ANZCA CICM Dual Training Pathway FAQs

Everything you need to know about the proposed ANZCA CICM dual training pathway, including the reasons for its development, duration, eligibility requirements and the timeframes.​

Why is the dual training pathway being developed?

The dual training pathway offers a mechanism for combining training towards FANZCA and FCICM in less time than it currently takes to complete both training programs sequentially.

What makes the dual training pathway different from other qualifications currently available?

A dual pathway graduate will be both a FANZCA and a FCICM. This qualification is particularly advantageous in rural and regional centers across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand given the same individual could work in both specialist scopes of practice.

A dual training pathway takes advantage of the skills shared between anaesthesia and intensive care medicine whilst ensuring that the dually qualified specialist has achieved equivalent learning outcomes to graduates of each individual training pathway.

Who can undertake the dual training pathway?

This pathway will be available to trainees who have been accepted into both the ANZCA and CICM training programs. Each college will maintain its existing selection processes.

Eligibility and entry requirements are in development and are expected to be finalised in late 2023.

Who is working on the dual training pathway?

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between ANZCA and CICM which establishes the collaboration for joint recognition of a dual training pathway with the aim to actively cultivate and maintain the highest principles and standards in the training, practice and ethics of anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. The MOU also defines the project governance and terms of reference for the Conjoint Committee which will oversee the development of the dual training pathway.

The Conjoint Committee will be established shortly to oversee the activities of the already established Dual Training Pathway Curriculum Working Group and bring to fruition the launch of the dual training pathway program. 

The Dual Training Pathway Curriculum Working Group is tasked with the development and delivery of the program, identifying the necessary educational resources, information technology support, marketing and communication activities.  Professor Peter Morley AM is chair of the Dual Training Pathway Curriculum Working Group which has 12 members comprising of:

  • Dual fellows with educational expertise, supervision and assessment expertise, and training site accreditation expertise
  • Directors of Professional Affairs from each college
  • ANZCA Education, Development and Evaluation Committee (EDEC)
  • Dual trainees from Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia
  • Māori and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander representatives

How will the dual training pathway be structured?

The Curriculum Working Group & Conjoint committee are in the process of developing the Dual Training Pathway and the details of the program structure will be updated as they become known.

How long will the dual training pathway take?

The dual training pathway is expected to take approximately seven and half years to complete, based on full-time equivalent training each year.

Will recognition of prior learning (RPL) be available?

Yes. A recognition of prior learning process is being developed. 

Specific requirements for granting RPL will be made available in the trainee handbook.

How will the candidates be assessed?

The Curriculum Working Group & Conjoint committee are in the process of defining the assessment activities for the Dual Training Pathway and the details will be updated as they become known.

Are there separate standards for the dual training pathway?

No, each college maintains its current standards to ensure alignment with the specialist graduate outcomes.

When will the dual training pathway be available and how do I apply?

The dual training pathway is expected to launch in 2025. If you are interested in applying, please continue to check these FAQs for updated information or register with dualtrainingpathway@anzca.edu.au and we will provide updates as they become available. 

What will be the cost of the dual training pathway?

The cost of the dual training pathway is still being determined. Please continue to check these FAQs for updated information or register with dualtrainingpathway@anzca.edu.au and we will provide updates as they become available.

If you have any questions not covered above, please contact us.

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Last updated 09:23 14.10.2022