How do I become a Doctor?

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

There are multiple entry routes to the Medicine 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).

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified,  you must register with The Medical Council, the regulatory body for doctors in Ireland.

Medicine is a rewarding career, which is constantly evolving with each day bringing new developments in medical knowledge.

Qualifying as a doctor marks the start of a lifelong journey of specialist training and continuous professional development. You can work in a variety of settings such as community and/or hospital based roles, and in a wide variety of specialisms such as:  Intensive Care, Surgery, Rehabilitation, Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Gynaecology, Oncology, General Practice and more, offering unique opportunities for a diverse and fulfilling career.

Career Progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

Career Progression Pathway: 

  • Intern: The first year of clinical training, providing hands-on patient care across various healthcare settings.
  • Senior House Officer (SHO): A non-consultant hospital doctor (NCHD) supervised by consultants and registrars. SHOs may hold training or standalone posts.
  • Registrar: A doctor with at least 24 months post-internship experience, progressing from SHO level based on experience and aptitude.
  • Specialist Registrar (SpR): A doctor undergoing Higher Specialist Training (HST). In psychiatry, this role is referred to as Senior Registrar.
  • General Practice (GP) Training: GPs provide comprehensive care, supporting patients from birth to old age. GP training lasts four years.
  • Consultant: Upon successful completion of specialist training and registration on the Specialist Division of the Medical Council Register, doctors can work independently as Consultants or GPs and supervise training and non-training NCHDs.

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 the Medical Careers Ireland.

As an 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 also provides information on scholarships and fellowships, financial supports for exams and 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.

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Testimonials coming soon.