Anaesthesia training program

Before doctors can apply for the ANZCA anaesthesia training program, they must have completed two years of general hospital experience after graduation from medical school. 

This can include up to 12 months in anaesthesia or intensive care but the aim is to ensure a grounding in general medicine and in disciplines other than anaesthesia.

Our trainees complete at least five years of training and are supervised by a network of qualified anaesthetists at accredited hospitals throughout Australia and New Zealand. The program is accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). ​

As of 30 June 2023 more than 1800 qualified medical practitioners are participating in our anaesthesia training program across Australia (1530), New Zealand (310).

Considering a career in anaesthesia?

Anaesthesia is one of the most rewarding and fascinating fields of medicine you can specialise in as a medical graduate.

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Training as an anaesthetist

Your guide to training as a specialist anaesthetist in Australia or New Zealand, including the criteria, application process and cost.

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Anaesthesia trainee toolkit

Access all the resources, documents, and forms you need to meet your training requirements at the click of a button.

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Anaesthesia exams

In order to qualify as a specialist anaesthetist and become eligible for ANZCA fellowship, trainees need to successfully complete two exams. Each exam consists of a written and viva (oral and medical clinical) components. Some specialist international medical graduates will need to sit the final...

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COVID-19 - information for trainees

We encourage all ANZCA trainees to refer to this list of potential impacts to education and training as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, first published on 24 March 2020.

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Anaesthesia training sites and rotations

Information on ANZCA-accredited anaesthesia training sites, rotations, supervisors, education officers; how to become a training site accreditation visitor; and how to apply for ANZCA training site accreditation.

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Progressing to provisional fellowship

In order to progress to provisional fellowship training, you will need to complete the requirements of advanced training and secure a suitable provisional fellowship position.

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Admission to ANZCA fellowship

Once you've met your training requirements, you're eligible to apply for admission to fellowship. Here's everything you need to know about the process, as well as information on registering as a specialist.

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Supervisors of training support hub

This hub has been designed for educators participating in the ANZCA, FPM and DHM training programs to identify suitable support resources.

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Anaesthesia supervisors of training toolkit

We've collated a range of online resources to support our supervisors of training (SOTs) with the training, assessment, and pastoral care of trainees.

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Introduction to anaesthesia training

We strongly encourage all new trainees to attend this free, one-day orientation training. It covers everything you need to know about training to be a specialist anaesthetist, and it's a great opportunity to meet other registrars in your local training cohort.

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Primary exam preparation courses (formerly Part 1)

We offer a range of activities around Australia and New Zealand specially designed to help trainees prepare for the written and oral components of the ANZCA primary exams. Find out what's available in your area.

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Final exam preparation courses (formerly Part 2)

We strongly encourage all trainees preparing for the ANZCA final exam to take advantage of the refresher courses and mock vivas we run in major centres around Australia and New Zealand.

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FAQs about the anaesthesia training program

This page provides help with the most common questions about our anaesthesia training program.

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Advertised training positions

Looking for a training position? We advertise anaesthesia and pain medicine roles at all levels and across Australia and New Zealand.

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ANZCA national and regional trainee committees

Our national and regional trainee committees act as a voice for trainees on issues relating to education and training in their jurisdictions.

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Training & Exams Resource Hub

This hub has been designed for trainees and educators participating in the ANZCA, FPM, RGA and DHM training programs to identify suitable training and education resources, and includes program-specific guides and online access to the Primary Exam reading list and ETA reference readings.

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Anaesthesia training resources library guide

This guide has been designed to support trainees participating in the ANZCA Anaesthesia Training Program, and contains resources intended to help support the overall training experience - it addresses the entire curriculum and provides comprehensive assessment support.

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Upcoming events and courses

26 October 2023 - 29 October 2023 | Park Hyatt, Melbourne

Join us for the 2023 Australia Asia Pacific ERAS+ conference from 26-29 October at the Park Hyatt...

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3 May 2024 - 7 May 2024 | Brisbane

Save the date for the 2024 ANZCA ASM which will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition...

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2 March 2024 - 3 March 2024 | Hotel Grand Chancellor

Join us for the 2024 Tasmanian Annual CME Weekend 'Diving off the deep end'

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1 March 2024 - 2 March 2024 | Tasmanian ANZCA Office

Join us for the 2024 Tasmanian Trainee Day

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22 November 2023 | Hotel Realm

Join us on Wednesday 22 November as we welcome Dr Ken Harrison for 'Flying high and safely: Human...

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4 December 2023 - 8 December 2023 | Northside Conference Centre

This full-time, five day intensive course covers many of the core curriculum topics that could be...

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23 October 2023 - 3 November 2023 | Various hospitals

Viva practice night to assist trainees in their final viva exam preparation.

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28 October 2023 | ANZCA NSW office

This free one day course is aimed at new trainees about to commence anaesthetic training.

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20 September 2023 - 29 September 2023 | Various Locations

Practice viva sessions to assist NSW candidates in their primary viva preparation.

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27 September 2023 - 17 October 2023 | ANZCA QLD regional office

Two free mock viva sessions designed to help trainees prepare for the ANZCA final exam

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1 November 2023 | Virtual

Free mock viva session designed to help trainees prepare for the ANZCA final viva examination.

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27 November 2023 - 1 December 2023 | ANZCA QLD regional office

This full-time, five day intensive course covers many of the core curriculum topics that could be...

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8 July 2023 - 11 November 2023 | ANZCA QLD regional office

Interactive long course held over five Saturdays covering core topics of the primary examination.

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21 September 2023 - 3 October 2023 | Virtual

A series of evening mock viva sessions designed to help trainees prepare for the ANZCA primary...

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29 January 2024 - 2 February 2024 | The Lion Hotel

This full-time, five day intensive course covers many of the core curriculum topics that could be...

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9 February 2023 - 29 November 2023 | SA ANZCA Regional Office

For SA/NT trainees preparing for the primary exam.

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4 February 2023 - 24 November 2023 | Online (Zoom)

For SA/NT trainees preparing for the final exam.

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20 November 2023 - 1 December 2023 | ANZCA House & via Zoom

This full-time, ten day long intensive course covers many of the core curriculum topics that...

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10 November 2023 | ANZCA House & via Zoom

All Victorian trainees are invited to be a part of this annual event.

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1 January 2023 - 31 December 2023 | Various Perth locations

This course for WA-based advanced trainees covers many of the core curriculum topics that could...

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1 January 2023 - 31 December 2023 | Various Perth locations

This five day intensive course covers many of the core curriculum topics that could be included...

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Last updated 14:15 27.09.2023