About AOA 21

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AOA 21 is Australia’s national training program for orthopaedic surgery, launched in 2018 after a major review recommended a shift from time-based to competency-based training. This transformation aligned Australian orthopaedic training with international best practice and evolving expectations in surgical education and patient care, setting a new standard for surgical training.

The AOA 21 training program is designed to ensure that all graduates are prepared to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centred care across Australia.

The program is built around a core curriculum framework that defines the capabilities trainees must develop and how competence is progressively achieved and demonstrated. Advancement through the program is based on demonstrated competence, rather than time spent in training alone.

The curriculum framework is supported by the systems, people and environments required to deliver training consistently across Australia. Together these elements underpin the AOA 21 training program.

AOA 21 program overview

                                         

 

Purpose

 		                                   To ensure all graduates are equipped to deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centred, evidence-based orthopaedic care in any setting across Australia.   

                   

 

Curriculum framework

             A coherent structure that articulates the capabilities trainees must develop, the learning experiences that foster those capabilities, and the integrated assessment system that both supports growth and confirms readiness for independent practice.  
                   

                   

 

Program delivery and support

             The governance, regulations and policies, people (supervisors, support staff) and systems (including learning and assessment technology) and training setting standards that enable the curriculum framework to be delivered consistently, safely and effectively.  
                   

                 

 

Learning environment
and culture

           The respectful, safe, inclusive conditions in which training occurs. This includes behavioural expectations, cultural safety, psychological safety, and a strong commitment to eliminating bullying, discrimination, harassment, and sexual harassment. This environment forms the foundation for effective learning and high-quality patient care.  
                 

                   

 

Monitoring and evaluation

             The monitoring and evaluation activities that help us to understand the experience of trainees and others involved in or affected by the program – supervisors, other health professionals, patients – by assessing how well the program is working and identify opportunities for improvement.