Funded Registrar Positions

The number of Clinical Training Agency (CTA) funded training places are capped.  In 2010 the CTA will fund 154 training places.

Most registrars recieve a training bursary, which is exempt from income tax, and is reviewed annually.  The 2009 training bursary is up to $45,303 tax free for the 42 week programme, which is the equivalent of approximately $77, 600 before tax per annum.

In addition limited numbers of scholarships of $7,500 or $15,000 tax free are awarded to some registrars with a special interest in rural, Maori or Pacific health.

In order to attract registrars to their region, some DHBs/PHOs/practices may offer financial incentives such as training support scholarships, vehicle and housing allowances, doctors bag and equipment, etc. 

Alternatives to the Bursary

In 2010 the CTA is exploring alternative funding models in order to encourage more doctors to engage in vocatonal training in General Practice.

Practice Employed Registrars

Doctors already employed in a practice may apply for a registrar position.  As a contribution to the cost to the practice associated with an employed registrar undertaking training, the Clinical Training Agency (CTA) will fund up to a maximum allowance of $12,414.  This funding will be made available to the employing practice on a case by case basis.  It is intended to assist with the cost to the practice of the employed registrar attending seminars and teaching in the practice.  Practice employed registrars may be in a College accredited teaching practice or in an alternative approved practice.

This is a pilot arrangement for 2010.

DHB Employed Registrars

In 2010 five DHBs (Midcentral, Tairawhiti, Taranaki, Counties Manukau, West Coast) are delivering CTA funded General Practitioner pilot training programmes.  Trainees on these programmes are employees of the DHBs and must be enrolled on the RNZCGP vocational training programme.