Psychiatry
Psychiatry involves the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with psychological, emotional, or cognitive problems resulting from psychiatric disorders, physical disorders or any other cause.
Treatment interventions provided by psychiatrists will include biological, psychological and existential modalities. Psychiatrists also undertake supervision and consultation with other health professionals, working with a broad range of issues.
Vocational training in New Zealand
Vocational training in psychiatry is undertaken through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). Once the RANZCP training is completed, the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RANZCP (FRANZCP).
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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is responsible for training, educating and representing psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand.
Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?
To apply for vocational registration in psychiatry, you need either:
- the FRANZCP qualification; or
- an international postgraduate medical qualification in psychiatry, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will be assessed against the standard of the FRANZCP.
What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?
Recognised specialists in New Zealand must complete 6 years of training and meet the requirements below:
- at least one year of general medical experience
- a minimum of three years' basic psychiatry training
- complete two case histories, as well as written and clinical examinations at the end of their basic psychiatric training
- a minimum of two years' advanced psychiatry training
- complete summative assessments, a review of training documentation and reports, a research project and a final report by the end of their advanced training
- in the fifth year, complete rotations in adult general psychiatry, child/adolescent psychiatry, consultation/liaison, rural psychiatry, indigenous mental health, psychiatry of old age, additional, ECT and psychotherapy
- participate in the RANZCP continuing professional development programme.
Once a trainee has successfully completed the examination and training requirements they will be awarded the FRANZCP. They can also obtain additional advanced certificates if they successfully complete further subspecialty training.
I want to make a vocational registration application
To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the option appropriate for you.
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Vocational registration is a form of permanent, specialist registration which allows you to work independently in New Zealand.
Am I able to apply for other types of registration?
You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.
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Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in Aotearoa New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.