How to qualify to become a Doctor in Devon

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted Tuesday, July 5, 2022 - 8:44am

Doctors are one of the most important and revered professionals in the UK. However, becoming one is no easy feat as there are many challenges to face and an unprecedented level of dedication to learn required. In order to become a doctor in the UK, you will need to have certain qualifications.

Read on to find out what qualifications you need to become a doctor in the UK.

Qualifications Required to Become a Doctor in the UK

In order to become a doctor in the UK, you must have the following qualifications:

1.  A level Biology

A level Biology is one of the most important qualifications required to become a doctor in the UK, whether you study at a conventional school or study A Levels online. A level Biology is a rigorous two-year course that covers a wide range of topics in biology. It is designed to prepare students for university-level biology courses.

A level Biology is a required qualification for students who want to study medicine at university. A majority of UK universities require students to have A level Biology and A level Chemistry in order to be eligible to study medicine.

Students who want to study other health-related subjects, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine, or nursing, may also be required to have A level Biology.

2. Bachelor of Science in Medicine

After completing A level Biology, students must complete a Bachelor of Science in Medicine (MBBS) degree. The MBBS is a five-year degree that covers the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

During the final year of the MBBS, students will complete clerkships in various medical specialities, such as surgery, paediatrics, and obstetrics/gynaecology.

After completing the MBBS, students must complete a two-year foundation training program. Foundation training provides doctors with the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, GP surgeries, and community health centres.

With Exeter University in the top 15 in the UK for medicine (as per The Complete University Guide), you should seriously consider their five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) programme which includes clinical experience from the first month of the programme in a variety of locations; hospitals, General Practice and the wider health community.

3. Membership of the Royal College of Physicians

After completing foundation training, doctors must complete a two - to three-year speciality training program in order to become a specialist. During speciality training, doctors will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to practice in their chosen speciality.

After completing speciality training, doctors must sit for the Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) examination. The MRCP is a three-part examination that tests a doctor's knowledge of medicine.

4. Licensing Examination

After completing their training, doctors must pass the Licensing Examination in order to be licensed to practice medicine in the UK. The Licensing Examination is a three-part examination that tests a doctor's knowledge of medicine, surgery, and obstetrics/gynaecology.

In order to be eligible to take the Licensing Examination, doctors must have completed the MBBS degree, foundation training, and speciality training.

5. Registration with the General Medical Council

After passing the Licensing Examination, doctors must register with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC is the professional body that regulates doctors in the UK.

In order to be registered with the GMC, doctors must have a valid medical degree and pass the Licensing Examination.

Once registered with the GMC, doctors are required to maintain their registration by completing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. CPD activities help doctors keep up to date with new developments in medicine.

Bottom Line

While the journey to becoming a doctor in the UK is long and challenging, it is ultimately rewarding. A career in medicine offers unparalleled opportunities to help others and make a difference in the world.

If you are interested in becoming a doctor, be sure to research the requirements thoroughly. A level Biology will be the first step on your journey to becoming a doctor, so be sure to take the time to learn as much as you can about this important subject.

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