Hospital doctor

Hospital doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions, injuries, illness and disease in patients admitted to hospital.

Potential salary: £40,000 starter to £145,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 42 to 48. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota.
Career area: Health and care
Where they might work: You could work in an NHS or private hospital. Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.
A typical task: speak to patients and examine them on wards or in outpatient clinics
Subjects that may help: at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
Typical route: To become a hospital doctor, you'll need to complete:
Interest area used here: Health and laboratory science, Helping and teaching

Career actions

What you might do

More tasks (2)

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

To become a hospital doctor, you'll need to complete:
a 5-year degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
a foundation course of general training which takes 2 years
specialist training which can take between 5 to 8 years depending on the speciality
You might be able to do a foundation year before starting a medical degree. This will depend on your circumstances and what qualifications you hold.
If you already have a science-based degree, you could take a 4-year graduate entry route into medicine.
There is a lot of competition for places, so it's important to check the entry requirements of medical schools before you apply.
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .
It tests for skills you'll need on the course, such as:
critical thinking
problem solving
data analysis
decision making
Medical schools will also expect you to have some relevant paid or voluntary work experience. The British Medical Association provides information on how to find a placement.
You'll usually need:
at least 5 GCSEs grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English maths and sciences
3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements
University Clinical Aptitude Test

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Medicine
Direct qualifying route. The usual first degree for a doctor. Speciality training comes afterwards.

You may be able to apply for a place on a Doctor Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in a healthcare setting.
This takes 5 years to do and you would need the support of your employer to apply.
On successful completion, you could progress to the 2-year foundation training programme, then move on to specialist training.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

pass enhanced background checks