How do I become a Doctor?

Medicine is a rewarding career, which is constantly evolving with each day bringing new developments in medical knowledge. Working with patients and their families preventing and treating illness is a highly rewarding career which requires compassion, good communication skills, teamwork and resilience to work in a fast paced environment.

There are multiple entry routes to the Medical profession:

  • Undergraduate degree in Medicine
  • Graduate entry route

All undergraduate medical courses in Ireland require you to sit the Health Professions Aptitude Test – HPAT. A combination of your Leaving Certificate results and your HPAT are used for consideration for entry to medicine. For more information on the entry routes visit Careers Portal.

Click on the attached link for more information on Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM).

Group of medical students at a desk in university

Your role with the HSE

When you qualify and have completed your Intern Year you must register with The Medical Council, the regulatory body for doctors in Ireland.

Medicine presents a dynamic and fulfilling career, shaped by ongoing innovation and discovery. Becoming a doctor is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of specialised training, professional growth, and meaningful impact.

Depending on your area of specialism, you can work across a variety of settings, such as intensive care, surgery, rehabilitation, paediatrics, geriatrics, gynaecology, oncology, and more, offering unique opportunities for a diverse and fulfilling career.

Doctor with young child in a hospital

Explore your role at different points of your Medical Training

Discover what you will learn and what will be expected of you as you progress through your Medical Training.

*  There are 57 specialties currently recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland, with stand-alone or streamlined training programmes in place for 50 of these specialties.

Training pathways may comprise of:

  • Basic Specialist Training
  • Higher Specialist Training
  • Streamlined Specialist Training

The duration of some pathways could be affected by training you have already undertaken or through the practice of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

male doctor with a pregnant female patient

Further training and development

There are various programmes designed to enhance your medical education and help you acquire new skills and specialised knowledge in your chosen field. For more information visit Medical Careers Ireland.

As a Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) employed by a HSE clinical site, you will sign the 2010 NCHD Contract, which provides access to training and educational supports.

National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) also provides information on scholarships and fellowships, financial supports for exams, flexible training opportunities.

The HSE mandates certain training to ensure safe service delivery. Requirements vary by clinical site and specialty, with a specific list of mandatory training provided. Training may be completed on the HSE’s training platform, HSELanD or through classroom/practical sessions.

The Medical Council also provides information on education and training.

 

 

group of female doctors

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working with the HSE offers more than just a job — it’s a chance to build a meaningful and rewarding career. As part of a world-class healthcare system delivering patient-centred care, you’ll benefit from competitive salaries, excellent benefits packages, and continuous opportunities for learning and development. You’ll also join a supportive community of healthcare professionals and enjoy flexible work options that enhance your quality of life — all within a country rich in cultural and natural resources.

Visit the Medical Careers website for more information.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Please click on the below link to find out more about one of our colleague’s experience:

Niamh Shaugnessy, Paediatric Doctor, Children’s Health Ireland.

Senior Patient having Consultation With Doctor In Office