Central Australia medical officer positions

Working for the Central Australia Health Service

Recent graduates and experienced medical professionals have many opportunities to look forward to with none more diverse and challenging as an experience in the heart of Australia.

The Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) offers a number of unique career pathways with flexible training options from three, six, 12 months or longer and for those eager to take their career to the next level, your future awaits.

Alice Springs Hospital (ASH), located 1,500 kilometres south of Darwin in the Northern Territory, serves a large but sparsely populated area exceeding a million square kilometres with a population of more than 42,000 including the tri-state area of the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.

The hospital caters for more than 65,000 admissions annually and with almost 84 per cent of patients being Aboriginal it cares for some of the nation’s most vulnerable people, with high levels of morbidity and mortality, and many with conditions rarely seen elsewhere in the country, with disease burden and comorbidities being disproportionally high.

The medicine is incredibly diverse, complex and interesting with a prevalence of rheumatic heart disease, bronchiectasis, and chronic liver and renal disease, along with diabetes in a young population with a median age of just 34.

Tennant Creek Hospital (TCH), located about 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs, is a 20-bed acute care hospital offering challenging remote work for medical practitioners and caters for more than 12,500 admissions annually, of which more than 95 per cent are Aboriginal.

About Central Australia

Central Australia offers spectacular natural scenery and an attractive lifestyle for both living and working, and is a tourist mecca attracting more than half a million visitors a year.

Alice Springs has a strong sense of community with a variety of sports and cultural activities reflecting its multicultural heart.

The central desert region of Australia has stunning ancient landforms that continue to hold the life-giving ancestral stories of Aboriginal people who represent more than 30 per cent of the local population.

Alice Springs, more properly Mparntwe, is on the traditional lands of the Arrernte people and the site of many important Dreamtime stories, with the region being home to 15 different language groups. It is a friendly, welcoming place suited to doctors with a sense of adventure and those interested in Aboriginal health and culture.

This guide provides information on the recruitment and training of medical officers at Alice Springs Hospital and Tennant Creek Hospital.

Contact

Medical Recruitment
Phone: +61 8 8951 7989 
Mail: PO Box 2234, Alice Springs NT 0871
MedicalRecruitmentASH@nt.gov.au

Registrar applications to be lodged directly to Alice Springs Hospital
Phone: +61 8 8951 7989
Mail: PO Box 2234 Alice Springs   NT 0871
MedicalRecruitmentASH@nt.gov.au

Intern positions

This page provides information about Intern positions in both the Top End Regional Health Service (TERHS) and the Central Australia Regional Health Service (CARHS). For general employment conditions, go to the Medical officers employment conditions page.

Intern positions are available to graduates of accredited Australian or New Zealand universities, and offer the core requirements.

The NT Prevocational Medical Assurance Services (PMAS) conducts a central review of eligible applicants and all intern positions are allocated within the two regional health services.

  • Both regional health services are accredited to meet the 47 weeks of satisfactory, supervised clinical practice as per the newly revised MBA Registration Standards to align with the Australian Medical Council’s (AMC’s) National Framework for Prevocational Doctors (PGY1 and PGY2) Medical Training (The AMC Framework).
  • TERHS has a five-term internship year - Interns work at Gove and Katherine as well as Royal Darwin and Palmerston Regional hospitals.
  • CARHS has a four-term internship year - Interns work at Tennant Creek as well as Alice Springs hospitals.

Eligible applicants are allocated intern positions in line with the Northern Territory category groups (see below). Within the relevant category groups, applicants are allocated to their highest possible Health Service preference, pending availability of a position.

Overall the intern allocation process is based on an applicant's category group, Health Service preference and the number of positions available in each health service. The application is via the national process and information can be found on the NT Prevocational Medical Assurance Services website.

For general enquiries regarding intern applications email InternsNT.DoH@nt.gov.au or phone 08 8999 2834.

Interns in postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) are provisionally registered by the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and administered through the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA).

General registration is granted after successful completion of the internship (PGY1) program.
The 47 weeks experience:

  1. Must be completed in a period no longer than 3 years
  2. Excludes annual leave but may include up to 2 weeks of professional development leave
  3. Must include a minimum of four terms (at least 10 weeks each term) in different specialities
  4. Must include direct clinical care in each term, which will have been predetermined through the accreditation process:
  5. Undifferentiated illness patient care
  6. Chronic illness patient care
  7. Acute and critical illness patient care; and
  8. Peri-procedural patient care.

The Central Australia Regional Health Service (CARHS), accredited by the Prevocational Medical Assurance Services (PMAS) on behalf of the Northern Territory Medical Board, offers a dynamic clinical training program for prevocational medical officers. There are currently 24 intern positions available.

Four term rotations are offered at CARHS. Interns have the opportunity to undertake the following rotations;

  • Medicine
  • Renal
  • Surgery
  • Orthopaedics
  • Emergency Medical Care
  • Paediatrics
  • Rural Generalist at Tennant Creek Hospital (TCH)

Term positions are allocated randomly, however those who are keen to rotate to TCH may indicate this in their application.

Teaching

CARHS provides an outstanding prevocational doctor training program with an award-winning team of educators and clinicians deeply committed to providing a rich and diverse education and training program, reflecting the challenges that come with working in Aboriginal health in rural and remote locations. Strong intern and RMO representation on the Medical Training Committee offers support to the prevocational doctor experience.

Prevocational doctors attend regular education and up-skilling sessions covering broad areas of professional development, including simulation, with all teaching and training in the purpose-built, state-of-the-art Research, Education and Training (RED) Centre. This is supplemented by robust and current prevocational doctor departmental teaching.

Formal and informal teaching sessions are delivered weekly by consultants and registrars, and most departments have regular formal grand rounds, journal clubs and specific sessions that prevocational doctors, particularly interns, are encouraged to attend.

The education and training program for prevocational doctors is mapped to the Australian Curriculum Framework and term descriptions provided at orientation outline how these requirements are met.

There is a strong focus on generalism in the training programs, where prevocational doctors have the opportunity to consolidate, maintain and widen their knowledge, skills and experience, and access opportunities to explore potential careers in rural and remote settings.

Hospital orientation

Interns undertake a mandatory hands-on and interactive orientation program of up to 10 days prior to commencing ward duties. Key elements include simulation laboratory skills sessions, cultural competencies, use of electronic health systems, and an introduction to the management of unique and complex patient presentations.

Interns are advised when orientation specific to each department is scheduled prior to the commencement of each term.

Supervision

Supervision is provided as part of the education and training program, and contributes to developing the transition to safe, independent practice. Each department or division has a term supervisor responsible for coordinating and ensuring intern training and supervision occurs. Each intern will also have a clinical supervisor within their team who provides education and on-the-job training, career advice and guidance to achieve learning goals.

Interns meet with their supervisors at the start of each term to define learning objectives by discussing the expectations of both the intern and their supervisors’, and the role and responsibility of the intern within that team. Interns meet with each supervisor mid-term for a formative assessment, to ensure that they are performing to set goals and discuss any concerns. The end-of-term assessment is a formal, summative process which contributes to gaining full registration at the end of the intern year. These assessments are discussed at term orientation and comprise of, but are not limited to, direct observation, participation in case studies and other department or division education and training sessions.

CARHS Intern Term Dates 2025

Orientation Wednesday 8 January to Friday 17 January 2025
Term 1 Monday 20 January to Sunday 20 April 2025
Term 2 Monday 21 April to Sunday 20 July 2025
Term 3 Monday 21 July to Sunday 19 October 2025
Term 4 Monday 20 October 2025 to Sunday 18 January 2026

Career development at CARHS

Please visit the Resident Medical Officer positions page.

Applications

Applicants are grouped into categories and short-listed according to the following categories and criteria. Please be aware that these applicant eligibility categories are in order of selection (A to G).

To be eligible as an intern applicant in the Northern Territory you must not have completed a medical internship previously.

If you have completed an internship previously (overseas) please go to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website for more information.

The Top End Regional Health Service (TEHRS), accredited by the Prevocational Medical Assurance Services (PMAS) on behalf of the Northern Territory Medical Board, offers a dynamic clinical training program for prevocational medical officers. There are currently 65 intern positions available.

Five term rotations are offered at TERHS. Interns have the opportunity to undertake the following rotations;

  • Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Emergency Medical Care
  • Renal Medicine
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Geriatrics
  • Palliative Care
  • Cardiology
  • Head and Neck (Maxilofacial)
  • Orthopaedics
  • Vascular and Plastic Surgery
  • Paediatrics
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Rural terms in Emergency Medical Care and Medicine

On and off site accommodation is available at Royal Darwin, Katherine and Gove hospitals for up to 12 weeks for interns relocating from interstate.

RDPH supports relocation costs for interns relocating from interstate.

Hospital orientation

Interns undertake an orientation program prior to commencing ward duties.

The time allocated for this mandatory orientation is up to 10 days depending on the health service you are employed at. The orientation is predominantly hands-on and interactive. Key elements include skills sessions utilising the simulation laboratory, cultural competencies, use of the electronic health systems used throughout the hospital and health service, and an introduction to management of unique and complex patient presentations.

You will be advised by youremploying hospital when the hospital orientation is scheduled. Both hospitals usually run their orientations in early January which can commence in the first or second week of January.

Please note that orientation specific to each department takes place at the commencement of each term throughout internship.

Supervision

Supervision is provided to all interns as part of their intern education and training program. It also contributes to developing their transition to safe independent practice. Each department/division has a term supervisor who is responsible for coordinating and ensuring intern training and supervision occurs for that term. Each intern will also have a clinical supervisor within their team who provides education and training on the job, may give career advice and guide the intern to achieve their learning goals.

Interns will meet with their supervisors at the start of each term to define learning objectives through discussing the intern's expectations, understand the supervisor's expectations and the role and responsibility of the intern within that team.

Interns meet with their supervisors mid-term for a formative assessment, to ensure that they are performing to their set goals and to discuss any concerns. The end of term assessment is a formal, summative assessment which contributes to gaining full registration at the end of the intern year. These assessments will be discussed at your term orientation and usually comprise of, but are not limited to direct observation, participation in case studies and other department/division education and training sessions.

Education and training

The hospital's Medical Education Unit (MEU) provides a comprehensive training program for prevocational medical officers. Interns have the opportunity to attend weekly protected training sessions which delivers topics that are relevant and applicable to a medical officer at the intern level of training. The hospital requests feedback from prevocational doctors to inform and improve the program delivered.

Formal and informal teaching sessions related to the specific terms are delivered weekly by consultants and registrars. Most departments will have regular formal grand rounds, journal clubs and specific sessions where all prevocational doctors, particularly interns, are encouraged to attend.

The education and training program for interns is mapped to the Australian Curriculum Framework for Junior Doctors. Term descriptions provided at the term orientation will show how an intern may meet the framework in that term.

The Northern Territory has a strong focus on Rural Generalist in their training programs. You will, at the intern and resident medical officer levels have the opportunity to consolidate, maintain and widen your knowledge, skills and experience, as well as have access to opportunities to explore potential careers in rural and remote settings.

TERHS Term Dates 2025

Orientation
Shadow 		Monday 13 January to Friday 17 January 2025
Monday 20 January to Wednesday 22 January 2025
Term 1 Thursday 23 January to Wednesday 9 April 2025
Term 2 Thursday 10 April to Wednesday 18 June 2025
Term 3 Thursday 19 June to Wednesday 3 September 2025
Term 4
Term 5 		Thursday 4 September to Wednesday 12 November 2025
Thursday 13 November 2025 to Sunday 1 February 2026

  • To be eligible as an intern applicant in the Northern Territory you must not have completed a medical internship previously.
  • If you have completed an internship previously (overseas), please go to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) website for more information.

The applicant eligibility categories in order of selection for internship in the Northern Territory are:

Category

Criteria

A

NT Bonded Medical Scheme (NTBMS) Applicants

B

Aboriginal applicants who are:

  • NT Aboriginal Scholarship Holders
  • Identified as Aboriginal NT Residents*
  • Identify as Aboriginal (includes all Australian Aboriginal applicants)

C

Australian and New Zealand medical applicants who have/will complete a medical degree at an Australian Medical Council (AMC) accredited Medical School who meet either or both of the following:

  • NTG Scholarship Holders
  • NT Resident*

D

All other Australian and New Zealand medical applicants who have/will complete a medical degree at an Australian Medical Council (AMC) accredited medical school who are Australian/New Zealand citizens/Australian permanent residents with previous experience working in one or more of the following:

  • Previous experience working/studying in the NT (medical school student placement/s)
  • Previous experience in an Australian rural, remote and Aboriginal health location/s (e.g. Aboriginal Medical Services, Rural Clinical Schools, involvement in Rural Student Clubs and those applicants who come from rural and remote locations)
  • Other eligible Australian applicants

E

Medical applicants from an AMC accredited medical school who are NOT Australian/New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents with previous experience in one or more of the following:

  • Working/studying in the NT (AMC accredited Medical School placements)
  • Previous experience working in a rural, remote and Aboriginal health location/s (e.g. Aboriginal Medical Services, Rural Clinical Schools, involvement in Rural Student Clubs)
  • Other eligible non-Australian applicants

*Definition of NT Resident

An NT Resident is an Australian citizen/permanent resident who has reside with a permanent address in the NT for either:

  1. At least 3 years out of the last 6; or
  2. A total of at least 5 years since commencing primary school

Applications are made through a centralised online job application portal:

  1. Go to the NT Jobs portal and search for available jobs with the keyword 'Intern'.
    1. You may apply for either or both CARHS or TERHS positions.
  2. Submit your application online through the portal, ensuring you:
  • upload all supporting documents, and
  • provide three referees who are registered medical specialists.

The CARHS and TERHS health services will make employment offers to those applicants who have met the Northern Territory intern recruitment requirements.

The health services will only contact the referees of short-listed applicants.

Resident (RMO) positions

This page provides information about resident medical officer positions in both the Top End region and the Central Australia region. For general employment conditions, go to the medical officers employment conditions page.

There is an annual recruitment cycle for resident medical officers (RMOs) wishing to apply to the Top End and Central Australia regions in the various specialties.

Please note the application process for both health services require separate applications.

For detailed  information, please read the below RMO's program sections.

The Central Australia region is accredited by the Prevocational Medical Assurance Services (PMAS) on behalf of the Northern Territory (NT) Medical Board for intern training and has a dynamic clinical training program incorporating all junior medical officers. There are more than 50 RMO positions with 3, 6, 9 and 12 month rotations through a range of specialty and subspecialty areas, including rotations to Tennant Creek Hospital (TCH).

All rotations with PGY2 RMOs at Alice Springs Hospital will be accredited in 2024 to offer the new Australian Medical Council Framework.

Teaching

Central Australia provides an outstanding junior doctor training program with an award-winning team of educators and clinicians deeply committed to offering the junior doctor a rich and diverse education and training program, reflecting the challenges that come with working in Aboriginal health in rural and remote locations. Strong intern and RMO representation on the Medical Training Committee offers support to the junior doctor experience.

Junior doctors attend regular education and up-skilling sessions, covering broad areas of professional development, including simulation, with all teaching and training in the purpose-built, state- of-the-art Research, Education and Training Centre, supplemented by up-to-date junior doctor departmental teaching.

RMO rotations

Participants can be in control of their own training and keep preference rotations to suit their learning needs. Whilst not a part of a formal training pathway support for specialty training program entry and development is offered.

RMO rotations available include

Applicants must rank rotations in order of preference. Rotations include:

  • addiction medicine - 3 months, 4 positions
  • anaesthetics - 3 months, 8 positions
    • preference to internal applicants and those requiring anaesthetics for training
  • emergency medicine - 3 or 6 months, includes emergency certificate, multiple positions
  • general medicine - 3 months, up to 32 positions
  • general Surgery - 3 months, 8 positions
  • ICU - 3 months, up to 4 positions
  • obstetrics and gynaecology - 3 or 6 months, up to 24 positions
    • note - RMOs are first call and receive supervision from consultant staff in person or by phone and require some ability to work independently
  • oncology - 3 months, 4 positions
    • note - this is an RMO only unit with consultant supervision and support
  • orthopaedics - 3 months, 4 positions
  • paediatrics - 3 months, up to 16 positions
  • palliative care - 3 months, 4 positions
  • psychiatry - 3 months, 8 positions
  • renal - 3 months, 12 to 16 positions
  • remote primary care - 3 months, up to 8 positions
    • you will be based in Alice Springs and participate in community visits with a rural generalist / remote medical practitioner; visits range from day trips to 4 nights
  • TCH - rural generalist term - 3 months, up to 8 positions.
Senior RMO rotations

For PGY3+ only:

  • ED senior RMO - 6 months preferred but 3, 9 or 12-month positions available, up to 12 positions
    • must have completed 2 terms of emergency medicine since graduation
  • ICU senior RMO - 6 months, only 2 positions available
    • selection will involve an additional interview with a representative from ICU.

Career development

Central Australia offers many opportunities for career development for pre-vocational doctors. Rotations offer a general, well-rounded experience leading to a diverse range of vocational options. While contracts are offered on a 12-month basis, planning and pathways can be structured over one, 2 or 3 years, and take into account the needs of the individual junior doctor and tenure of employment.

Vocational training

Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) is accredited for the following:

  • addiction medicine (RACP)
    • full accreditation
    • accredited rotation for physician and general practice training programs
  • anaesthetics (ANZCA)
    • accreditation for 26 weeks basic training on rotation from the South Australia (SA) and NT Anaesthetics Training Scheme
    • accredited rotation for emergency medicine, intensive care, physician and rural generalist (JCCA) training programs
  • clinical forensic medicine (RACP)
    • accreditation currently pending
  • emergency medicine (ACEM)
    • accredited for 18 months FACEM Training Program
      • plus rotations available for non-ED time training time including anaesthetics, ICU, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, medicine, addiction medicine, TCH
    • accredited for the ACEM emergency medicine certificate and diploma
    • accredited rotation for general practice, physician and rural generalist training programs
  • general practice and rural generalist training (ACRRM)
    • fully accredited core hospital training
    • AST available in surgery (2 years), internal medicine (12+ months), emergency medicine, obstetrics, academic practice and anaesthetics (JCCA)
  • general practice and rural generalist training (RACGP)
    • fully accredited hospital time plus 6 months extended skills
    • extended skills available in emergency medicine, internal medicine, palliative care, addiction medicine, and obstetrics and gynaecology/women’s health
    • AST available in surgery (2 years), internal medicine (12+ months), emergency medicine, obstetrics, academic practice and anaesthetics (JCCA)
  • general surgery (RACS)
    • accredited for x2 SET positions, 6 months on rotation from interstate training sites
  • intensive care medicine (CICM)
    • accredited for 6 months core training
      • plus rotations available for non-core time including anaesthesia (12 months), internal medicine (6 months), emergency medicine (6 months), retrieval medicine (6 months)
    • accredited rotation for emergency medicine and physician training programs
  • medical administration (RACMA)
    • fully accredited
  • obstetrics and gynaecology (RANZCOG)
    • accredited for:
      • 6 months basic training on rotation from SA obstetrics and gynaecology training network - pending
      • 2 years advanced training
    • Certificate of Women’s Health, diploma RANZCOG and advanced diploma RANZCOG
    • accredited rotation for general practice, rural generalist, emergency medicine, child health certificate training programs
  • ophthalmology (RANZCO)
    • accredited for 6 months training on rotation from SA training network
  • orthopaedics (AOA/RACS)
    • accreditation for one registrar position
  • paediatrics (RACP)
    • accredited for:
      • basic training - up to 12 months on rotation from Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network (SA)
      • advanced training - up to 24 months
    • Diploma of Child Health
    • accredited rotation for emergency medicine, physician, general practice and rural generalist training programs
  • physician training (RACP)
    • accredited for:
      • basic training - 12 months; application for 24 months accreditation pending 2020
      • advanced training - 12 to 24 months - general medicine, nephrology
    • accredited for AST in internal medicine (rural generalist) and Clinical Diploma Palliative Care
    • accredited rotation for emergency medicine, intensive care, general practice and rural generalist training
  • psychiatry (RANZCP)
    • fully accredited
  • public health medicine (RACP)
    • fully accredited
  • retrieval medicine (ACEM/ANZCA/CICM/ACRRM/RACGP)
    • Conjoint Committee of Pre-Hospital and Retrieval Medicine (CCPHRM)
    • full Accreditation from 2021.

Further information for vocational training at ASH for each department can be found in the following links:

Orientation

RMOs undertake an orientation program prior to commencing ward duties. Key elements include cultural competencies, use of electronic health systems, and an introduction to the management of complex patient presentations.

Orientation to specific departments and their teams takes place at the commencement of ward work.

Central Australia JMO term dates 2024

  • Term 1: Monday 22 January to Sunday 21 April 2024
  • Term 2: Monday 22 April to Sunday 21 July 2024
  • Term 3: Monday 22 July to Sunday 20 October 2024
  • Term 4: Monday 21 October to Sunday 19 January 2025.

Contracts

Central Australia supports workplace flexibility and shorter contracts to a minimum of 3 months can be negotiated.

For more information

Medical Recruitment
Phone: +61 8 8951 7989
Mail: PO Box 2234
Alice Springs NT 0871
MedicalRecruitmentASH@nt.gov.au

Overview

Top End region incorporating Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital (RDPH), Katherine Hospital and Gove District Hospital offers broad clinical experience and opportunities to improve practical skills as well as a great lifestyle, spectacular geography and unique medical opportunities. On site facilities at Royal Darwin include a beautiful 25m swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis courts.

On and off site accommodation is available at Royal Darwin, Katherine and Gove hospitals for up 14  weeks, longer stays may be negotiated depending on individual circumstances and the location.

RDPH supports relocation costs.

RDPH offers RMO positions with rotations through:

  • anaesthetics
  • ICU
  • general medicine
  • renal medicine
  • cardiology
  • haematology
  • oncology
  • infectious diseases
  • rehabilitation medicine
  • rapid assessment and planning unit
  • paediatrics
  • obstetrics and gynaecology
  • general surgery
  • orthopaedic surgery
  • psychiatry
  • Darwin Private Hospital
  • emergency medicine including ED certificate/diploma/advanced diploma
  • Katherine Hospital
  • Gove District Hospital including pro start anaesthetics training.

For more information, view Top End region specialities and rotations.

Training

Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital (RDPH) is a major teaching hospital located on 2 campuses. RDPH is co-located with Flinders NT University, Menzies School of Health Research and has strong links with the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre.

Junior doctors are encouraged to attend regular education and up-skilling sessions covering broad areas of professional development. Departments also have formal grand rounds, journal clubs and specific sessions such as radiology meetings each week, and junior doctors are supported in attending these. In addition, all our junior doctors receive a profession training allowance paid fortnightly to support individual training needs. Territory hospitals provide a comprehensive training program for junior medical officers. The training and experiences in PGY1 (post graduate year) and PGY2 years follow the Australian Curriculum Framework for junior doctors.

A variety of pathways are offered from PGY2 years, opportunities for rural and remote practice are a key feature of these pathways. Pre-vocational pathways offer a general, well rounded experience leading to a diverse range of vocational options, as well as tailored pathways leading to specific vocational programs. Pathways can be structured over one, 2 or 3 years.

Junior doctors can also complete the following post graduate qualifications:

  • Diploma of Obstetrics
  • Diploma of Paediatrics
  • Certificate in Emergency Medicine
  • Graduate Diploma of Indigenous and Remote Child Health.

A number of junior doctors also undertake further studies such as a Master of Public Health through the Menzies School of Health Research and James Cook University.

For more information, view Top End region specialities and rotations.

Orientation

RMOs undertake an Orientation program prior to commencing ward duties. Key elements include cultural competencies, use of the various electronic health systems used throughout the hospital, and an introduction to management of unique and complex patient presentations.

Orientation to specific departments and the team you will be attached to takes place at the commencement of ward work.

For general enquiries regarding RMO applications in Top End region, email RDHJMOWorkforce.DoH@nt.gov.au.

2024 Top End region annual RMO campaign

Recruitment opens 26 June 2023 and close on 23 July 2023.

Apply for RMO position - vacancy number 70231330

During the campaign period expressions of interest will not be accepted.

2023 Central Australia region annual RMO campaign

Apply for RMO positions - closes on 17 July 2022.

During the campaign period expressions of interest will not be accepted.

Note: Please check in the above application section, if EOIs are accepted in the relevant health service.

To express your interest in a medical officer position, please provide the following:

  • application with 3 referees
    • NT Health will contact the referees of all short-listed applicants
  • cover letter outlining your application, including:
    • why do you want to work in the Northern Territory (NT)
    • any rural/remote experiences you have had
    • links to the NT (eg. family or, friends)
    • commitment to the NT
  • curriculum vitae (CV).

Email your cover letter and CV to:

Please include the following in the email subject line: Medical officer EOI application (your name).

Registrar positions

This page provides information about registrar positions in both the Top End Health Service (TEHS) and the Central Australia Health Service (CAHS). For general employment conditions, go to the Medical officers employment conditions page.

There is an annual recruitment cycle for registrars wishing to apply to TEHS and CAHS in the various specialties.

In additions, applications are permanently welcome from interested registrars wishing to apply throughout the year.

Please note the application process for both health services require separate applications.

The CAHS comprises of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Hospitals.

Alice Springs Hospital

Alice Springs Hospital is accredited for diploma and specialist training by ACEM, ACRRM, ANZCA, CICM, RACGP, RACP (adults, paediatrics on rotation), RACGP, RACS (on rotation), RANZCOG, RACMA and RANZCP.

For further information on each department go to:

Tennant Creek Hospital

The work at Tennant Creek Hospital can be challenging but this makes it rewarding. It is an ideal setting for rural generalist training.

For further information go to rural generalist positions at TCH.

For more information

Medical Recruitment
Phone: +61 8 8951 7989
PO Box 2234
Alice Springs NT 0871
MedicalRecruitmentASH@nt.gov.au

The TEHS offers broad clinical experience and opportunities to improve practical skills as well as a great lifestyle, spectacular geography and unique medical opportunities. On site facilities at Royal Darwin include a beautiful 25m swimming pool, gym, squash and tennis courts. On and off site accommodation is available at Royal Darwin Hospital for up to 12 weeks. Longer term supported accommodation is available for rotational registrar positions. Accommodation is available for registrars at Katherine and Gove Hospitals.

TEHS provides a generous relocation allowance. This will be explained upon receiving an offer of employment or if requested.

For general enquiries regarding registrar applications in TEHS, email MedicalRecruitmentRDH.THS@nt.gov.au.

Surgery:

  • general surgery
  • orthopaedic surgery
  • ophthalmology
  • ear nose and throat (ENT)
  • maxillofacial surgery
  • neuro surgery
  • plastics.

Medicine:

  • general medicine
  • addiction medicine
  • cardiology
  • endocrinology
  • Darwin Private Hospital
  • dermatology
  • general medicine
  • general/rural medicine - Gove and Katherine
  • general practice trainees
  • geriatric medicine
  • haematology
  • infectious diseases
  • medical administration registrar
  • medical education registrar
  • nephrology - renal medicine
  • neurology
  • oncology
  • disease control
  • palliative care
  • pathology
  • rehabilitation medicine
  • respiratory and sleep medicine
  • rheumatology.

Critical care:

  • anaesthetics
  • emergency medicine
  • intensive care unit (ICU).

Maternal and child health:

  • paediatrics
  • obstetrics
  • gynaecology.

Pathology:

  • microbiology
  • general pathology (microbiology year)
  • anatomical pathology.

Mental health:

  • psychiatry
  • addiction medicine.

Radiology.

Orientation

Registrars undertake an Orientation program prior to commencing ward duties. Key elements include cultural competencies, use of the various electronic health systems used throughout the hospital, and an introduction to management of unique and complex patient presentations.

Orientation to specific departments and the team you will be attached to takes place at the commencement of ward work.

For general enquiries regarding registrar applications email MedicalRecruitmentRDH.THS@nt.gov.au.

Applications are made through a centralised online job application portal:

  1. Go to the NT Jobs portal and search for available jobs with the keyword 'registrar'.
    • You may apply for either or both CAHS or TEHS positions.
  2. Submit your application online through the portal, ensuring you:
    • upload all supporting documents, and
    • provide 3 referees who are registered medical specialists.

The health services will only contact the referees of short-listed applicants.

To express your interest in a medical officer position, please provide the following:

  • application with 3 referees, NT Health will contact the referees of all short-listed applicants
  • cover letter outlining your application, including:
    • why do you want to work in the NT
    • any rural/remote experiences you have had
    • links to the NT (eg. family or friends)
    • commitment to the NT
  • curriculum vitae (CV).

Email your cover letter and CV to:

Please include the following in the email subject line: Medical officer EOI application (your name).

Rural Generalist Pathway

“A Rural Generalist is a medical practitioner who is trained to meet the specific current and future healthcare needs of Australian rural and remote communities, in a sustainable and cost-effective way by providing both comprehensive general practice and emergency care and required components of other medical specialist care in hospital and community settings as part of a rural healthcare team.” Collingrove Agreement.

NT Health is committed to supporting professionals who choose the Medical Rural Generalist Pathway and is experienced in facilitating the transition for rural generalist trainees through the various educational and training components for the first six years of post-graduate training.

The training pathway supports medical officers with targeted training and development to become a Rural Generalist. It is a selective and flexible pathway that offers medical officers the opportunity to explore a wide variety of clinical training and develop the advanced skill set required to support the health needs of rural communities.

The Rural Generalist Coordination Unit is working with local and national stakeholders to strengthen existing pathways and incorporate them into a well-structured Rural Generalist Pathway aligned to the national strategy.

The collaboration of key stakeholders has an objective to get more doctors into rural and remote areas, and to better equip these doctors to meet community needs.

Resources

These pages have information about training, education and employment opportunities for current and future health professionals:

For more information about student placements, work experience and Indigenous cadetships with NT Health go to:

Publications

Contact

Rural Generalist Coordination Unit
rural.generalist@nt.gov.au
Phone: 08 8924 4150
Web: Rural Generalist

Specialist positions

This page provides information about specialists positions in both the Top End Health Service (TEHS) and the Central Australia Health Service (CAHS). For general employment conditions, go to the Medical officers employment conditions page.

Applications are being accepted from specialists wishing to apply to TEHS or CAHS. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a credentialing process prior to formal appointment.

General practice positions are also available within the Primary Health Care team. Specialists in general medicine with a sub-speciality interest are particularly welcome to apply.

Please note the application process for both health services require separate applications.

Specialties and rotations

For general information about specialist positions, go to:

To express your interest in a specialist position, please provide the following:

  • application with 3 referees, NT Health will contact the referees of all short-listed applicants
  • cover letter outlining your application, including:
    • why do you want to work in the NT
    • any rural/remote experiences you have had
    • links to the NT (eg. family or friends)
    • commitment to the NT
  • curriculum Vitae (CV).

Email your cover letter and CV to:

Please include the following in the email subject line: Specialist application (your name).

Applications are made through a centralised online job application portal:

  1. Go to the NT Jobs portal and search for available jobs with the keyword 'specialist'.
    • You may apply for either or both CAHS or TEHS positions.
  2. Submit your application online through the portal, ensuring you:
    • upload all supporting documents, and
    • provide 3 referees who are registered medical specialists.

The health services will only contact the referees of short-listed applicants.

Rural medical practitioner positions

  1. Go to the NT Jobs portal and search for available jobs with the keyword 'rural medical practitioner'.
    • You may apply for either or both CAHS or TEHS positions.
  2. Submit your application online through the portal, ensuring you:
    • upload all supporting documents, and
    • provide 3 referees who are registered medical specialists.

Contacts

International Medical Graduates

NT Health employs a variety of internationally trained Medical Officers also known as International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

IMGs can enter Australia on a temporary or a permanent basis to fill positions in the medical workforce that cannot be readily filled by a suitably qualified Australian doctor. This policy is known as Area of Need declarations.

For assistance with the application process, please contact:

The Northern Territory has a priority listing for IMG applicants and below is part of the selection criteria:

  1. Registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Go to the AHPRA website.
  2. English language testing is mandatory for any overseas trained doctor who is registering with the Northern Territory Medical Board. Go to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) website.
  3. Successful completion of the Australian Medical Council (AMC) examination and assessment process. Go to the AMC website.
  4. Successful application for a job.
  5. Application for the relevant visa is compulsory if you are not a permanent resident or Australian citizen.
  6. Application for a Medicare Provider Number with the Health Insurance Commission. Once you are employed, your employer will assist with this process.

Required supporting documents

IMGs will need the following documentation to apply. If your name is different from what is recorded in the documentation supplied, please provide supporting documentation identifying the change of name.

  • a current passport with appropriate working visa
  • an original or certified copy of medical degree
    • if the degree is not in English, a certified copy of an official translation is required
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • references - the names and addresses of three reputable people who can recommend your character and work performance
  • results of the International English Language Tests (IELTS)

In some cases, overseas doctors must be sponsored, usually by their employer in Australia.

Overseas doctors must meet normal immigration requirements with respect to good health and provide local police clearances for all countries in which they have lived for more than one year during the last ten years.

For more information on immigration and registration go to the following websites:

If you are an IMG and you have queries or concerns under the various applicable visa schemes, contact the Department of Immigration on 131 881.

If you need any help with translating or interpreting contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.