program (GPPTP) is funded by the NSW Government and provides opportunities for rural Fellowed GPs to acquire additional procedural skills such as anaesthetics or obstetrics.

3.      Australian Primary Care Prevocational Program (APCPP)

From 1 January 2026, the Australian Primary Care Prevocational Program (APCPP), replaces the John Flynn Prevocational Doctors Program (JFPDP).  APCPP is funded by the Commonwealth and provides junior doctors an opportunity to complete a 10-week training rotation in regional General Practice.

For more information, HETI - NSW Rural Generalist Training Coordination Unit (RGTCU)

NSW Rural Generalist Training Coordination Unit (RGTCU) | HETI

4.      NSW Rural Generalist Single Employer Model (RGSEP)

The NSW Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP) is an employment pathway for junior doctors seeking a career as a rural generalist.

RGSEP positions are being offered in the following NSW Health local health districts:

• Far West
• Hunter New England
• Illawarra Shoalhaven
• Mid North Coast
• Murrumbidgee
• Northern NSW
• Southern NSW
• Western NSW.
  
  For more information, please visit the NSW Health RGSEP website

5.      NSW Medical Student Cadetship Program

Medical students wishing to pursue a career in rural medicine may apply for the Medical Student Cadetship Program.  Successful applicants must commit to undertaking two of the first three years of hospital training in eligible rural NSW hospitals.  Medical students accepted onto the this Program will receive financial assistance of $15,000 per year for the final two years of their medical degree. 

6.      Rural Student Medical Officer Cadetships for Indigenous Medical Students

Indigenous medical students wishing to pursue a career in rural medicine may apply for the Rural Student Medical Officer Cadetship for Indigenous Medical Students.  Successful applicants must commit to undertake two of the first three years of hospital training in an eligible rural NSW hospital.  Cadets receive financial assistance of up to $30,000 throughout their medical degree.

In their final year of study, cadets apply for an intern position through the Rural Preferential Recruitment (RPR) process or the Aboriginal Medical Workforce pathway administered by the Health, Education and Training Institute (HETI). 

For more information on the NSW Cadetship Programs

RDN - Rural Resident Medical Officer Cadetship