Rural Psychiatry Training Program WA (RPTWA) 

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The Rural Psychiatry Training Program WA is Australia's first ever dedicated rural Psychiatry training program. 

Run by WA Country Health Service RPTWA provides comprehensive rural training at over 44 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry accredited posts.

🌏 Comprehensive training hubs
🗺️ Rural training centres
💬 Dedicated rural trainee support. 
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Comprehensive training hubs

Stage 1 trainees are allocated to one of three Comprehensive Training Hubs, which each have the full range of training posts required for completion of a 5-year generalist RANZCP Fellowship.

🌏 Great Southern - Albany (8 posts)

🌏 Kimberley – Broome (6 posts)

🌏 South West - Bunbury (14 posts)

🌏 Midwest - Geraldton (8 posts)

 

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Rural Training Centres

Stage 2 & 3 Trainees also have the option to explore the unique and well-supported training posts available at each of our Rural Training Centres across rural and remote WA.

🗺️ South West - Busselton (2 posts)

🗺️ Pilbara - Port Hedland (2 posts)

🗺️ Wheatbelt - Northam (5 posts)

🗺️ Goldfields - Kalgoorlie (Planned)

Dedicated Rural Trainee Support

You’ll be supported every step of the way with personalised training, strong peer networks, and practical help to live and work in regional WA.

Program structure
  • Training contracts of up to five years

💬 Due to the small size of the program and the vast geography of the Training Zone, RPTWA offers a highly personalised and comprehensive support package.

Personal & wellbeing support
  • 1:1 training and pastoral support from experienced RPTWA staff
  • Independent support and crisis pathways
  • Peer support and mentoring for trainees and new Fellows
  • Annual Dandjoo and cultural immersion weekends
Training & career development
  • Comprehensive exam and assessment support
  • Dedicated psychotherapy and research coordinators
  • Access to a library of educational resources for self-directed learning
Regional living support
  • Trainee accommodation and relocation support (region dependent)
  • Directory of local services and contacts to help trainees and families settle
  • Orientation, safety and security resources aligned with WACHS policies

Overview of the RANZCP Fellowship Pathway 

As a rural psychiatrist, you will get to know your patients and listen to their stories. Using your medical, psychological and interpersonal skills you'll be able to diagnose and treat the most complex cases.

For more information about becoming a psychiatrist visit:

RANZCP Psychiatry Training

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Key Dates


2027 Rural Psychiatry Training WA

 
Applications open 8 June 2026

 

Application Process 

RPTWA advertises via MedCareersWA at medcareerswa.health.wa.gov.au

There is an annual Stage 1 intake for the following year.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a training position you must have:

On Application:

✅ Successful completion of a medical degree

✅ Current unrestricted General Registration with the Medical Board of Australia; and

On Commencement of training:

✅ Two or more years (FTE) of general medical training

 

Curious to know more?

Download our flyer:

RPTP WA Our program

If you have questions about the RPTWA reach out to the contact below for more information.

Rural Psychiatry Training - WA Country Health Service

📞 (08) 9722 2282

📧 rptwa@health.wa.gov.au