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Career Profile

General practitioner

General practitioners are medical doctors who provide comprehensive healthcare, diagnosing, treating and helping prevent a wide range of physical and mental health conditions.
Health and Community
Average weekly salary
$2616
Future demand
Very strong
Most common education level
Postgraduate degree

What does a general practitioner do? 

A general practitioner, or GP, is a specialist medical doctor who provides first-contact, whole-person and continuing care. They diagnose and treat a broad range of acute and chronic physical and mental health conditions, prescribe medication, order and interpret tests, and coordinate referrals to specialists. GPs are often the first point of contact in the health system and care for people across all ages.

GPs work mainly in general practices and medical clinics, as well as community health centres, hospitals, aged care and rural or remote services. Many work across multiple sites and increasingly use telehealth. General practice is a recognised medical specialty in Australia. 

Is general practice right for me? 

A career as a GP may suit you if you care about people, enjoy problem-solving, and are committed to completing the extensive training required for the profession. You need strong communication, sound clinical judgement, resilience, and a genuine interest in continuing care and lifelong learning.

Adaptability
An ability to manage change positively and perform effectively in changing environments.
Analytical thinking
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Communication
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
Empathy and working with people
The ability to build positive relationships and support others effectively.

Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.

Industry knowledge
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Professionalism
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.

How to become a GP

If you are exploring how to become a GP, it helps to understand that general practice is a medical specialty, requiring extensive education, clinical training and professional accreditation. You first complete an accredited medical degree, then register as a doctor with the Medical Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), complete prevocational hospital training, and finally complete specialist general practice training leading to Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM.

Whilst UniSQ does not offer a medical degree, our Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway) is a structured pathway into the University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine. 

A common path to becoming a GP:

  1. Complete a relevant undergraduate degree, such as UniSQ's Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway), which can lead into a medical degree.
  2. Complete an accredited medical degree (Doctor of Medicine), awarded by a medical school such as the University of Queensland.
  3. Register as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA, and complete prevocational hospital training.
  4. Complete specialist general practice training, leading to Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM.
  5. Maintain registration and continue professional development throughout your career.

Accreditation and qualifications

To practise as a GP you must complete an accredited medical degree, register as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA, and complete specialist general practice training leading to Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM.

UniSQ does not offer a medical degree, however, our Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway) is a dedicated pathway into the University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine, which is awarded by UQ. 

How long does it take to become a GP?

Becoming a GP takes many years of study and training. UniSQ's Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway) is a three-year degree that can lead into the University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine, which usually takes a further four years. 

After the medical degree, doctors complete an internship and prevocational training, then specialist general practice training leading to Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM. In total, the pathway commonly takes around a decade from starting university. 

Start your journey with UniSQ

Start your journey towards medicine with UniSQ's Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway), a structured route into the University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine. 

Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway)
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Responsibilities and work settings

Day-to-day responsibilities

Consulting with and examining patients.

Diagnosing illness and prescribing treatment and medication.

Ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.

Managing chronic disease and providing preventive care.

Referring to and coordinating with specialists and allied health.

Where you might work

Private healthcare providers, clinics and practices

Public hospitals and health services

Emergency services organisations

Aged care providers

Community health organisations

Non-profit, charity and community organisations

Government agencies, departments and councils

General practitioner FAQs

Pay for general practitioners varies with location, practice model and whether they own or work within a practice. Working in rural and regional practice often attracts additional incentives. 

You complete an accredited medical degree, register as a doctor with the Medical Board of Australia through AHPRA, complete prevocational hospital training, then specialist general practice training leading to Fellowship of the RACGP or ACRRM. It is a long, highly regulated pathway that usually takes around a decade.

UniSQ does not award a medical degree. It offers the Bachelor of Medical Science (Medicine Pathway), a structured route into the University of Queensland's Doctor of Medicine, delivered in Toowoomba. The medical degree itself is awarded by UQ, and GP Fellowship training is completed afterwards.

General practice is a respected, secure career with strong demand, especially in regional and rural areas where GPs are in short supply. It offers variety and long-term relationships with patients. UniSQ's Medicine Pathway is a starting point towards the medical degree required.

Day-to-day, a GP consults with patients, diagnoses and treats illness, prescribes medication, orders and interprets tests, manages chronic conditions, and refers to specialists. GPs provide continuing, whole-person care across all ages.

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Disclaimer: UniSQ’s Career Finder is a guide only. While reasonable care is taken to ensure accuracy, career information may change over time. Career statistics are sourced from Your Career and Jobs and Skills Australia. © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Salary figures listed on this page are in Australian Dollars (AUD).