RACS Specialist Pathway for Cardiothoracic Surgeon (ANZSCO 253512) — 2026 Guide

This is the practical RACS Specialist Pathway guide for ANZSCO 253512 Cardiothoracic Surgeon. For pathway view, see the pathway guide. For costs, see the cost case study.

RACS Specialist Pathway sequence

1. Application + qualifications + experience + comprehensive procedure logbook
2. RACS Specialist Assessment with cardiothoracic endorsement (6-12 months)
3. Outcome: Substantially Comparable / Partially Comparable / Not Comparable
4. Medical Board Specialist Registration
5. 12 months supervised practice (Substantially Comparable)
6. FRACS + Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship granted
7. ANZSCTS membership post-arrival

Qualification evidence

Submit:

• Primary medical degree (MBBS / MD / equivalent) certificate + transcript
• Cardiothoracic Fellowship (FRCS Cardiothoracic UK, FRCSC, ABTS, etc.)
• Origin-side specialist registration
• CCT in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Continuing professional development records (5+ years recent)

Procedure logbook

Critical evidence:

• CABG volumes (on-pump / off-pump split)
• Valve surgery (AVR, MVR, repair)
• Aortic surgery (root, ascending, arch)
• Lung resections (VATS, robotic, open)
• Complication rates

Clinical experience evidence

Each role:

• Hospital cardiothoracic centre employer letter
• Title — Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon / Senior CT Surgeon
• Dates and FTE hours
• Sub-specialty (adult cardiac, lung / oesophagus, congenital, transplant)

For locum / agency:

• Agency letters
• Hospital reference letters

English requirement

RACS + Medical Board requires:

• OET — grade B each component
• IELTS Academic — 7.0 each band
• PTE Academic — 65 each

Common reasons assessments stall

• Procedure logbook insufficient. Need comprehensive case numbers
• Origin-side registration restrictions. Unrestricted essential
• English test too old. Test must be valid (typically 2 years for OET)

Tools

• Document checklist
• Eligibility wizard
• ANZSCO search
• Visa fee calculator

Where to verify

• RACS
• Medical Board of Australia
• ANZSCTS

Next step

Want a RACS pre-flight on your cardiothoracic profile? Book a 30-minute free strategy call.