Vocational (specialist) training and recertification programmes
Once a doctor successfully completes prevocational medical training and has received registration within a general scope of practice, a doctor is then eligible to enrol in a vocational medical training programme. Doctors undertaking this training are referred to as trainee doctors, and are usually employed as registrars.
Aim of the vocational medical training programme
The aim of the vocational medical training programme is to ensure that doctors further develop specialist clinical and professional skills. The broad goals of vocational medical training are to produce doctors eligible for vocational registration within a recognised scope of practice, who:
- have demonstrated the requisite knowledge, skills and professional attributes necessary for independent practice through a broad range of clinical experience and training in the relevant vocational scope of practice
- can practice unsupervised in the relevant vocational scope of practice, providing comprehensive, safe and high quality medical care.
- have a high level of understanding of the scientific and evidence base of the specialty
- are able to provide leadership in the complex health care environments in which they practice, to work collaboratively with patients and their families, and the range of health professionals and administrators, and to accept responsibility for the education of junior colleagues
- have knowledge and understanding of the issues associated with the delivery of safe, high quality and cost effective health care within the New Zealand health system
- are able to assess and maintain their competence and performance through a Council accredited recertification programme.
More information on vocational recertification programmes can be found below.
Once a doctor has gained vocational registration
All doctors are required to either participate in a Council accredited training or recertification programme. For vocationally registered doctors, their relevant college will generally be accredited by Council as a recertification provider.
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If you are registered and practising in a vocational scope only, you must participate in the recertification programme offered by the medical college or other approved recertification provider responsible for your vocational scope of practice.
Recommended reading
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To ensure that you are continuing to maintain your competence to practise medicine, you must meet recertification programme requirements set by Council, including any minimum continuing professional development (CPD) requirements.
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Your recertification programme requirements will generally depend on what scope(s) of practice you are registered and practising in. However, there are exceptions and special cases. This section outlines the recertification requirements for each scope of practice, as well as any exceptions that may apply.