Getting into the Victorian Paediatric Training Program


In order to enter the Victorian Paediatric Training Program, candidates must obtain a centrally recruited accredited basic training position.
In Victoria, central recruitment is managed through the primary training sites (MCH & RCH).

Entering the Victorian Paediatric Training Program

The VBPTC in conjunction with The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) and Monash Children’s Hospital (MCH) will host an Information Night on Tuesday 27 May, 2025 for junior doctors interested in applying to enter the Victorian Paediatric Training program in 2026.

Please join us:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84381447866

Meeting ID: 843 8144 7866

Passcode: training

Time: 6pm - 8pm

A link to the recording of the Information Night will be available here from Wednesday 28 May.

Topics for discussion will include:

  • How Paediatrics works in Victoria & an overview of the Paediatric Training Program

  • Entry into the program at Junior Resident Medical Officer (JRMO) level

  • Entry into the program via the Extended Rural Stream (ERS)

  • Entry into the program at Senior Medical Resident Officer (SRMO) level

  • Entry into the program at Registrar level

  • Current trainees talking about their pathway to (and through) Paediatrics, including some advice for prospective applicants

  • Q&A

RECRUITMENT TIMELINES (for entry into the program at JRMO, SRMO and Regsitrar level in 2026)

  • Applications open Monday 19 May 2025

  • Applications close Sunday 8 June 2025

  • Information Night held Tuesday 27 May 2025

  • Interviews held: early July - early August 2025

  • All applicants advised of the outcome of their application by the end of August 2025

The VBPTC Application Guide provides an overview of applying at each level.

Entry into the Victorian basic paediatric training program commences at PGY2.

RCH manage recruitment of the JRMO and Registrar positions. MCH manage recruitment of the SRMO positions.

More details about RCH JRMO positions can be found here and RCH Registrar positions can be found here. The advertisements can be found here: 2026 JRMO positions and 2026 Registrar positions.

SRMO positions for 2026 are not currently being advertised (as at 19.05.2025). Please refer back to this webpage for updates as further details become available.

If you are eligible to apply to enter the program at multiple levels (eg: SRMO and Registrar levels), please be aware that you must submit an application at each level (eg: submit the SRMO application to MCH and submit the Registrar application to RCH). If an applicant applies at multiple levels and is successful, they will only be offered one position. The VBPTC will determine at which level they will be offered entry into the training program

If you’re unable to find the information you’re looking for, please contact the VBPTC.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS REGARDING DEFERRING ENTRY

Applicants who are successful in being appointed to enter the VBPTC must be prepared to commence their training in that position at the beginning of the following clinical year. Deferrals of accredited training positions will only be considered under extenuating circumstances, and will not automatically be granted.


Standard Recruitment Cycle

 
 

Outside of the Standard Recruitment Cycle 

 
 

 FAQs

  • Being an interstate or New Zealand RACP paediatric trainee does not guarantee you entry into the Victorian program. When someone enters the Victorian paediatric training program, the VBPTC commits to training that person until the completion of basic training and therefore the VBPTC must ensure that there is sufficient capacity to achieve that.

    Therefore, interstate trainees must go through the same process of entering the Victorian Paediatric Training Program as other applicants.

    If an interstate trainee is successful in the recruitment process, they can continue their training where they left off.

  • Overseas trainees must go through the same process of entering the Victorian Paediatric Training Program as other applicants.

    However, once they are successful in that process, they can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning with the RACP. Applications must occur within 3 months of entering the paediatric training program and the RACP may accredit up to 12 months of previous training.

    Overseas trainees will still need to complete the written and clinical exam, even if they have completed the equivalent exams overseas.

  • You are eligible to apply for RPL if:

    – You undertook training in another RACP training program (e.g. adult physician training); or

    – You undertook training in another specialty training program within Australia/New Zealand; or

    – You undertook training in an equivalent overseas training program; or

    – You undertook a post graduate university course; or

    – You undertook academic research (e.g. PhD)

    Applications must be submitted within 3 months of the date of commencement of your first paediatric training rotation.

    A maximum of 12 months may potentially be granted.

    Further details and application forms can be found here:
    Recognition of Prior Learning (racp.edu.au)

  • Absolutely! You can apply for as many jobs as you are eligible for. 

    If you are applying for multiple jobs, please ensure you submit a separate application for each position. When completing the VBPTC Application Form (submitted with each position) you can indicate all of the jobs that you are applying for – this will alert the employing hospitals that you are applying to enter the VBPTC at multiple levels.

  • No. As per RACP rules, positions are only accredited if they are centrally recruited through the VBPTC.

  • No. As per RACP rules, positions are only accredited if they are centrally recruited through the VBPTC.

  • Yes. Please note that this is a statewide program and so you may be required to work in any of the 18 VBPTC sites. This will enrich your experience overall.