Child and adolescent psychiatry training in Australia and New Zealand.

Abstract

The specialty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was formally recognised in the 1930s. The Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry was established in 1964 in Australia, as a subspecialty in The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). The aim of the current article is first to provide a brief summary and overview of the current status of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP), followed by an outline of the requirements of the Training Program for CAP in Australia and New Zealand. The training required to become a fully qualified child and adolescent psychiatrist in Australia and New Zealand consists of different stages and takes the form of competency-based training. Information relating to assessment types, supervision and research requirements is also described. Accreditation procedures for the training program are stipulated by RANZCP to monitor standards and to ensure consistency within the programs delivered across Australia and New Zealand. Employment opportunities for trainees upon completion of the program are discussed. In summary, this article highlights the requirements of the training programs for CAP in Australia and New Zealand.