Doctor (Degree)
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Health and science 5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Doctor degree apprenticeship provides a fully funded pathway through medical school leading to a primary medical qualification (PMQ) and eligibility to apply for full GMC registration. Apprentice doctors complete the same training as students on traditional medical degrees, combining academic study with clinical placements across hospital, GP, and community settings. It is one of a small number of routes into medicine that enables eligible healthcare support workers to qualify as a doctor while remaining employed.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Biomedical sciences: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology
Clinical skills: history-taking, physical examination, and procedural competencies
Evidence-based medicine and critical appraisal of medical research
Medical ethics, law, and professional responsibilities under the GMC
Diagnosis and management of common and acute medical conditions
Communication skills for complex or sensitive clinical conversations
Prescribing safely, including calculation of drug doses and interactions
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Clerking patients on admission by taking a full history and examining them
Participate in ward rounds and contribute to clinical decision-making
Request and interpret investigations such as blood tests and imaging
Assist in clinical procedures under supervision of senior doctors
Present cases clearly at handover, ward rounds, and MDT meetings
Communicate with patients and families about diagnosis and treatment
Complete logbooks and reflective portfolios for progression reviews
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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