The Republic of Ireland is an island country located in the northwestern part of Europe. Although most people around the world know it for its literature and vibrant history, Ireland is also one of the healthiest nations today.
Over the years, it has immensely improved its healthcare system and university-level medical programs. It has invested in optimizing its medical equipment and its approach to medical education. Because of this, Ireland has also experienced a population incline and scarcity of medical practitioners. In recent years, it has welcomed a significant number of foreign medical doctors, who now make up almost 50% of all practicing medical workers in the country.
To help you see whether this is the best place for your medical career, this article walks you through the steps to become a doctor in Ireland.
How to Become a Doctor in Ireland
Step 1. Language Proficiency
Even though many people assume that a medical position entails proficiency in Irish, this is not the case. Interestingly, less than half of the population consider themselves to be fluent speakers of Irish. Rather, the language most widely spoken on the island is English – it is the language of the law, the government, and the educational system. Thus, it is a necessary tool of communication within the Irish community. Obtaining proficiency in English is therefore an important step to becoming a doctor in Ireland.
For future and practicing medical doctors, this may be good news. As English is among the most spoken languages in the world, most people are already fluent in it. However, those coming from non-English-speaking countries will have to provide proof of language proficiency. This may be done in the form of a Cambridge or IELTS exam.
Step 2. Valid Medical Degrees
As in almost any country in the world, you will need to have completed a medical program to become a doctor in Ireland as well. If possible, it is recommended that you complete your medical education at an Irish university.
In addition to the already mentioned state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, studying in Ireland will also help you immerse yourself in the community. This way, you will understand the cultural patterns and needs of future patients and colleagues.
All interested applicants will need to submit a high school diploma. Those coming from non-English speaking countries will need to submit proof of English proficiency as well. In addition to the required forms, all applicants will need to pass the HPAT test, an exam designed to test their logical and critical thinking abilities. Even though everyone may apply, only the best and brightest students will be accepted. Once this happens, they will be enrolled in a medical program that lasts between four and six years, depending on their field of interest.
Check Out: How to Study in Ireland for Free
Step 3. Complete a Mandatory Residency Period
Even after receiving their degree, medical graduates still do not qualify for a medical license. All Irish medical graduates must complete a 12-month residency period after their graduation, which entails selecting their specialty and applying for a position at a national hospital or medical center. Although Irish graduates are guaranteed a residency position, the same cannot be said for foreign medical graduates. Thus, foreign graduates may have trouble securing residency positions in Ireland.
However, even if they are rejected, there are still several options at play. For one, as Ireland is part of the European Union (EU), any residency completed within the EU will be recognized by the Irish Medical Council. However, even if it sounds appealing, all those considering this route should also consider the language requirements of other EU nations before applying to their residency programs.
Step 4. Complete the Medical Registration Process
All medical practitioners requesting a license to become a doctor in Ireland will need to do so with the Irish Medical Council. With that said, this process may differ between medical doctors coming from inside and outside of the EU/EEA.
Thus, while candidates coming from the EU/EEA may apply online, those coming from outside of the European Union will need to complete a few additional steps. Firstly, they will need to verify their medical diploma by the designated legal body, in this case, the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC). After this, candidates from outside of the EU/EEA will need to complete a pre-registration exam, also known as PRESS. This serves as proof of their medical knowledge and skill. Once they have completed these prerequisites, they may apply for their medical license with the Irish Medical Council.
Step 5. For Foreign Medical Doctors, acquire a Work Visa
Although this is not inherently related to an individual’s medical career, it is a necessity for all medical practitioners coming to work in Ireland. To work as a medical doctor in Ireland, you must have a work permit or in other words a work visa.
The first step to obtaining it would be registering with the Irish Medical Council as described above. The second visa requirement is a letter of employment issued by a medical institution in Ireland. In addition to this, you will also need to provide your passport and a recent photograph to the nearest Irish Embassy. Of course, this entire process may be completed via email.
Learn More About: The Ireland Work Visa
If you are looking to begin or continue your medical studies in Ireland, this article must have shed some light. Highlight all the important key points that have been shared to aid you in achieving this coveted career goal. With all the steps at your fingertips, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
We hope you found this article on the steps to becoming a doctor in Ireland informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
