Area of Need

Area of Need (AoN) positions are declared by Australian state or territory governments in locations where there is a shortage of medical specialists.

How to be appointed to an AoN position

You will be supported by the College for an AoN position if you meet the following criteria:

1. You have a job offer in a designated Area of Need in Australia. 

2. You are found to be substantially comparable in the RANZCP specialist assessment process.

3.  You are found to have the necessary skills to work competently and safely as a consultant psychiatrist in the designated AoN position, in the RANZCP AoN assessment process.

You may apply for specialist assessment and AoN assessment at the same time. 

Work restrictions

If you are approved for an AoN position you are only permitted to work in that specific AoN position. 

If the position description changes, or if you wish to move to another AoN position, a new AoN application must be submitted to the College with the required supporting documents and application fee.

More information

Refer to the Medical Board of Australia’s Area of Need requirements.