Pursuing a Postgraduate Career in Medicine

Medicine is a difficult industry to get into, requiring your knowledge to be constantly up to date if you want to progress, but it’s not impossible by any means. To get into the medical profession, it isn’t always essential to have an undergraduate qualification in medicine (although this does help significantly). As long as you can demonstrate your knowledge of human anatomy and a passion for medical practice, through work experience or previous study, there should be a job available for you within the medical sector. Once you’ve entered the medical profession, you can also think about furthering your career through independent study or professional development. 

How to enter the medical profession...

...With a degree in medicine

The majority of individuals entering the medical sector do so having studied medicine or nursing at undergraduate level.

If you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree in medicine, then you should apply for a foundation programme in order to complete your training as a doctor. The foundation programme will last for two years and will be followed by a year-long training course to specialise in a specific area.

...Without a degree in medicine

There are other routes into the profession provided by a number of different postgraduate courses which will equip you with the essential skills. Many Psychology or Special Education students take postgraduate Master’s programmes in Psychiatric Nursing, whereas those with degrees in subjects such as Child Development may choose a credited nursing course in specialised subjects such as Paediatrics or Midwifery.

It is important that you demonstrate some previous knowledge of medicine and first aid through voluntary work experience, either in a hospital environment or with a charitable organisation such as St John’s Ambulance.

If you’ve already had some medical experience, either in a working or voluntary capacity, and you’ve already got a degree, becoming a doctor is still an option. A GEM course is a programme of study open to graduates and is popular among qualified nursing staff with medical experience, or those with strong science degrees.

The GEM course reduces the standard medical training time by a year. Students will spend 18 months on a pre-clinical course before spending two years covering the practical knowledge covered on the typical undergraduate degree programme. After this, students are able to apply for the foundation programme to complete their training.

How to further your medical career...

...With independent study

One of the most popular ways for doctors to progress within their careers is to undertake a PhD or an MD qualification. Both of these are highly prestigious qualifications and, although they are not essential to those wishing to pursue senior positions, they do demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of medicine, a passion for the subject and the ability to conduct research.

There is a significant debate as to which qualification a potential student should choose, and both options have their merits. The PhD focuses predominantly on research, whereas the MD is a shorter and more flexible qualification suitable to those wishing to maintain their clinical roles. There are a number of different funding options available for courses of this nature.

...With professional development

There is a constant need for medical professionals to continuously update their training, irrespective of their rank within the hospital environment. From health and safety management, research and diagnostic techniques to technology training, there are a number of Continuing Professional Development programmes that can last from days to months depending on the subject matter.

One of the great things about working for an institution such as the NHS and other medical organisations is that they are willing to invest a significant amount of money in staff training when necessary, and there’s always plenty of opportunity to further your career. Your place of work may be willing to cover the fees of MSc programmes in relevant subjects, specialist nursing programmes or Management and Leadership courses. Further study doesn’t come cheap, so this is definitely worth taking advantage of as it will enhance your CV.

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