An Area of Need (AON) location or position may be declared where there is a shortage of specific medical practitioners or unfilled medical positions even after recruitment activities in Australia. AON applies to both public and private sector positions. 

The documentation requirements and arrangements for processing area of need applications are broadly similar to those for applications through the standard Australian Medical Council (AMC)/ RANZCP pathway for specialist international medical graduates (IMGs). However, there are some differences because of the need to process area of need applications rapidly and in parallel with the assessing College.

If you are considering applying for the AMC’s area of need specialist pathway, you should note carefully the requirements and the steps involved by visiting the AMC website:  www.amc.org.au

Before your application can be processed, you must have been selected by an employer as suitable for consideration for appointment to a designated area of need specialist position. 

Application Documentation

Applications are first submitted to the AMC, who vet the application and forward it to the College to assess.  Application forms can be requested from the AMC or downloaded from their website:  www.amc.org.au

In addition to the required AMC documentation, the College also requires documentary evidence of specialist qualifications as follows:

Training
1. Evidence of completion of 12 months full time equivalent (FTE) training as an intern
2. Certificates of completion of training programs conducted by the specialist medical body
3. Details of Basic and Advanced Specialist training (including periods of training, status of hospital, nature of clinics, levels of appointment, supervisor reports, research undertaken and the names, positions and qualifications of supervisors)
Examinations
1. Certificates and details of specialist examinations passed
2. Names of specialist medical bodies conducting the examinations

Other
1. Certificates of Fellowship
2. Post-fellowship experience
3. List of published research papers
4. Certificate of Good Standing with the registration body covering the most recent two-year period of practice
5. Details of involvement in CPD, CME and/or MOPS
Curriculum Vitae
1. Three referees names and contact details including email address
2. Other relevant supporting material

Fees

Applicable fees are outlined in the Overseas Specialist Fees Schedule and are payable by the applicant, recruitment agent or employing Health Service.  Please note, the Application Form, once completed, is a tax invoice.  Applications will not be processed until payment is received.