What Qualifications Do I Need for a Medical Career? Check Detail
Working in the medical field is one of the most rewarding jobs around. Yes, it comes with its own array of difficulties and can be challenging, but is one of the most popular career choices amongst students today. From diagnosing mild diseases to creating treatment plans for long-term illnesses, the responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the one entering the medical field is immense. Becoming a doctor is no easy job and not something to be taken lightly.
If you have decided this is the right career path for you, it is important to remember that there is much studying and work to be done beforehand. But other than that, what will you need? Qualifications. The decision to become a doctor doesn’t happen overnight, so it is vital to attain all the necessary grades to make the process as easy as possible. Here is some advice from this prep school in St Albans on what qualifications you will need for a medical career.
Types of roles in the medical field
Before discussing the qualifications, it is important to run through the different roles the medical field offers, and what kind of doctor you could become. General practitioners (GP’s) are usually the first point of contact for patients who need general advice about illnesses and medication. Specialists are another type of doctor who work in one particular area of medicine. These doctors may also be referred to as hospital doctors as this is usually where they work.
University
Becoming a doctor is not a decision that is made overnight, it is something that you choose from early on and will have to devote your life to studying and practicing. One of the biggest roles of a doctor is making decisions that directly affect patients. This is why it is essential that you have a clear understanding of the science behind the human body and have undergone the best level of training.
To start your journey into the medical field, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in medicine. Once you have graduated with this degree, you will then undergo several years of postgraduate studies where you will specialize in a chosen area of medicine. You will also be required to pass a Disclosure and Barring service (DBS) check to ensure that you are safe to work with the public.
Prior to your studies at university, you need to have 3 A levels including Physics and Biology at grade A, as well as at least 5 GCSESs from grade A-A*, including Mathematics and English. Although the medical field is highly competitive, universities also look out for applicants that have relevant work experience. This proves your dedication for your goal of going into a medical career.
Going into the medical field without A Levels
If you didn’t get the chance to complete A levels, or were not able to achieve the grades you needed, it may seem as though your dream of entering the medical field is unreachable. However, there are ways around it. Colleges now provide an Access to Higher Education Diploma, which offers individuals without traditional qualifications, the same opportunity to reach their dream career. It is studied as a Level 3 qualification, and is recognised and accepted by many universities in the UK. With the Access to medicine course, it has now become possible to become a doctor without A levels.
However, it is still important to look at entry requirements as it differs for each university. This course requires GCSESs in English and Maths at grade C or above. Alternatively, students can be accepted onto the course with Level 2 functional skills in Maths and English.
Overall, the medical field is one of the most difficult to enter, but not impossible. However, due to the demands of medical training, it is best to acquire GCSEs and A Levels from A-A*, in order to secure your space in medical school.
