Understanding the career pathway and grades for doctors in the UK
For international doctors who are unfamiliar with the healthcare system in the UK, understanding the different titles for doctors can be confusing. That’s why we’ve written a blog to help you better understand the different UK doctors grades, what they mean and what the career pathway in the UK is:
- FY1
- FY2
- Junior Middle Grade (ST1-2/CT1-2)
- Senior Middle Grade (ST3-ST8)
Foundation training
After completing medical school, graduates will enter the Foundation Programme. This is a two year training programme.
FY1 (Foundation Year 1)
FY1 doctors hold provisional GMC registration and work only under very close supervision.
By the end of their FY1 year, doctors will need to have shown that they have met the required outcomes to be eligible for full registration with the GMC and to then move onto the next stage of their foundation training.
FY2 (Foundation Year 2)
FY2 doctors remain under clinical supervision however, are given an increasing amount of responsibility for patient care.
By completing FY2, a trainee shows that they’re ready to move onto a core, speciality or general practice training programme. They can also be recommended for full registration with the GMC.
Specialty training
Once a doctor has successfully completed their foundation training, they’ll progress into the early stages of training in either a specialist area or general practice. Training programmes usually last between 3-8 years, but the exact length and structure may differ according to the speciality.
We’ve provided a brief overview of some of the available training pathways, below:
Run-through training programmes
Run-through training programmes typically last between 3-7 years. Applicants apply once, at the beginning of the programme, and are recruited for the full duration of the specialty training.
Uncoupled training programmes
Uncoupled training programmes are split into Core Training and Higher Speciality Training.
Core training lasts for 2-3 years however, this can differ depending on the specialty.
Once a doctor has completed their core training, they can apply for a higher specialty training post. Higher speciality training takes between 4-6 years to complete and in most specialties, begins at ST3 level. For the specialties where this does not begin at ST3 level, it will start at ST4.
The application process for higher speciality training is competitive and the completion of core training does not guarantee acceptance.
Doctors grades through training
Doctors in speciality training programmes are known as Middle Grade doctors.
Junior Middle Grade doctors are trainee’s who have completed their foundation training and are now in the early years of their speciality training. They are:
- ST1/ST2: ST stands for Specialty Training. This is for doctors who are in their first few years of a run-through training programme
- CT1/CT2: CT stands for Core Trainee. This is for doctors in their first few years of an uncoupled training programme
- SHO: The term previously used for doctors at this stage was SHO.
Senior Middle Grade doctors are known as ST3-ST8.
What is an SAS or Specialty Doctor?
SAS and Specialty doctors are experienced and senior doctors who have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.
There are routes, through gaining CESR (certificate of eligibility for specialist registration), for SAS/Specialty doctors to become consultants if they want to.
Consultants or GPs
Once a doctor has completed their specialist training, they are able to work without supervision as a Consultant or GP.
In the UK, to work in a permanent/substantive post, you must be on the GMC Specialist Register. At the end of their specialist training, trainee’s in the UK will receive their CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) and will be entered onto the GMC Specialist Register or GP Register.
Locum Consultant
You do not have to be on the Specialist Register to take up a Locum Consultant post (although you must have the appropriate experience). For this reason, many overseas Consultants will opt to enter the UK system in a fixed term Locum Consultant post, or at Senior Middle Grade, with the view to gaining entry onto the GMC Specialist Register via the CESR route.
What is CESR?
For doctors who have completed their training outside of the UK, the CESR pathway offers an alternative means of access to the GMC Specialist Register. For further information about CESR, read our blog.
To check whether you may be eligible for direct entry onto the GMC Specialist Register, click here.
If you’re interested in working in the UK and would like to discuss the positions available in your specialty, and how we can assist you, please contact our team.
