GP

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

To become a GP you'll need to complete:

• a degree recognised by the General Medical Council which takes 5 years
• a foundation course of general training which takes 2 years
• general practice specialist training which takes 3 years

If you already have a degree in a science subject, you could do a postgraduate degree in medicine which takes 4 years.

If you do not have any science qualifications, you might be able to do a degree in medicine which takes 6 years and includes a pre-medical year.

Entry tests

When you apply for a course in medicine, you might have to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).

You'll be tested on skills like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.

Work experience

Medical schools will also expect you to have some paid or voluntary work experience in healthcare .

You can get information on how to get medical work experience from the British Medical Association .

You could also use Observe GP which is a free online alternative to work experience created by the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

From September 2024, you might be able to do a doctor degree apprenticeship which will take around 5 years to complete.

The apprenticeship is recognised by the General Medical Council .

You could then progress to the foundation course of general training before completing the specialist training in general practice.

Entry requirements:

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of medicine
• science skills
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of English language
• sensitivity and understanding
• thinking and reasoning skills
• customer service skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• concentration skills
• maths skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

General practitioners (GPs) are doctors who provide medical services to people in their local community.

In this role you could:

• give general health advice to patients in person or on the phone
• diagnose patients' symptoms and refer to specialist consultants if needed
• prescribe medicines, recommend treatments and carry out minor surgery
• do research and help to train other healthcare professionals
• organise and lead clinics for specific groups of patients or medical conditions

Location : You could work at a GP practice, at a health centre or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £70,000
Experienced : £114,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

45 - 50 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• run a shared practice or specialise in an area like sports medicine, diabetes or children's health
• move into medical work in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, the police or the prison service
• work overseas or in medicine for the Army , Royal Air Force or Royal Navy
• teach students training to be GPs or go into clinical research
• become a member of a local medical committee or clinical commissioning group to get involved in local health issues