Quick Facts — Irish Training
- Term: Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor (NCHD)
- Regulator: Medical Council of Ireland
- Key Colleges: RCPI, RCSI, ICGP, CAI
- Employer: Health Service Executive (HSE)
- Intern Year: 12-month mandatory internship coordinated by MET
The Irish Training Structure
1
Intern Year
Mandatory 12-month internship at an approved training network. Leads to Medical Council registration.
2
SHO Posts — 2-3 years
Post-internship doctors work SHO posts building portfolio and preparing membership exams before specialty training.
3
Specialist Registrar (SpR) — 4-6 years
Competitive entry into SpR programmes run by RCPI or RCSI. Membership and fellowship exams required.
4
Consultant Post
After training and fellowship examination. Consultant vacancies historically limited in Ireland.
Irish Specialist Colleges
| College | Specialties | Key Exams |
|---|---|---|
| RCPI | Medicine, Paediatrics, Pathology, Psychiatry | MRCPI, FRCPI |
| RCSI | Surgery, Emergency Medicine | MRCSI, FRCSI |
| ICGP | General Practice | MICGP |
| CAI | Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care | FCAI |