Become an ATLS® instructor

ATLS® delivers a systematic, concise approach to the care of a trauma patient . It demonstrates a safe and reliable method for immediate management of injured patients.

The ATLS® course and its predecessor, EMST, is equivalent to the ATLS® program in other parts of the world.

ATLS® is a 2.5-day course conducted by a faculty of instructors plus a course director, for a maximum of 16 participants. The program includes interactive discussions, practical skill stations, and simulated case scenarios.

Courses are delivered each year across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand by a multi-disciplinary faculty comprising of professionals from surgery, emergency medicine, anesthetics, intensive care, and general practice.

View this year's ATLS® on the ATLS® course page.

Becoming an ATLS® instructor offers a unique opportunity to support the next generation of surgeons whilst contributing to the College's skills training programs. Although the role is pro-bono, the College provides a range of benefits, including:

• CPD points (one point per hour for Fellows up to 30 points per year)
• Recognition through the faculty recognition program
• Networking opportunities within a multi-disciplinary faculty
• Enhancement of educational and teaching skills
• A personally and professionally rewarding experience mentoring emerging surgeons
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (where required) in line with the RACS Travel and Accommodation Policy.

Potential instructor eligibility criteria

• Minimum level of seniority at PGY4
• Current clinical registration and medical practice within the past 5 years
• Status as a Fellow or senior trainee in relevant specialty
• An interest in and/or involvement in clinical trauma management
• An interest in instructing
• A commitment to attend a provider course as an instructor candidate within 12 months of successfully completing an instructor course.

After completing instructor training new instructors are asked to:

• Instruct on at least 2 ATLS® provider courses per year.
• Commit to instructing with RACS for a minimum of 4

It's also an advantage if you:

• Are currently ATLS®/EMST certified (within the last 4 years) and/or current edition.
• Have been previously nominated as a potential instructor. *

*Note: successful applicants who are not currently ATLS®/EMST certified, may need to observe a provider course before attending the instructor course.

1. Submit an application to the ATLS® evaluation panel
2. If ATLS® certification was more than 5 years ago, successful applicants may be required to observe a current edition provider course.
3. Attend, and successfully complete, an ATLS® instructor course
4. Attend, and successfully participate, in an ATLS® provider course as an instructor candidate, within 12 months of completing an instructor course.

Instructor reciprocity exists for the ATLS® program worldwide. Experienced ATLS® instructors may not be required to complete Step 2 of the instructor training process and may be invited to attend an ATLS® course as an instructor candidate.

ATLS® instructors, who received their status in another country, now living in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand wishing to instruct, need to complete the ATLS® Educator Expression of Interest form and have this presented to the evaluation panel for review.

The ATLS® instructor course is an immersive 2.5-day course which focuses on teaching skills and how to facilitate the interactive format of the ATLS® course. You will have the opportunity to:

• Practice facilitating group discussions
• Instructing a skill station
• Run an initial assessment simulation.

This is a great opportunity to refresh your ATLS® knowledge, learn teaching skills which can be transferred to any instructing you do and to gain an internationally recognised qualification which allows you to instruct overseas.  In addition, the course provides a great opportunity to network with experienced trauma clinicians.

During the course you will be assessed on your instructing and implementation of the strategies taught. Successful completion of the instructor course must be followed by successfully instructing  in a course prior to being conferred as an ATLS® instructor.

Selection for the ATLS® instructor course is competitive and limited.  Participants may be chosen due to areas of need, including specialty and location.

Applications are comprehensively reviewed, so please ensure your answers thoroughly address each question in detail, including:

• Specific examples of your teaching experience, including planning, delivery, and evaluation of an education session
• A minimum of 200 words per response is recommended.

Application requirements

When submitting your application, please include:

• Completed ATLS Instructor application form 
• Current detailed curriculum vitae
• instructor training referral form (if not nominated by faculty on an ATLS® or EMST provider course)
• Current passport style ID photo (head and shoulders, smiling is accepted)

The Skills Training team serves as the primary communication link between participants, faculty, and the ATLS®/EMST Committee.

ATLS Secretariat

T: +61 8 8219 0994

E: [email protected]