Learning goals and progression criteria

Learning goals and progression structure

The learning, teaching, and assessment (LTA) structure defines the framework for delivery and trainee achievement of the curriculum standards in the Advanced Training program.

Advanced Training is structured in three phases. These phases will establish clear checkpoints for trainee progression and completion.

  • Orient trainees and confirm their readiness to progress in the Advanced Training program.
  • Continue trainees' professional development in the specialty and support progress towards the learning goals.
  • Confirm trainees' achievement of the curriculum standards, completion of Advanced Training, and admission to Fellowship.
  • Support trainees' transition to unsupervised practice.

Figure 1: Advanced Training learning, teaching, and assessment structure

An entry decision is made before entry into the program.

A progress decision, based on competence, is made at the end of each phase of training.

A completion decision, based on competence, is made at the end of the training program, resulting in eligibility for admission to Fellowship.

Advanced Training is a hybrid time- and competency-based training program. There is a minimum time requirement of full-time equivalent experience, and progression and completion decisions are based on evidence of trainees' competence.

Entry attributes

Prospective trainees can demonstrate:

  • a commitment and capability to pursue a career as a cardiologist.
  • the ability and willingness to achieve the common learning goals for Advanced Training:
    • team leadership
    • supervision and teaching
    • the professional behaviours, as outlined in the Competencies
Entry criteria

Prospective trainees must have:

  • completed RACP Basic Training, including the Written and Clinical Examinations
  • general medical registration with the Medical Board of Australia if applying in Australia, or a medical registration with a general scope of practice with the Medical Council of New Zealand and a practising certificate if applying in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • a clinical training position accredited for core Advanced Training in RACP Cardiology.

To progress to the next phase or to complete the program, trainees must demonstrate:

  • the ability to plan and manage their learning and to complete their learning and assessment requirements in a timely manner
  • achievement of the learning goals to the levels outlined in the learning goal progression criteria.

Training committees or delegated progress review panels will consider evidence supporting trainees’ achievement of the progression criteria and make progress decisions.

If criteria have not been met, committees or panels may decide to place conditions on trainees’ progression to the next phase of training or not to progress trainees until all criteria have been achieved.