Introduction
Australia's healthcare system boasts a well-structured set-up with a clear doctor hierarchy from medical students to specialists. Each position has a well-defined set of roles and responsibilities to ensure no mistake is made in the healthcare system. For international medical graduates or fresh Australian graduates, the journey of practising medicine in Australia often begins as a junior medical officer or a resident medical officer. Today, we will explore the differences between RMO versus JMO in Australia and compare them in terms of responsibility, qualification level, salaries, and career trajectory.
RMO VS JMO in Australia- Job Roles Explained
JMO or junior medical officer is an umbrella term that includes recently qualified doctors such as interns, registrars, and medical practitioners in their early careers.
RMO or resident medical officer refer to doctors who have completed their internship and are now eligible for independent practice. It is a term also used for doctors who are in the second or subsequent postgraduate years of their medical studies (PGY2+)
| Aspect | JMO (Junior Medical Officer) | RMO (Resident Medical Officer) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A broad term for junior doctors | Specific title for PGY2+ doctors |
| Level | PGY1–PGY3+ | PGY2–PGY4 |
| Typical Tasks | Basic clinical duties, under supervision | More independent patient care, may supervise interns |
| Title Usage | Interns, RMOs, registrars | Usually used for PGY2 doctors |
Key Responsibilities
Junior medical officers are often assigned a plethora of tasks, generally at the lowest level of providing healthcare. They are also often supervised by their experts and thus have to work under the care of an expert medical practitioner. Common responsibilities include-
- Performing clinical assessments
- Monitoring the progress of patients
- Documenting case notes
- Assisting seniors in ward rounds
- Liaising with patients’ families
Resident medical officers, on the other hand, are independent doctors who are eligible to practice without the supervision of seniors. They generally have a few years of experience under their belt and thus can perform independently. Key responsibilities include-
- Diagnosing and managing complex cases
- Prescribing treatments with autonomy
- Supervising and mentoring interns and JMOs
- Participating in after-hours rosters
- Rotating through specialities, like emergency, surgery, or paediatrics, etc
Eligibility Criteria
To become a JMO or RMO in Australia, you need to clear the Australian Medical Council examination. While you can become a JMO right after the AMC MCQ exam if you succeed in getting an internship, becoming a JMO requires complete registration with the Australian Medical Council and the Medical Board of Australia.
| Criteria | Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) | Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Qualification | MBBS/MD or any other medical degree recognised by the Australian Medical Council | MBBS/MD or equivalent medical degree |
| AMC Exam | Must clear the AMC exam and obtain provisional registration with AHPRA | Must clear both AMC MCQ and Clinical/WBA exams |
| Internship/Practice | Internship (for Australian graduates) or supervised practice year (for international graduates) | Completion of the mandatory internship year |
| AHPRA Registration | Provisional registration with AHPRA | Provisional or Complete registration with AHPRA |
Also Read: What is AHPRA- Role, Functions And Registration Process Explained
Job opportunities- RMO vs JMO
As discussed earlier, you can get internships or entry-level positions when you qualify to become a junior medical officer. However, on qualifying to become a resident medical officer, you can get roles with higher authority and autonomy. To become an RMO, you need to complete your internship year as a JMO first. After gaining experience as a JMO or RMO, doctors can-
- Enter a vocational training programme such as surgery, psychiatry, general practitioner, et cetera.
- Apply for senior registrar positions.
- Take up non-training roles in hospitals and other Australian healthcare institutes.
- Transition to research or public health roles as a medical expert.
Overall, you can get a JMO position after clearing your AMC examination. After working for a year in the same position, you can get complete registration and acquire the position of an RMO. This kickstarts your medical career in Australia and serves as a stepping stone into speciality training or permanent hospital roles.
RMO vs JMO Salary in Australia
The salary of an RMO generally depends on the hospital and the location where you are working. Experience also plays a major role in deciding your salary as a resident medical officer. Here is the comparison between the salaries of JMO and RMO in Australia.
| Role | Average Salary (AUD/year) |
|---|---|
| JMO (Intern) | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| RMO | $80,000 – $110,000 |
Allowances: Doctors working in an Australian healthcare setup often receive additional payments for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays. The best kind of salaries are often provided in remote areas where the demand for both JMO and RMO is quite high.
How to become an RMO/JMO in Australia?
The journey to become an RMO or JMO as an international medical graduate starts with one step- the Australian Medical Council examination. You must clear the AMC examination if you are ready to kickstart medical practice in Australia. Here are the steps you need to follow to do so-
- Submit your qualifications with the EPIC and AMC for an eligibility check.
- Pass the AMC MCQ exam, which is a computer-based test.
- Get provisional registration from the AMC and find an internship position in Australia (as a Junior Medical Officer).
- Clear the AMC clinical exam or complete the Workplace-Based Assessment for complete registration.
- Apply for general registration after completing 12 months of supervised practice.
After completing registration, you can apply for RMO or higher positions, depending on your experience and skills. You can also enrol in speciality training or work as a hospital medical officer.
Also Check: How to Get Medical Residency in Australia as an IMG
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting the process of building a medical career in Australia or are in the process, understanding the doctor hierarchy in Australia is key to navigating your medical career. Both JMO and RMO are often defined as junior-level positions, and the start of your medical career in Australia, leading to prestigious opportunities. The responsibilities and salaries of RMOs are higher than those of JMOs. With the structured pathway and with the help of experts, IMG can successfully integrate into Australia's medical workforce.
