Frequently Asked Questions
Can training be flexible or part time?
Yes, the NZOA supports trainees who wish to use flexible training or part-time options. Each request for part-time training is considered on a case-by-case basis by the NZOA Education Committee who will consider the reason for the request and the part-time load that you wish to work.
How many training posts are offered each year?
The number of available training posts for any intake varies from year to year. This variance is affected by accreditation of training posts and the progression of existing trainees.
Do I need to be a New Zealand citizen or Permanent Resident?
All applicants must be New Zealand citizens or hold New Zealand Permanent Residency as a Specialty Specific criteria, additional to any requirements for registration with RACS.
What are the components that add to my CV score?
The Structured Curriculum Vitae is scored out of a potential 21 points. The required components are:
Work experience, Skills Courses, Research Experience, Higher Degrees, Cultural Experience and a Personal Statement.
Seeking Advice:
Most questions will be able to be answered by reading the 2025 Selection Regulations for 2026 intake. NZOA staff are unable to advise on scoring or specific requirements. If after reading the Selection Regulations, you consider the activity meets the criteria, include it in the application with the supporting documentation, note; inclusion does not guarantee it will be given points.
What if I need to take a break during my training?
Trainees can request interruption to training for family, research, illness, and other reasons. Interruption requests are considered on a case-by-case basis by the NZOA Education Committee.
Is there support for me as a Māori trainee?
Ngā Rata Kōiwi is the organisation formed of Māori Orthopaedic surgeons who are active within the NZOA and in the Māori community to encourage and support students and young doctors into a career in Orthopaedics. They also support the trainees coming through to make Orthopaedics a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place for Māori to be.
Is orthopaedic surgery an appropriate career choice for women?
Read about four of our female orthopaedic surgeons and trainees in this blog written by Joyce Guo. Share the experiences of Dr Karen Smith, Dr Margy Pohl, Dr Nikki Hooper & Dr Jessica Mowbray https://nzmsj.scholasticahq.com/post/1134-women-in-orthopaedics-the-experiences-of-four-surgeons
What support is available for women in Orthopaedics?
LIONZ (Ladies in Orthopaedics New Zealand) are committed to supporting female surgeons, including trainees, they hold networking opportunities and support for female registrars along with practical workshops and events. https://nzoa-d9.fudev.co.nz/lionz-ladies-orthopaedics-new-zealand. There is a female representative on the AoNZ Orthopaedic Training Board, this role is also co-opted onto the NZOA Education Committee.
LIONZ was set up in 2017 with the aim of connecting women in orthopaedics all over New Zealand. It's a place where we can support each other, work through things and make our community a better place. LIONZ organises workshops and conferences aimed at females at all levels (med students to SMOs) for ongoing education and networking. We are committed to making LIONZ a place you call home within NZOA.
Contact: Emma Lacey: emma@laceyorthopaedics.co.nz or Jillian Lee: drjillianlee@gmail.com to find out how they can support you.
Where will I be placed during my training?
When you apply to the program, you will be asked to nominate your preferences for the first year of your training. You may be offered a training post in one of these preferences but it is not a guarantee. During your training, you will rotate around hospitals in New Zealand.
How competitive is orthopaedic surgery training?
Orthopaedic surgery is one of the more competitive surgical specialties.
How many attempts can I make at selection into orthopaedic training?
From 2025 the '3-strikes' maximum application attempts has been removed. There is no limit to the number of applications that can be made.
What are the selection requirements for orthopaedic training?
For the current Selection Regulations and more information about the selection process for the orthopaedic SET programme visit Apply to the NZOA Training Programme section of this website. Only courses specified in the SET Regulations are eligible for points on the CV. No other courses will be considered.
Do I need to have passed the Clinical Exam to apply?
All candidates will need to have successfully passed the Clinical Exam (CE) at the time of application. (An exception was made in the 2024 year of application where it was suspended). It will return to being a requirement in 2025.
What events do I attend as a trainee?
Among other events offered, all trainees attend compulsory training weekends which are hosted in hospitals on a rotation basis during the 5 years of training. A SET 0 (OHE course) is held at the end of each year and includes those selected in that year, a SET 1 specific training weekend is held at the beginning of the year and there is one SET 2-5 training weekend at the end of the year and one SET 3-5 training weekend at the beginning of the year. SET 4 Trainees also attend a mock exam in November and SET 5 a pre-exam course in May each year.