The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, more commonly known by its acronym RCPA is a medical organization that promotes the science and practice of

pathology Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease or injury. The word ''pathology'' also refers to the study of disease in general, incorporating a wide range of biology research fields and medical practices. However, when used in ...

. The RCPA is a leading organisation representing pathologists and other senior scientists in

Australasia Australasia is a region that comprises Australia, New Zealand and some neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term is used in a number of different contexts, including geopolitically, physiogeographically, philologically, and ecologica ...

History

The College of Pathologists of Australia was incorporated on 10 April 1956. In 1970, the college was granted Royal assent, and became the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia. With the increasing number of Fellows in New Zealand, the college changed its name to the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia in January 1980. Since 1986, the college has occupied Durham Hall, a heritage listed building in Sydney's Surry Hills and the adjacent 203-205 Albion Street, Surry Hills cottages.

Programmes

Training and examinations

The college conducts training and examinations in several sub-disciplines, including: *

Anatomical Pathology Anatomical pathology (''Commonwealth'') or Anatomic pathology (''U.S.'') is a medical specialty that is concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, immunologic and molecular examination ...

* Chemical Pathology * Forensic Pathology * General Pathology *

Genetics Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.Hartl D, Jones E (2005) It is an important branch in biology because heredity is vital to organisms' evolution. Gregor Mendel, a Moravian Augustinian friar wor ...

* Haematology * Immunopathology *

Microbiology Microbiology () is the scientific study of microorganisms, those being unicellular (single cell), multicellular (cell colony), or acellular (lacking cells). Microbiology encompasses numerous sub-disciplines including virology, bacteriology, prot ...

The college accredits laboratories for training, approves supervised training in accredited laboratories, and conducts examinations leading to Fellowship of the college (FRCPA).

Continuing Professional Development

Since its inception, the college has contributed to the continual development of knowledge and skills of it Fellows, and has established a formal Continuing Professional Development Program.

Professional Practice Standards

The college collaborated with the Commonwealth Government to establish the National Pathology Accreditation Advisory Council (NPAAC) in 1979. NPAAC advises the Commonwealth, State and Territory Health Ministers on matters relating to the accreditation of pathology laboratories, plays a key role in ensuring the quality of Australian pathology services and is responsible for the development and maintenance of standards and guidelines for pathology practices. While NPAAC provides the standards for laboratory practice, the actual accreditation process is carried out by NATA/RCPA, a joint initiative between the college and the National Association of Testing Authorities
NATA
.

References

External links

* {{authority control 1956 establishments in Australia Medical associations based in Australia Specialist medical colleges in Australia Medical associations based in New Zealand Medical education in Australia College of Pathologists of Australasia, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, Royal Pathology organizations Pathologists of Australasia