Orthopaedic surgery
Orthopaedic surgery is the diagnosis and treatment (operative and non operative) of patients with disorders of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, ligaments, tendon and peripheral nerves). It includes the management of trauma to the musculoskeletal system and the management of congenital and acquired disorders.
Vocational training in New Zealand
Vocational training in orthopaedic surgery is undertaken through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). Once RACS training is completed the doctor is awarded the Fellowship of the RACS (FRACS) in orthopaedic surgery.
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The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), formed in 1927, is a non-profit organisation training surgeons and maintaining surgical standards in Australia and New Zealand.
Am I able to apply to work as a recognised specialist in New Zealand?
To apply for vocational registration in orthopaedic surgery, you need either:
- the FRACS qualification; or
- an international postgraduate medical qualification, where your combination of qualifications, training and experience will then be assessed against the standard of FRACS in orthopaedic surgery.
What standard will my training, qualifications and experience be compared against?
For details on the training programme please refer to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and New Zealand Orthopaedic Association websites.
I want to make a vocational registration application
To make a vocational registration application, please refer to the Vocational Registration Homepage and select the option appropriate for you.
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Vocational registration is a form of permanent, specialist registration which allows you to work independently in New Zealand.
Am I able to apply for other types of registration?
You may be able to apply for more than one type of registration. To find out which is the best fit for you, please use our self assessment tool.
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Use our registration self assessment tool to determine which pathway to registration (as a medical practitioner in New Zealand) you might be eligible for. Note: we do not cover student electives.