inspiring achievement INTRODUCTION The Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Guide 2016 outlines the requirements and processes for application to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Flinders University for domestic applicants. Flinders University offers the MD in both South Australia and the Northern Territory. The Guide will assist applicants to determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for admission to the MD in South Australia and in the Northern Territory. Details of the application and selection process, timelines and information about sub-quotas and associated requirements are included. In 2015 applications for 2016 admission will be made directly to Flinders University, opening on 23 April 2015 and closing on 2 June 2015. Flinders University will administer the application assessment process in collaboration with the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). SATAC’s primary role is to: • process applications received for this course on behalf of Flinders University • assess the academic qualifications and other information presented by applicants according to the rules and guidelines for the course provided by Flinders University To maximise chances of gaining entry to the Doctor of Medicine an applicant needs to: • understand the procedures and deadlines for applying • provide all the information and supporting documentation asked of them either by Flinders University and / or SATAC, by the required deadline • read and understand the terms and conditions of application when they apply • carefully follow all the instructions given whilst applying and in any subsequent communications • pay any fees by the required date • keep personal details up-to-date The information provided by the applicant will: • be used to identify the applicant as the owner of the data they have provided • assist in the processes of retrieving information about qualifications and test results from external agencies such as universities and other relevant authorities • be used by SATAC to assess the application on behalf of Flinders University • be passed to Flinders University if the applicant receives an offer of place so a student record can be created • be used for statutory reporting to the Australian government as indicated in the terms and conditions of application • potentially be used for research purposes relating to tertiary admissions, including sharing of anonymous data for research conducted by Flinders approved institutions. PLEASE NOTE This guide provides information about the current eligibility criteria and application process for entry to the MD. Further changes to the Flinders MD admission requirements are under consideration for implementation from 2016. Applicants should consult this website for any changes to the 2017 admission criteria from 2016 onwards: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/domadmissionreqs 2 Table of Contents 1. APPLICATION TIMELINE 4 2. ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY 2.1 Domestic Applicants 2.1.1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 2.2 Academic Requirements 2.3 GAMSAT minimum requirements 5 5 5 5 5 3. APPLICATION 6 4. SELECTION CRITERIA 4.1 Interview 4.2 Grade Point Average 4.3 Offers 4.4 Securing your place in the course 4.5 Deferral Requests 7 7 7 8 8 8 5. MEDICAL COURSE PLACES AND SUB-QUOTAS 5.1 Doctor of Medicine (MD) South Australia Places 5.2 Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) 5.3 Place Types 5.4 Sub-quotas 5.4.1 Flinders University Graduate Sub-quota 5.4.2 Non-Flinders University Graduate Sub-quota 5.4.3 Rural Sub-quota 5.4.4 Humanitarian Visa Sub-quota 5.4.5 Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota 9 9 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 6. MEDICAL RURAL BONDED SCHOLARSHIPS (MRBS) 13 7. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION 7.1 Statutory Declarations 7.1.1 Rural Origin 7.1.2 Humanitarian Visa 7.1.3 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin 7.1.4 Northern Territory Residency Status 7.2 Academic Transcripts 7.3 Autobiographical Statement 7.4 Submission of Documentation 14 14 14 14 14 14 15 15 15 8. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 8.1 Grounds for an Offer of Place to be Withdrawn 8.2 Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) 8.3 Health Requirements 8.4 Police Checks 16 16 16 16 16 9. CONTACTS 16 GLOSSARY 17 3 1. APPLICATION TIMELINE 2015 Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Cycle for entry in 2016. 21 March 2015 Sit GAMSAT (registration closed 11 Feb 2015) Mid-April 2015 Doctor of Medicine (MD) Admissions Guide 2016 published online 9.00am (ACST) 23 April 2015 11.59pm (ACST) 2 June 2015 Within five days of submission of application and no later than Applications open Applications close Change of preference closes 2 June 2015 Within five days of submission of application and no later than Payment of application processing fee due 2 June 2015 Within five days of submission of application Submission of statutory declarations and autobiographical statements to Flinders University* 15 June 2015 Final date for submission of details of overseas qualifications and/or qualifications from non-ARTs institutions 29 June 2015 Applicants shortlisted for first round of interviews notified 9 July to 11 July 2015 PRCC Rural Sub-quota Interviews 13 July to 21 July 2015 All other Interviews From 19 August 2015 First offer round – offers may be made on a weekly basis until all places filled November 2015 Top up interviews and place offers, if required (applicants must have lodged application by 2 June 2015) Mid-February 2016 Year 1 of MD commences *Please note documents submitted later than five days after application submission may not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the website for the most up to date timeline: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/timeline Flinders University retains the right to A) offer interviews outside of the above timelines and/or B) introduce subsequent application or interview rounds details of which would be published at: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/admissionoverview 4 2. ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR ENTRY INTO THE MD APPLICANTS MUST A) BE CLASSIFIED AS A DOMESTIC APPLICANT, B) MEET MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS AND C) SIT THE GAMSAT (GRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST) AND ACHIEVE A MINIMUM SCORE IN EACH SECTION OF THE TEST. 1. Are you classified as a domestic applicant? YES 2. Have you completed or are you in the final year of a bachelor degree? 2.1 DOMESTIC APPLICANTS Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens are classified as domestic applicants. Applicants are required to meet domestic eligibility criteria at the time of application. Applicants who are in the process of applying for permanent residency must have residency confirmed before they submit an application as a domestic student. It is not possible to convert to a domestic place if offered admission to the MD as an international student. Applicants who do not meet the domestic classification above are international applicants and are not eligible to apply as domestic applicants. Details on how to apply as an international applicant are available at www.flinders.edu.au/MD/ intadmissionsreqs 2.1.1 ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER APPLICANTS Eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply and may be given special consideration in the selection process (see also Special Consideration Section 4.1). Applicants must apply via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal and must also submit a document, signed under seal by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation in the community from which the applicant originates or is recognised, confirming that the applicant is recognised by that community. The applicant must YES 3. Do you have a current GAMSAT score and have you met the minimum sections score requirements? YES You are eligible to apply. also submit a statutory declaration stating that they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. These documents must be provided within five days of submission of application and no later than 2 June 2015. Please see Section 7 for further information. 2.3 GAMSAT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) Applicants must normally achieve a minimum score of 50 for Sections I (Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences) and III (Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences) and a minimum score of 46 for Section II (Written Communication). In addition to minimum section score requirements, applicants must also achieve a minimum of 50 overall. The overall score is calculated using the following formula: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates who do not have a current GAMSAT result are able to apply for entry into the course through the IES. More information on the IES application process is available at www.flinders.edu. au/MD/indigenousapps Note: Applications for 2016 entry are closed. 2.2 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS All domestic applicants are required to have completed or be in the final year of a Bachelor degree, either from an Australian university or from another tertiary institution of equivalent standard. For applicants who have studied at higher education level overseas, SATAC, on behalf of Flinders University, will use the guidelines agreed to and assess their overseas qualifications and determine its equivalence to higher education level study offered by Australian institutions. Please note Flinders University does not have a 10 year rule. Applicants who hold a Bachelor degree older than 10 years may apply for entry to the MD. Applicants are required to sit the GAMSAT and achieve a minimum score in each section of the test (www.gamsat.acer. edu.au) to be eligible to apply for entry into the course. ((1 x Section I) + (1 x Section II) + (2 x Section III)) /4 GAMSAT results are valid for two years. Applicants with two valid GAMSAT scores may choose which score to use when lodging their application. Only one result from the following test cycles can be used for 2016 entry: GAMSAT Australia 2014; 2015 GAMSAT Ireland 2014; 2015 GAMSAT UK 2013; 2014 Please note neither ACER nor Flinders University recommend, endorse or have any association with commercial GAMSAT preparation courses or texts. ACER produces the only official GAMSAT test preparation materials. For further information please refer to: www.gamsat.acer.edu.au 5 3. APPLICATION • Applications open at 9.00am Thursday 23 April 2015 and close 11.59pm Tuesday 2 June 2015 (all times in ACST). • Only applications submitted via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal will be accepted. (www.flinders.edu.au/ MD/apply) • No late applications will be accepted. Academic Qualifications • Preference selection is final after the application closing date of Tuesday 2 June 2015 and no changes or additions can be made to the application after this date. Applicants must provide details of all degrees (including PhD, Masters, etc.) completed or due for completion in the application year. • Applications WILL NOT be assessed and/or considered if the application fee has not been paid by Tuesday 2 June 2015. • Applicants who need to change their contact details after applications close are to contact medadmissions@flinders.edu.au and provide their full name, date of birth, and application reference number. • In 2015 there will be a $77 non-refundable application fee. Payment must be made by Tuesday 2 June 2015. 6 Applicants will be asked to provide the following information, in addition to their personal details, as part of the application process: Applicants do not need to provide details of academic prizes or awards. In many cases, for university study undertaken in Australia, the University can obtain results from these studies on the applicant’s behalf, but for some qualifications, such as overseas studies, the applicant will need to provide supporting documents. For applicants who have studied at higher education level overseas, SATAC will use Flinders University guidelines to assess overseas qualifications and determine equivalence to higher education level study offered by Australian institutions. For studies undertaken overseas, applicants must supply certified copies of all documents by Monday 15 June 2015, please see Section 7.2 for further details. If any of documents are in a language other than English, applicants must submit certified copies of both the original documents and the full translation. Transcript translations must show results for all subjects undertaken. All translations must be certified by an independent accredited translator. It is the applicant’s responsibility to comply with any requests to provide further documentation, either in the original language or translated into English. Graduate Medical School Admissions Test Applicants must provide GAMSAT information including their GAMSAT identification number when they lodge their application. 4. SELECTION CRITERIA 4.1 Interview Applicants will be invited to interview if they meet the overall GAMSAT cutoff score as determined by the Medical Admissions Committee in the year of application. The GAMSAT cut-off score may vary across sub-quotas. Applicants will be invited to interview via email. They will be provided with an online link to the Doctor of Medicine Domestic Interview Tracker through which they can view the date, time and location of their interview. Applicants invited to interview are required to travel, at their own expense, to the indicated venue (ie Bedford Park or the Northern Territory) as specified. Applicants who have preferenced the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota may be invited to an additional selection process. These applicants will be advised of any available reimbursement at the time of invitation. Due to the large number of interviews being held, individual requests for specific interview dates will only be considered by the Medical Admissions Committee in exceptional circumstances. The interview conducted in both South Australia and the Northern Territory is semi structured and uses a common set of scenarios and questions for all applicants to assess qualities for both success in the medical program and in subsequent medical practice. The qualities to be assessed were identified by a process of consultation with staff in the School of Medicine and with community members. These include: • Quality of motivation • Learning style and team skills • Communication skills • Pro-social attitude • Personal management and selfevaluation skills • Approach to decision-making Interviews will be conducted by a panel of trained interviewers, usually a panel of two to three including representatives of the medical school and the community. Interview teams are not provided with any information about applicants, other than their names. Interviews normally last 45-50 minutes. Special Consideration • Applicants who have an outstanding Grade Point Average (GPA), but whose overall GAMSAT scores are slightly below the cut-off, may be invited to interview. Those falling within this group normally have a grade point average of at least 6 (on a 7 point scale) in each year of their degree. Applicants who meet this criterion will be automatically identified by Flinders University. • Flinders University supports the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments’ key priority to increase the participation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Islander people in medicine through its commitment to equity and inclusiveness in its medical program. Aboriginal and/or Torres Islander applicants who have provided all required documentation and whose overall GAMSAT scores are slightly below the cut-off, may be invited to interview. 4.2 Grade Point Average There is no minimum GPA requirement for entry to the MD, however strong performance in the Bachelor degree is an important indicator of the intellectual abilities necessary for success in the MD. The weighted grade point average (wGPA) in the applicant’s Bachelor degree makes a significant contribution to the applicant’s overall rank for a place offer. Applicants who hold a qualification from an institution other than Flinders University will have their GPA converted to a Flinders University GPA. The Flinders University GPA is then used to calculate the wGPA. The Flinders University GPA is calculated using the following formula: GPA = sum of (value for each grade x topic unit value) / total number of units Value for each grade: High Distinction = 7; Distinction = 6; Credit = 5; Pass = 4; Fail = 0; Withdraw Fail = 0. The following grades are not counted in the calculation: Non Graded Pass; Withdraw Not Fail. Topic Unit Value is as detailed on the applicant’s Academic Transcript. The wGPA is based on the last three full-time equivalent years of study in the most recently completed Bachelor degree (including an Honours year if results are available), and is calculated using the following formula: wGPA = ((GPA of Final Year x3) + (GPA of Final Minus One Year x 2) + (GPA of Final Minus Two Years)) /6 For example the wGPA for an applicant with a four year Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice degree will be calculated as follows: Year 1 – 6.1 (Not included in the wGPA calculation) Year 2 – 5.8 (Final Minus Two Years) Year 3 – 6.5 (Final Minus One Year) Year 4 – 6.2 (Final Year) (6.2 x 3) + (6.5 x 2) + (5.8) / 6 = wGPA 6.23 7 For applicants in the final year of their Bachelor/Honours degree Flinders University will only use 2015 Semester 1 results awarded before 22 July 2015 in the wGPA calculation. Results submitted after this date will not be included in the wGPA calculation. In this instance the applicant’s wGPA will be calculated using the following formula: wGPA = ((Final Minus Two Years) + (Final Minus One Year x 5)) / 6 It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that any Semester 1 2015 results are made available by their university by the 22 July 2015. Flinders University will not follow up an applicant’s results with their home institution. 4.3 OFFERS PRCC PLACES Offers for places are made on the basis of overall rank comprising the following components which are equally weighted: Offers for PRCC places are made on the basis of the following: 1. Overall GAMSAT Score 1. Overall GAMSAT Score (hurdle) 2. PRCC Selection Process comprising: 2. Weighted GPA (wGPA) a. Autobiographical Statement (10%) 3. Interview Score b. Interview (40%) The Medical Admissions Committee retains the right to establish a minimum overall rank. c. Scenario (20%) There are two instances in which an applicant may receive a conditional offer: 1. The applicant is due to complete their Bachelor degree in 2015; Or 2. The applicant is due to complete a Flinders University qualification in 2015. In both cases applicants are required to have successfully completed the relevant qualification by no later than 31 December 2015. Applicants who are due to complete their Bachelor degree are not required to maintain a wGPA. d. Overall Performance (30%) 3. Bedford Park interview (hurdle) 4.4 SECURING YOUR PLACE IN THE COURSE Successful applicants must carefully follow the instructions in their offer letter to secure their place in the course. Failure to do this will result in their offer lapsing. Requests from applicants to be reinstated in the course after their offer has lapsed will not be considered. Unfortunately no special consideration can be given to applicants who do not meet the requirements for entry into the MD. There are more applicants than there are places, and there is no fair way to assess relative disadvantage or mitigating circumstances for the number of individuals who apply. 4.5 DEFERRAL REQUESTS Deferral requests are rarely approved. However, in the event of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances an applicant may request a one year deferral. Deferral requests will only be considered following an offer of place and are considered by the Medical Admissions Committee on a case by case basis. 8 5. MEDICAL COURSE PLACES AND SUB-QUOTAS 5.1 DOCTOR OF MEDICINE (MD) SOUTH AUSTRALIA PLACES There are approximately 86 Commonwealth-supported places available for commencing domestic students in South Australia in 2016. All of these places are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government and require students to pay a Student Contribution Amount (see www.flinders.edu.au/fees-scholarships) MD Places (approximately 86 places) Flinders University Graduates up to 75% Flinders University Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Paramedic Science (up to 25 places) Non-Flinders University Graduates minimum 25% All other Flinders University Qualifications* (up to 33 places) * Applicants holding any Flinders University Bachelor degree or higher qualification, including Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters or PhD (i.e. Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 and above, see www.aqf.edu.au/) will be considered within this sub-quota. 9 5.2 Northern Territory Medical Program (NTMP) are funded by the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments. The Flinders University Medical Program is also offered in the Northern Territory, providing opportunities for Northern Territory residents to complete their medical training in their local environment. Approximately 12 places are available each year and these places These places require the applicant to enter into a Deed of Agreement with the Northern Territory Government which includes a four year Return of Service Obligation in the Northern Territory after graduation. Preference is given to applicants who are Northern Territory residents and particularly to Northern Territorians of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin (please see priority listing below). Other Australian citizens may apply and may be considered in the event that there are insufficient numbers of eligible competitive Northern Territorians and/ or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants. Priority of applicants for the NTMP: Priority 1: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meets the Northern Territory residency requirements. You are required to provide a statutory declaration confirming you meet Northern Territory residency requirements (see below) and your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status. Priority 2:Non Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meets the Northern Territory residency requirements. You are required to provide a statutory declaration confirming you meet Northern Territory residency requirements (see below). Priority 3: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander AND not a Northern Territory resident. You are required to provide a statutory declaration confirmation you meet the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status. Priority 4:Non Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and not a Northern Territory resident. Northern Territory Residency Requirements: A Northern Territory resident is defined as a person who, at the time of commencement of the medical course, has: • Resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least two years out of the last six years; Or • Resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least five years since commencing primary school. If an applicant wishes to be considered for a place in the NTMP they must apply for entry into the course via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal. If they are an NT resident and/or Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicant, they must also submit a statutory declaration confirming their NT residency status and/or their Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander status, please see Section 7 for further information. 10 5.3 PLACE TYPES PLACE TYPES RESTRICTIONS / COMMITMENTS Commonwealth Supported Non-bonded Places (CSP)^ These places have no restrictions / commitments after graduation. These places are available in South Australia only. Commonwealth Supported Bonded Places (BMP)^ These places require graduates to work for four years in an area of workforce shortage after completing their professional training. These places are available in South Australia only. Northern Territory Medical Program Places (NTMP)*^ These are places are funded by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments and require the student to enter into a Deed of Agreement with the Northern Territory Government which includes a four year Return of Service Obligation after graduation. These places are available in the Northern Territory only. Commonwealth supported non-bonded places are open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens. Commonwealth supported bonded places are open to Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens who have held a New Zealand Special Category Visa on or before 26 February 2001. More information is available at: www.health. gov.au/bmpscheme ^CSPs and BMP offers will be made on the basis of applicants’ overall rank in the following order: CSP then BMP, with the highest ranked applicants being allocated a CSP. As such, applicants are not required to indicate their place type preferences. *^Applicants may apply for a South Australian and/or Northern Territory place. Applicants will be asked to nominate their location preferences in order. 5.4 SUB-QUOTAS 5.4.1 FLINDERS UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SUB-QUOTA Up to 75% of places will be reserved for Flinders University graduates who meet the admission requirements. Places are reserved for up to 25 graduates of the Flinders University Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Paramedic Science. Up to 33 places reserved for graduates of any other Flinders University graduate and/ or postgraduate qualification. Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Flinders University course to be considered within this sub-quota. Applicants who intend to commence and complete a Flinders University qualification in Semester 2, 2015 must email medadmissons@flinders.edu.au to advise of their intention to do so once they have submitted their application. Applicants must complete this qualification by 31 December 2015 as a condition for offer confirmation. Applicants can use the Remoteness Area Locator to determine the classification of their locality: www.doctorconnect. gov.au/internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/ Content/locator. 5.4.2 NON-FLINDERS UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SUB-QUOTA Some South Australian examples are: Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills is RA2 (inner Regional), Loxton in the Riverland is RA3 (Outer Regional), Kimba is RA4 (Remote) and Ceduna and Oodnadatta are RA5 (Very Remote). Additionally, a minimum of 25% of places will be reserved for graduates of an Australian university or other tertiary institution of equivalent standard, which equates to approximately 28 places for non-Flinders University graduates. 5.4.3 RURAL SUB-QUOTA The Commonwealth Government requires that a minimum of 25% of Commonwealth Supported Places are allocated to applicants who come from an Australian rural background. To be considered for the Rural Sub-quota applicants must apply via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal and must also submit a statutory declaration which confirms that they have lived in non-metropolitan areas of Australia (Remoteness Classifications RA2 to RA5) for five or more years since beginning primary school. This must be provided within five working days of submitting their application and no later than 2 June 2015. All applicants with a rural background will automatically be considered for the Rural Sub-quota. Any applicant whose GAMSAT score is sufficient for an invitation to interview in Adelaide, and who nominates a preference for a PRCC Rural Sub-quota place, may additionally be invited to the PRCC selection process. These applicants will undertake two interview processes. If unsuccessful in obtaining a PRCC Rural Sub-quota place, applicants will still be considered for a Rural Sub-quota place. 5.4.4 HUMANITARIAN VISA SUBQUOTA Flinders University is committed to providing an opportunity to study medicine to applicants who have held or currently hold a Refugee or Humanitarian Visa (Subclass 200 / 201 / 202 / 203 / 204 & 866). To be considered for the Humanitarian Visa Sub-quota applicants must apply via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Portal and submit a statutory declaration which confirms that they hold or have held a Humanitarian Visa. This must be provided within five working days of submitting their application and no later than 2 June 2015. Please see Section 7.1.2 for further information. 5.4.5 PARALLEL RURAL COMMUNITY CURRICULUM (PRCC) RURAL SUBQUOTA The Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota of up to 24 places is available annually for applicants from Australian rural communities who are able to demonstrate commitment to a career in rural practice. Applicants offered a place in this sub-quota will enter a rural program that will provide innovative rural experiences throughout each year of the program. Please see www.flinders.edu. au/MD/ruralmedicine for more details. 11 Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota Riverland (up to 8 places) The Riverland PRCC program was established in 1997. Students are located in the towns of Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Barmera and Waikerie. The Greater Green Triangle PRCC began in 2002. Students are located in Mt Gambier, Millicent and Hamilton (Western Victoria). The Hills Mallee Fleurieu PRCC began in 2006. Students are located on Kangaroo Island, and in Strathalbyn, Goolwa, Murray Bridge and Mannum. The Barossa PRCC program began in 2008 as a collaboration between Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. Students are located in Nuriootpa, Angaston, Tanunda and Kapunda. To be considered for this sub-quota applicants must apply via the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine Admissions Postral and must also submit a statutory declaration that confirms they have lived in non-metropolitan areas of Australia (Remoteness Classifications RA2 to RA5) for five or more years since beginning primary school. This must be provided within five days of submitting their application and no later than 2 June 2015. Please see Section 7.1.1 for further information. Please note applicants who wish to preference a PRCC Rural Sub-quota place should select: 12 Greater Green Triangle (up to 8 places) Hills Mallee Fleurieu (up to 4 places) Either • a specific PRCC location (multiple sites cannot be preferenced); Or • elect to be considered for any of the four PRCC locations. Applicants who choose this option will be interviewed at a location determined by the Central PRCC Community Liaison Committee. Applicants must also provide the following additional document within five days and no later than 2 June 2015 of submitting their application: • an Autobiographical Statement (maximum 1200 words) describing their personal background relevant to the course and, in particular, why they have applied to the PRCC Rural Sub-quota and why they are suited to learning medicine in a rural environment. The Autobiographical Statement must address the following: • Resilience • Flexibility • Teamwork • Academic Stability • Passion for the work of rural General Practitioners (GPs) • Indication of a rural career path In addition to the above the applicant must demonstrate that they will academically flourish in the PRCC and will advocate for, and contribute to, the rural medical workforce. Barossa (up to 4 places) All applicants to the PRCC must hold a current drivers’ licence and have access to a roadworthy vehicle. Applicants who are unsuccessful in obtaining a PRCC place will be considered for a standard Doctor of Medicine South Australia place on the basis of their overall rank. PRCC RURAL SUB-QUOTA SELECTION PROCESS (9 JULY TO 11 JULY 2015) PRCC applicants with competitive overall GAMSAT scores will have their Autobiographical Statement considered by the Central PRCC Community Liaison Committee. Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in the PRCC Selection Process and will be required to travel to the relevant location and stay for the duration of the process. During the selection process applicants will undertake a semi-structured interview and a range of other activities, including a dinner. Applicants must participate in and will be assessed on all selection process activities by members of the relevant PRCC Community Liaison Committee. Applicants will be advised of any available reimbursement at the time of invitation. For further information regarding the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum please see www.flinders.edu.au/MD/ prccsites 6. MEDICAL RURAL BONDED SCHOLARSHIPS (MRBS) Expressions of interest for a MRBS place offer will be sought from all successful applicants following confirmation of available places from the Commonwealth Department of Health. This is likely to occur in January 2016. Flinders University will nominate applications to the Department of Health for consideration and offers for these scholarships will be made by the Department of Health on the basis of an applicant’s overall rank. These places come with a living allowance and a bond to work for 6 years in a rural / remote area after completion of professional training. These places are available in South Australia only. Please see www.health.gov.au/ mrbscholarships for further information. 13 7. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION 7.1 Statutory Declarations Statutory Declarations can be downloaded from: www.ag.gov.au/Publications/Pages/ Statutorydeclarations.aspx Applicants are required to submit a separate statutory declaration for each sub-quota for which they wish to be considered. All statutory declarations must be provided within five days of application submission and no later than 2 June 15. Applicants should note that a person who intentionally makes a false statement in a statutory declaration is guilty of an offence under Section 11 of the Statutory Declarations Act 1959. 7.1.1 Rural Origin Australian rural applicants are required to provide a statutory declaration which confirms that they have lived in regional or remote areas of Australia (Australian Standard Geographical Classification - Remoteness Area categories 2-5) for five or more years since beginning their primary schooling. Suggested text for statutory declaration: I have lived in an ASGC-RA 2-5 area for at least five years since the beginning of primary school. I understand that ASGC-RA refers to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Area, and that the Remoteness Area classifications are: RA1 - Major cities of Australia RA2 - Inner regional Australia RA3 - Outer regional Australia RA4 - Remote Australia RA5 - Very remote Australia 14 7.1.2 Humanitarian Visa Humanitarian Visa applicants are required to provide a statutory declaration which confirms that they hold, or have a Humanitarian Visa at some point in the past. Suggested text for statutory declaration: I was granted a Humanitarian Visa Class … Sub Class … (Document Number …) on the … 7.1.3 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are required to provide a statutory declaration which confirms: • that they are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin • that they identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander • that they are accepted as such in the community in which they live or have lived. Suggested text for statutory declaration: I am of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, I identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and I am accepted as such in the community in which I live or have lived. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are also required to submit a document signed under the seal by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation in the community from which the applicant originates or is recognised, confirming that the applicant is recognised by that community. 7.1.4 Northern Territory Residency Status Applicants who are Northern Territory residents are required to provide a statutory declaration confirming the following. A Northern Territory resident is defined as a person who, at the time of commencement of the medical course, has: • resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least two years out of the last six years; Or • resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory for a total of at least five years since commencing primary school. Suggested text for statutory declaration: I have resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory (address) for a total of at least two years out of the last six years; Or I have resided with a permanent address in the Northern Territory (address) for a total of at least five years since commencing primary school. 7.2 Academic Transcripts Domestic applicants who have a qualification from a non-ARTS institution will be required to submit a certified copy of their academic transcript by Monday 15 June 2015. For studies undertaken overseas, applicants must also submit certified copies of all documents by Monday 15 June 2015. For documents in a language other than English, applicants must submit certified copies of both the original documents and full translations. Transcript translations must show results for all subjects undertaken. All translations must be certified by an independent accredited translator. It is an applicant’s responsibility to comply with any requests to provide further documentation, either in the original language or translated into English. 7.3 Autobiographical Statement 7.4 Submission of Documentation Applicants who preference the PRCC Rural Sub-quota are required to submit an autobiographical statement (maximum 1200 words) describing their personal background relevant to the course and, in particular, why they have applied to the PRCC Rural Sub-quota and why they are suited to learning medicine in a rural environment. This must be provided within five working days of submitting their application and no later than 2 June 2015. For further details please see Section 5.4.5. Supporting documentation must be provided within five working days after submitting your application for admission into the Doctor of Medicine. Applicants may submit documents via email or mail. Email address: medadmissions@flinders.edu.au Postal Address: Medical Admissions Team Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Flinders University GPO Box 2100 Adelaide 5001 South Australia Applicants are also permitted to submit documents in person at: Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences Faculty Office Level 3 Health Sciences Building Flinders University Registry Road Bedford Park 5042 South Australia 15 8. IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All prospective students are expected to act professionally towards Flinders University staff, students and applicants. Flinders University reserves the right to consider any aspect of an applicant’s behaviour from the time of application until the acceptance of a place offer in the assessment of their suitability for entry to the MD. 8.1 Grounds for an Offer of Place to be Withdrawn A place offer may be withdrawn by Flinders University if an applicant has provided inaccurate or incomplete information in their application. In accordance with the University Entry Requirements Policy Section 10: Withdrawal of Offer of Admission, prior to withdrawing an offer, the Deputy ViceChancellor (Academic) must: 10.1 give the applicant an opportunity to explain the inaccuracies or omissions in the information provided, and 10.2 take into account the degree to which the applicant has contributed to the inaccuracies and omissions and the stage through the course at which the errors are detected. The policy can be found at: www.flinders.edu.au/ppmanual/ student/entry-requirements.cfm 8.2 Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Under the terms of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2010, medical students are required to be registered with the Medical Board of Australia for the duration of their medical studies. As part of the registration process, students may be required to make declarations about their medical fitness, criminal convictions and any previous registration history. Individual students do not need to register as Flinders University will provide AHPRA with the details of all students enrolled in the MD. More information can be found at: www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/ Student-Registrations.aspx 8.3 Health Requirements All applicants offered a place in the MD are required to comply with a number of recommendations and procedures to enable them to proceed through the course with a low level of risk. Students will be asked to comply with the School of Medicine policy on immunisation and blood-borne viruses. Further information is available in the 9. CONTACTS All enquires will be managed by email only. Please forward questions to medadmissions@flinders.edu.au. 16 Health Advisory Booklet for Health Professional Students available from: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/formsresources 8.4 Police Checks All students will be required to undertake Criminal History Screening (Police Check) including a child related employment screening, a vulnerable person-related employment screening and an aged care sector employment screening. More information can be found at: www.flinders.edu.au/MD/formsresources. GLOSSARY AUTOMATED RESULTS TRANSFER SYSTEM (ARTS) ARTS is an automated system that allows academic results to be directly retrieved from participating Australian University systems. As soon as results are loaded into a university system, results can be retrieved and uploaded for assessment of qualifications. AUSTRALIAN HEALTH PRACTITIONER REGULATION AGENCY (AHPRA) www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/ Student-Registrations.aspx Under the National Law, all students enrolled in a medical course and who are undertaking clinical training, must be registered as a student with the Medical Board of Australia via AHPRA. Flinders University will, on behalf of the student, provide AHPRA with the relevant details for their registration. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT This is required for applicants who wish to apply for the Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota, please see Section 5.4.5 for more details. An applicant who is not an Australian citizen/permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen must apply via the International Admissions Pathway, see Section 2 for details. BACHELOR DEGREE A Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or equivalent forms the first part of the basis for admission into the Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University. An applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated using the results from their most recently completed Bachelor degree. NON-FLINDERS UNIVERSITY GRADUATE An applicant who is a graduate of an Australian University or other tertiary institution of an equivalent standard, other than Flinders University. PRCC RURAL SUB-QUOTA COMMONWEALTH SUPPORTED PLACE ‘Commonwealth supported’ means the cost of study is shared between the Australian Government and the student. The student is required to pay a student contribution amount and the Australian Government pays the balance of their course costs. The Parallel Rural Community Curriculum (PRCC) Rural Sub-quota is available annually for students from rural communities who are able to demonstrate commitment to a career in rural practice. Students selected in this sub-quota will enter a rural program that will provide innovative rural experiences throughout each of the four years www.aqf.edu.au/ DOMESTIC APPLICANT SUB-QUOTA The AQF is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework. A domestic applicant is an Australian citizen / permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen and is eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Sub-quotas are special entry pathways that enable applicants who meet specific entry criteria to compete for admission within a limited allocation of places, see Section 5.4. AUSTRALIAN QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK (AQF) AUSTRALIAN STANDARD GEOGRAPHICAL CLASSIFICATION – REMOTENESS AREA (ASGC - RA) The Commonwealth Department of Health uses a geographic classification system which allows quantitative comparisons between ‘city’ and ’country’ Australia. See: www.health.gov.au/ internet/otd/Publishing.nsf/content/RAIntro. Applicants can use the Remoteness Area Locator to look up the name of their town and find out its classification www.doctorconnect.gov.au/internet/ otd/Publishing.nsf/Content/locator. FLINDERS UNIVERSITY GRADUATE An applicant who has completed or is due complete a Flinders University qualification of AQF Level 7 or above in the year of application. GRADUATE MEDICAL SCHOOLS ADMISSIONS TEST (GAMSAT) www.gamsat.acer.edu.au GAMSAT is used to assist in the selection of students to graduate entry medical and health professional programs. 17 Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this brochure is accurate at the time of publication: April 2015. Flinders University reserves the right to alter any information contained herein without prior notice. CRICOS No. 00114A 18
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