To become an orthopaedic surgeon an applicant must have a basic medical degree and at least two years post graduate experience.  The training takes a minimum of five years where the trainee is employed as a registrar and rotated through a range of accredited New Zealand hospitals.  The curriculum is a mixture of practical operating competencies, communication skills and formal theoretical examinations.

Progress is reviewed annually by the NZOA Education Committee.  On successful completion the applicant can apply for Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and be able to become vocationally registered as an orthopaedic surgeon with the New Zealand Medical Council.

The training is completed jointly through the College (RACS) and the NZOA Education Committee.