Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Program

The Workplace Based Assessment (WBA) Program is an alternative to the Australian Medical Council (AMC) Clinical Exam for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking general registration.

The program is designed to give IMGs the opportunity to demonstrate that they possess an adequate and appropriate set of clinical skills and the essential professional qualities to practice safely in the Australian Healthcare environment, whilst working in our hospital system.

The Program’s workplace assessments are conducted over 12 months and use a combination of assessments methods to ensure that a broad scope of clinical and non-clinical knowledge and skills are tested across different clinical specialities. These examinations are conducted by a dedicated group of assessors who have volunteered to support the program.

WBA Program Information

Cost:  $ 12,000 (AUD), plus a separate AMC fee of approximately $1,000 (paid directly to the AMC)

Duration: 12 Months 

Location:  Caboolture Hospital (only)

WBA Candidate positions are open to all eligible IMGs working in Metro North Hospitals, however successful applicants will be required to transfer to Caboolture Hospital to complete the WBA Program.

WBA Assessment Process

WBA candidates will be assessed in the same six (6) clinical areas as the AMC Part 2 exam. These areas include:

• Adult Health – Medicine (both acute and chronic management)
• Adult Health – Surgery (both acute and chronic management)
• Women’s Health
• Child Health
• Mental Health
• Emergency Medicine

Clinical domains for WBA assessment

Throughout the assessment process, candidates are assessed in the following aspects:

• Clinical skills (history taking, physical examination, investigations and diagnosis, prescribing and management, counselling/patient education, clinical procedures)
• Clinical judgment
• Communication skills
• Ability to work as an effective member of the healthcare team
• Ability to apply aspects of public health relevant to clinical settings
• Indigenous health and cultural competence
• Professionalism
• Patient safety

Assessment Methods

Several assessments methods are utilised to ensure multiple aspects of performance are examined, including direct observations and indirect methods. The Metro North WBA Program uses the following methods of assessments:

• Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX)
• Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS)
• Case-based Discussion (CBD)
• In-Training Assessment (ITA)
• Multi-Source Feedback (MSF)/360 Degree Assessment
• WBA Logbook (Clinical skills / patient symptoms / education)

Candidate Application Information

Application Eligibility

Completion of a minimum of 20 weeks employment as a Medical Officer (RMO or PHO) in a Metro North Hospital at the time of application. Please note, WBA Candidate positions are only offered to rotation RMOs, therefore IMGs in a PHO position will be required to accept an RMO position for the duration of the program (no exceptions).

Applicants who have already enrolled for the AMC 2 Clinical Exam

Applicants are eligible to apply to the WBA program if they have an AMC 2 Clinical Exam Date, however, if the applicant is successful in obtaining a WBA position, the applicant will enter the AMC WBA Program and cannot undertake the AMC 2 clinical exam whilst on the WBA program. This will be effective from the date of the official program start date.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be assessed on the following, and offered WBA candidacy in order of merit:

• Curriculum Vitae, including employment history and two (2) referees
• Cover Letter, including a reflection on Australian Healthcare experiences (max 1 page)
• Two (2) letters of support to apply for the WBA program from Supervisors
• Service in a Metro North Hospital (minimum 20 weeks – two recent satisfactory End Term Assessments)
• AHPRA registration and supervision requirements
• Attendance at educational activities
• The WBA Application Logbook (provided to applicants at the commencement of a WBA Selection Campaign – held twice a year):
  • Evidence of completion of all mandatory and requisite Medical Officer training
  • Competency of listed procedural skills
  • Completion of two (2) online courses

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that all pre-requites are met. Shortlisted candidates will be ranked according to the above criteria and invited to interview.

What is the Process?

1. Secure a RMO position in a Metro North Hospital
   • Successfully complete the AMC Computer Adaptive Test Multiple Choice Question (CAT MCQ) Exam (AMC Part 1).
   • Apply for Limited Registration with AHPRA.
   • Apply for a RMO position:
     1. RMO Campaign (https://www.health.qld.gov.au/employment/work-for-us/clinical/medical/recruitment/rmo) or
     2. Metro North Careers page: Medical careers | Metro North Health

2. Apply for a WBA Candidate position – WBA Selection Campaign
   • The WBA Selection Campaign is held twice a year only (please note, applications will not be accepted outside the campaign periods).
   • All applications submitted during a selection campaign, will be reviewed and shortlisted by the WBA Selection Panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.
   • WBA Candidate positions will be offered in order of merit.

Applicants that are offered a WBA Candidate position that are working in other Metro North Hospitals, will be required to transfer to Caboolture Hospital to complete the WBA Program.

Applicants that are not deemed suitable in this selection campaign are welcome to apply again in future WBA Selection Campaigns. WBA Selection Campaigns are held twice a year. Please register your interest with the WBA Team.

Register your interest