A Career as a Doctor in Ireland
This blog provides a comprehensive guide for Doctors looking to practice in Ireland, covering everything from studying medicine at university to registering with the Irish Medical Council (IMC). It highlights the various medical roles available, including internships, non-consultant positions, and consultancy, and offers key information for Doctors considering relocation to Ireland.
How many years does it take to become a Doctor in Ireland?
Typically, it takes 5–6 years to study medicine in Ireland, followed by at least one year of internship and additional years for specialisation.
For international Doctors, the process remains similar, though additional steps may be required for recognition of qualifications and ensuring English proficiency.
Career pathways for Doctors in Ireland
Interns in Ireland
An intern is a Doctor who is in their first year after medical school. The intern year is essential in gaining hands-on experience in a clinical setting. During this 12-month period, interns rotate through multiple specialties. Upon completing the internship, the Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) grants a Certificate of Experience, which allows graduates to apply for general registration or trainee specialist registration.
Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors (NCHDs)
A Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) is a Doctor who works under the guidance and observation of a Consultant.
Senior House Officers (SHOs)
A Senior House Officer (SHO) is a type of Non Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD) who is supervised by Registrars and Consultants. SHOs typically work under consultants or registrars in hospitals across Ireland. SHOs can either be in training posts or non-training positions. Those in SHO jobs in Ireland who are not enrolled in a postgraduate training scheme are referred to as non-training SHOs.
Registrars
A registrar is a Doctor who has completed a minimum of 24 months post-internship. They work under the supervision of consultants and are gaining experience in their specialty. Registrar Doctors working in Ireland can be in training or non-training posts, depending on their long term career goals.
Specialist Registrars
The next step up is a Specialist Registrar (SpR), who is in the final stage of specialist training. A specialist is in a position where they have a high level of responsibility but are still in a training programme. An SpR is part of a postgraduate training program in one of over 40 specialties across Ireland. Upon completion, the Doctor is awarded a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST), qualifying them for Consultant posts.
Consultants
A consultant is a fully qualified Senior Doctor who has completed their training and have become an expert in their field.
Locum Doctors
A Locum Doctor is a temporary Doctor who fills in for absent colleagues. Locum positions are common in Ireland and are available across various specialties. Locum Doctor jobs in Ireland provide flexibility and an opportunity to work in different healthcare settings. To be eligible you need to be an Irish, EU or UK citizen or resident and be eligible to work in Ireland without a work permit.
Irish Medical Council registration
To practice medicine in Ireland, all Doctors must have IMC registration.There are different types of registration and requirements. For a full guide on registration see our complete guide to IMC registration.
General Registration
If you have completed a recognised medical degree, you can register for General Registration. This allows you to work as a doctor in Ireland without supervision. If you have trained outside of the EU/EEA please see our blog on Relocating to Ireland as a Doctor .
Specialist Registration
Specialist Registration allows Doctors to practice independently as a Specialist/Consultant in their field of specialisation.
English language proficiency
All NCHDs and medical professionals must demonstrate proficiency in English to meet the communication standards required for patient care in Ireland. Accepted proof includes a degree from an English-speaking country, such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia. Alternatively, an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET). This can also be evidenced by studying medicine in English or working in an English speaking country for 2 years out of the last 5.
Police clearance and Garda vetting
Before starting employment, all Doctors in Ireland are required to undergo police clearance, also known as Garda Vetting. This ensures that healthcare professionals do not pose a risk to patients or the public. Additionally, if a Doctor has worked/lived outside Ireland within the last 10 years, they must provide an overseas police clearance from all countries they’ve worked in.
Working in the Irish healthcare system: public vs private
Public Hospitals
Public hospitals in Ireland are owned and funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE), which provides health and social services throughout the country. The hospitals are categorised into statutory and voluntary public hospitals. Statutory hospitals are fully funded by the government, while voluntary hospitals receive state funding but may be managed by private bodies.
Private Hospitals
Private hospitals in Ireland operate independently of the HSE and do not receive state funding. These hospitals offer private healthcare services for patients who prefer to pay for care.
How to set up in Ireland: Banking, PPSN, and Accommodation
Setting Up a Bank Account in Ireland
To open a bank account in Ireland, you will need proof of address (e.g., utility bills, rental agreements), photo identification (passport or driver’s license). A Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is essential for setting up a bank account in Ireland. It’s used for taxation, social services, and employment purposes. Most banks will require this to complete the account-opening process.
How to Get a PPS Number
The Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) is vital for accessing public services and you will need it for everything from getting paid to filing taxes or applying for government services like healthcare. You can apply for a PPSN number online.
Having a PPS number allows you to:
- Be taxed correctly by your employer.
- Access healthcare services and apply for social welfare benefits.
- Register with various public and private services in Ireland.
Finding accommodation as an international Doctor in Ireland
Finding accommodation in Ireland can be challenging, especially in major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, where demand often exceeds supply. Rent prices have been rising steadily in recent years, making it important to budget carefully.
Many cities, such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway, offer a range of rental options, from shared apartments to private homes. It’s advisable to start your search early, especially in larger cities where demand is high. Websites like Daft.ie and Rent.ie are popular platforms to find listings.
You will typically need proof of income, a reference, and a deposit to secure a place. Consider proximity to your hospital or medical facility, as well as public transportation options. Many international Doctors opt for short-term rentals initially while they settle in and search for longer-term accommodation.
Conclusion
Becoming a Doctor in Ireland offers rewarding opportunities in a well-structured healthcare system. From a career as a general practitioner to a specialist registrar, there is a wide range of positions available for Doctors looking to practice in Ireland.
If you’re considering a move to Ireland, explore the different roles available and ensure you’re fully prepared to take the necessary steps for a successful medical career.
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