Re: RCPA Post-Fellowship Diploma Training Programs – Name change
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), along with all 15 Specialist Medical Colleges in Australia, has been notified by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TESQA), which registers and regulates higher education providers delivering accredited courses of study, that the College can no longer use the title of ‘Diploma’ for its Post-Fellowship training programs. This mandate comes into force on 1 January 2024.
The Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC), on behalf of all 15 Specialist Medical Colleges, tried to convince the Department of Education to stop the restriction from coming into effect, but was not able to overturn the Department’s decision to enforce the legislation.
The RCPA has therefore taken the steps to rebadge all future Post-Fellowship Diplomas as Post-Fellowship Certificates. In accordance with TESQA’s mandate, candidates will be awarded a Post-Fellowship Certificate from 1 January 2024.
The RCPA Post-Fellowship Diploma Programs affected are:
- Biochemical Genetic Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Forensic Pathology
- Neuropathology
- Paediatric Pathology
These will all be rebadged as Post-Fellowship Certificates. This only affects our training programs going forward. Fellows awarded a Post-Fellowship Diploma before 31 December 2023 may continue to use the term Diploma.
If you would like further information, please email the RCPA’s Training and Education team via bea@rcpa.edu.au
Post-Fellowship certificate in Biochemical Genetic Pathology
Post-Fellowship certificate in Cytopathology
NB Enquiries regarding this program are to be made to the College directly via bea@rcpa.edu.au
Post-Fellowship certificate in Dermatopathology
Post-Fellowship certificate in Forensic Pathology
Post-Fellowship certificate in Neuropathology
Post-Fellowship certificate in Paediatric Pathology