- Desire2Study
- May 9
- 10 min read
Table of Contents
What Are Medical Degree Apprenticeships?
Medical degree trainings are a new, innovative pathway to becoming a licensed doctor in the UK. These apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn, combining full-time, paid work placements in healthcare settings with part-time university-based study. Instead of following the traditional full-time university route, apprentices develop hands-on clinical experience from the beginning of their training while completing the academic requirements of a medical degree.
Introduced to widen participation and address NHS workforce shortages, medicine degree apprenticeships aim to create more accessible and flexible routes to a medical career. They particularly help those who may find the high tuition fees and living costs of standard medical school prohibitive. Apprentices will typically be employed by NHS organisations or approved healthcare providers and will undertake supervised clinical duties as they work towards becoming fully qualified doctors.
The structure of a medical degree apprenticeship mirrors traditional programs in terms of learning outcomes and professional standards. Apprentices must meet the same General Medical Council (GMC) competencies as traditional medical graduates. However, their learning is integrated into their working environment, offering real-world clinical exposure alongside formal teaching modules. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the realities of a medical career within the NHS.
Medical degree internship programmes are expected to take about five to six years to complete, similar to traditional medical degrees. Upon successful completion, apprentices receive a full medical qualification, allowing them to register with the GMC and proceed to foundation training, just like their university-trained peers.
In summary, medical apprenticeships represent a modern, inclusive approach to medical education — providing a practical, financially sustainable way to enter the medical profession while contributing to the UK’s healthcare system from day one.
History and Development of Medical NHS Degree Apprenticeships
Those apprenticeships are a relatively new concept in the UK, introduced as part of a broader initiative to diversify routes into the healthcare profession. Traditionally, aspiring doctors followed a university based medical degree before moving into
practical clinical training.
However, with increasing concerns about accessibility, student debt, and workforce shortages in the NHS, the medical apprenticeship model emerged to provide a more inclusive and financially sustainable pathway.
The idea of apprenticeships in medicine stems from existing degree-level
apprenticeships in healthcare, such as nursing and paramedic programs. The NHS and UK universities collaborated to create a structured program where medical
apprentices can earn a salary while studying, receiving hands-on clinical
experience alongside academic learning. The development of medical
apprenticeships aligns with government efforts to expand workforce training and
ensure a steady pipeline of doctors to meet the growing demand for healthcare
professionals.
How Medical Career Apprenticeships Work
The degree NHS programmes are designed to balance academic study with hands-on clinical training, providing apprentices with a seamless blend of learning and working. Apprentices are employed by an NHS Trust, healthcare provider, or another approved medical organisation, and from the very start, they are embedded in real clinical environments while simultaneously completing their medical studies through a partner university.
Typically, apprentices work around 30 hours per week in clinical settings, such as hospitals, GP practices, or community care environments. Their duties are closely supervised and gradually increase in complexity as they gain knowledge and experience. Alongside their work, they attend university-based learning, often structured into one or two days a week or delivered through block release teaching models. This allows them to fulfil all academic requirements for a full medical degree while building essential workplace skills.
The academic portion of the program is identical in quality and content to traditional full-time medical degrees, with a strong focus on clinical sciences, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and ethics, among others. Apprentices are required to pass the same rigorous assessments, including written exams, clinical skills assessments, and practical evaluations, to ensure they meet General Medical Council (GMC) standards.
Medical doctor apprenticeships typically last five to six years, depending on the structure of the program and the apprentice's prior qualifications. Throughout the apprenticeship, students progress through stages of increasing clinical responsibility, from basic patient care tasks to more complex diagnostic and treatment activities under supervision.
Assessment is continuous and multi-layered, including:
University exams and coursework.
Workplace-based assessments, such as direct observation of clinical practice.
Feedback from clinical supervisors and academic tutors.
Final comprehensive exams that qualify the apprentice for GMC registration.
Upon successful completion, apprentices earn a full medical degree and achieve registration with the General Medical Council, allowing them to move into Foundation Year 1 (FY1), the first stage of postgraduate clinical training in the UK.
In essence, medical degree programmes offer a fully integrated learning and employment model. They allow students to gain crucial professional experience, earn a salary, avoid heavy tuition debt, and build strong relationships within the NHS system — all while meeting the same standards as traditional medical graduates.
Summary:
Employer: NHS Trusts, healthcare providers, or approved medical organisations.
Work Hours: Around 30 hours per week in real clinical environments.
University Study: Part-time, typically one or two days a week or via block release.
Program Length: 5–6 years.
Academic Content: Identical to traditional full-time medical degrees.
Assessments: University exams, workplace evaluations, clinical skills tests.
Outcome: Full medical degree + GMC registration.
Advantages: Earn a salary, gain work experience, avoid high tuition costs, seamless transition to Foundation Year 1 (FY1).
How Medical Apprenticeships Compare to
Traditional Medical Degrees
Medical apprenticeships differ from conventional medical degrees in structure, funding, and practical experience. Here’s how they compare:
1. Learning Model
Traditional Medical Degree: Full-time study at a university, combining lectures, labs, and clinical placements.
Medical Apprenticeship: Apprentices split their time between studying and
working in healthcare settings, earning while they learn.
2. Financial Costs
Traditional Route: Students pay tuition fees (up to £9,250 per year) and may take out loans to cover costs.
Apprenticeship: Funded by employers, meaning no student loans or tuition fees for apprentices.
3. Work Experience
Traditional Degree: Placements typically start after the first few years.
Apprenticeship: Apprentices gain hands-on experience from the start, working alongside qualified professionals.
While apprenticeships provide practical exposure and financial benefits, they are
more structured and employer-driven than traditional degrees. Both routes lead to the same medical qualification and licensure under the General Medical Council (GMC).
Entry Requirements and Application Process
Entry Requirements
Medical degree apprenticeships, while offering an alternative to traditional medical education, maintain rigorous academic and professional standards. To be eligible, candidates generally need:
Academic Qualifications:
A minimum of AAA at A-Level (or equivalent), including Biology and Chemistry.
Some providers may accept slightly lower grades combined with relevant experience, but high academic achievement remains essential.
GCSE Requirements:
At least five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and Sciences.
English Language Proficiency:
For non-native speakers, proof of English proficiency through IELTS or equivalent may be required.
Relevant Experience:
Demonstrated interest in healthcare, such as work experience in hospitals, clinics, or community care settings.
Personal Attributes:
Strong communication skills, empathy, resilience, teamwork, leadership potential, and problem-solving abilities.
Medical Doctor Apprenticeship NHS Entry Requirements may vary slightly depending on the NHS Trust or university offering the program, so candidates must carefully check each apprenticeship listing.
Application Process
Research Opportunities:
Apprenticeship vacancies are posted on platforms such as the NHS Jobs website, UCAS, and the Government Apprenticeship Service.
Submit an Application:
Candidates need to apply directly through the vacancy listings, providing:
A completed application form
Personal statement tailored to a career in healthcare
Academic transcripts
References
Entrance Assessments:
Some programs may require additional testing, such as:
Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs)
UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
Interview Stage:
Shortlisted applicants are usually invited for interviews, which may include:
Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
Panel Interviews
Scenario-based discussions
Offer and Enrolment:
Successful applicants will receive a conditional or unconditional offer and begin their apprenticeship program while also enrolling part-time at the partnering university.
Desire2Study Tip: Given the competitiveness of the doctor apprenticeships, early preparation — including work experience, volunteering, and tailored personal statements — can significantly improve your chances.
Key Points for Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Typically, AAA in A-Levels (Biology & Chemistry required).
GCSE Requirements: At least five GCSEs at grade 7 (A) or above, including English, Maths, and Sciences.
English Language Proficiency: IELTS (or equivalent) may be required for non-native speakers.
Relevant Experience: Healthcare-related work experience or volunteering is often essential.
Personal Attributes: Strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills are crucial.
Key Points for Application Process
Apply via the NHS Jobs website or UCAS.
Submit an application with academic transcripts, personal statement, and references.
Take entrance assessments (UCAT, SJTs) if required.
Participate in MMIs or panel interviews.
If successful, receive an offer to start the apprenticeship.
Salary and Funding for Medical Apprenticeships
One of the biggest advantages of medical apprenticeships is that students earn a salary while training, making medicine more accessible for those who may struggle with traditional tuition costs.
Apprenticeship Salary: NHS medical apprentices typically earn a salary set by the government apprenticeship pay structure, starting from £7.55 per hour, with increases based on experience and employer policies.
Tuition Funding: Unlike traditional medical degrees, apprentices do not have to pay tuition fees—these are covered by the Apprenticeship Levy (a government initiative supporting workplace training).
Additional Benefits: Apprentices may receive NHS employee benefits, including pension contributions and holiday pay.
This funding model allows students to train without accumulating debt, making medical apprenticeships a more financially stable route.
Advantages and Challenges
NHS degree apprenticeships present a groundbreaking alternative to traditional medical education in the UK. They offer aspiring doctors a chance to combine real-world work with academic study, providing both financial and professional benefits. However, like any educational pathway, they come with their own set of advantages and challenges that prospective students must carefully consider before applying.
Advantages
Earn While You Learn
It offers a unique opportunity to receive a salary while undertaking medical training. Apprentices are employed in NHS roles, providing financial stability throughout their education journey.
Debt Reduction
Unlike traditional medical degrees that often leave students with tens of thousands of pounds in tuition debt, apprenticeships cover university fees. This means graduates can qualify as doctors without needing large student loans, making the pathway more accessible to a wider range of applicants.
Real-World Experience
From the very beginning, apprentices are immersed in healthcare settings. Early patient exposure helps build essential clinical skills, professional confidence, and a deeper understanding of real-world medical practice — advantages that traditional students might only gain later in their studies.
Widened Participation
Medicine doctor apprenticeships aim to open up medicine to those from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds. By removing financial barriers and providing employment from day one, they encourage a more diverse group of future doctors.
Employment Opportunities
Being directly employed within the NHS often leads to greater job security post-qualification. Apprentices are already familiar with NHS systems and expectations, making their transition into full-time roles smoother.
Challenges
Time Commitment and Intensity
Balancing a full-time working schedule in a demanding healthcare role while meeting rigorous academic standards is challenging. Apprentices need excellent time management, resilience, and self-discipline to keep up with both study and work expectations.
Geographic Limitations
Apprenticeships are tied to specific NHS trusts or regions. Candidates might need to relocate to areas where apprenticeship positions are offered, which can be difficult for those with strong ties to a particular location.
Fewer Places Available
Medical doctor degree apprenticeships are still in the early stages of rollout, meaning there are significantly fewer apprenticeship positions than traditional medical school places. Competition is intense, and many suitable applicants may not secure a spot.
Limited Flexibility
Unlike traditional students who can choose their electives, research projects, and sometimes even their placements, apprentices follow a set program defined by both their employer and educational institution.
High Expectations from Employers
As employees of the NHS, apprentices are held to high professional standards from the outset. Balancing the expectations of being both a healthcare worker and a student requires strong personal commitment and maturity.
Summarizing, health grade apprenticeships represent an exciting and accessible new route into the medical profession, offering the chance to qualify as a doctor without the heavy financial burden associated with traditional pathways. However, students must be prepared for the high levels of responsibility, time management, and adaptability required to succeed. Before applying, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the challenges to determine if this innovative training model aligns with your personal and professional goals.
What the General Medical Council (GMC) Says
About Medical Apprenticeships?
The General Medical Council (GMC) plays a crucial role in regulating medical
education, ensuring that all medical training—whether traditional or apprenticeship-based—meets high professional standards.
GMC accreditation confirms that medical apprenticeships provide the same
rigorous education as standard medical degrees, ensuring graduates are fully
qualified doctors. Apprentices are required to complete all components of medical training, including theoretical study, clinical rotations, and assessments, to
demonstrate competency.
Currently, the GMC is working alongside universities and NHS trusts to monitor and
refine medical apprenticeships, ensuring that they align with the UK's healthcare
needs and uphold patient safety standards.
NHS Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship Vacancies
The NHS Doctor Degree Apprenticeship marks a significant shift in how the UK trains its future doctors. Officially launched in 2024, this pathway was developed to address NHS workforce shortages, improve diversity in the profession, and create alternative routes into medicine for individuals from all backgrounds. The first cohorts are set to commence training in late 2024 and early 2025, and recruitment is now underway across various regions.
Finding and applying for a medical doctor apprenticeship NHS vacancy requires proactive research, as the number of available positions is still limited compared to traditional medical school placements.
Current vacancies are posted through a few main channels:
NHS Jobs Portal
The primary platform where NHS apprenticeships, including medical doctor degree opportunities, are advertised. Candidates can search by location, trust, and apprenticeship type.
Individual NHS Trust Websites
Some NHS trusts run their own independent recruitment campaigns. Checking trust websites regularly ensures applicants don't miss locally advertised apprenticeship opportunities.
Healthcare Apprenticeship Recruitment Campaigns
Occasionally, national or regional campaigns specifically promote healthcare apprenticeships, including doctor apprenticeships, especially when multiple vacancies open across different trusts simultaneously.
University and NHS Partnership Announcements
Universities involved in apprenticeship programs often collaborate closely with NHS trusts. They may also advertise upcoming apprenticeship schemes through their own websites and outreach activities.
As of mid-2025, a small but steadily increasing number of NHS employers are offering these apprenticeships. The government and NHS England aim to significantly expand places by 2030 as part of the wider workforce development strategy outlined in the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
While competition is fierce due to limited numbers, candidates who meet the doctor apprenticeship NHS entry requirements and demonstrate strong motivation have an exciting opportunity to join the medical profession through this new route. As more success stories emerge from early cohorts, it's expected that medical degree educations will become a permanent, respected alternative for training the next generation of UK doctors.
Desire2Study Tip: Set up job alerts on the NHS Jobs Portal and follow NHS apprenticeship campaigns on social media to stay informed about the latest openings.
Healthcare Degree Apprenticeships: Other Roles Beyond Doctor
While medical degree traineeships focus on training future doctors, healthcare
degree apprenticeships also provide pathways into various other clinical professions. These apprenticeships are ideal for students passionate about healthcare who
want to make a difference in patient care but may prefer a different specialisation or work environment. Unlike traditional university routes, apprenticeships allow
individuals to earn while they learn, combining academic study with practical,
hands-on experience in hospitals, clinics, and emergency services.
Types of Medical Apprenticeships
Several healthcare professions offer apprenticeship - based training, ensuring a wide range of career opportunities in the sector:
Nursing: Apprenticeship programs in nursing prepare students for work as
registered nurses, covering areas such as patient care, medication
management, and clinical assessments. Nursing apprenticeships allow trainees to specialise in fields like adult nursing, mental health nursing, or children's
nursing.
Paramedic Science: Those interested in emergency care can take paramedic apprenticeships, gaining experience in ambulance services, urgent response
teams, and pre-hospital treatment. Trainees learn essential life-saving skills,
how to manage critical situations, and how to support patients in emergencies.
Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs): Apprenticeships for ODPs train
students in perioperative care, supporting surgeons, anesthetists, and nursing
staff during surgical procedures. ODP apprentices gain expertise in preparing
operating rooms, assisting in surgeries, and ensuring patient safety throughout procedures.
Radiography: Radiography apprenticeships equip students with skills in medical imaging, such as X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans. Trainees work in diagnostic
departments, helping clinicians identify and diagnose illnesses using
advanced imaging technology.
Why Choose a Healthcare Apprenticeship?
Healthcare apprenticeships provide an alternative to traditional university study, offering key advantages:
Debt-Free Education: Tuition costs are covered by the employer, eliminating the
need for student loans.
Earn While You Learn: Apprentices receive a salary throughout their training, reducing financial strain.
Direct Workplace Experience: Early exposure to real clinical environments
enhances learning and prepares trainees for immediate employment after
qualification.
Career Progression: Apprenticeships can lead to further qualifications, allowing individuals to specialise in advanced healthcare roles or pursue postgraduate studies.
Expanding Access to Healthcare Careers
With the NHS workforce in high demand, healthcare apprenticeships play a vital role in training professionals who can support patient care. These programs enable
students from diverse backgrounds to access medical careers without the financial barriers of full-time university education, ensuring the healthcare system continues to develop
highly skilled professionals across multiple specialties.
Future of Clinical Degree Apprenticeships in the UK
As medical apprenticeships continue to grow, several factors will shape their future:
Expansion Across UK Universities: More universities are expected to adopt apprenticeship programs, making them more widely available.
Government and NHS Investment: Increased funding and resources will improve apprenticeship structures, ensuring accessibility to students from all backgrounds.
Public and Professional Perception: The success of medical apprentices will influence how apprenticeships are viewed in comparison to traditional degrees.
Medical apprenticeships are set to transform medical training, offering a sustainable way to increase the number of qualified doctors without
imposing financial barriers.
Alternatives to Study Medicine in the UK
If medical degree apprenticeships or traditional routes are unavailable or highly competitive, studying medicine abroad is an excellent alternative. Many students now consider enrolling at the best medical schools in Europe where tuition fees are lower, and medicine programs are taught entirely in English.
To study medicine in Europe in English there are many options available. Options include highly-ranked medical universities in countries like Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, or Lithuania but even Cyprus or Germany. These universities offer full recognition across the EU and eligibility for registration with the GMC upon graduation.
Desire2Study specialises in helping students find the best fit among internationally recognised medical European universities. We guide applicants through every step — from choosing the right course to completing the application and visa process. All our partner medical schools in Europe are based within the EU/EEA, ensuring that students can return to practise in the UK without needing to pass additional exams like the ORE examination for dentistry.
If you would like more information, feel free to book free consultation with Desire2Study and we will help you to choose the best medical school in Europe to meet your needs and become a doctor.
FAQs
What is a Medical Degree Apprenticeship?
It’s a new pathway combining salaried clinical work with part-time academic study, leading to a GMC-registered medical degree.
How do I apply for Medical Degree Apprenticeships?
Apply through NHS Jobs or local NHS Trust recruitment. Entry requires strong A-Levels, healthcare experience, and successful interviews.
What are the alternatives if I cannot secure an apprenticeship?
Studying at globally recognised medical universities in Europe is a great alternative. Desire2Study can help find accredited best medical universities in Europe with English taught medical programmes.
What are the Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship vacancies like?
Opportunities are growing slowly but remain competitive. More Trusts will open places from 2025 onward.
Are medical apprenticeships as good as traditional medical
degrees?
Medical apprenticeships follow the same rigorous academic and practical training as traditional medical degrees. Apprentices are required to complete an
accredited medical degree, meet General Medical Council (GMC) standards, and
pass the Medical Licensing Assessment, just like conventional medical students. The key difference is that apprentices earn a salary while training and gain hands-on experience earlier in their studies. While some may view apprenticeships as an
alternative route, they ultimately lead to the same qualifications and career
opportunities as traditional medical degrees.
Can I become a doctor without going to university?
No, becoming a doctor in the UK requires completing a medical degree at an
accredited university. However, medical apprenticeships provide an alternative
pathway where students work while studying for their degree, reducing financial
barriers. Apprentices must still attend medical school as part of their training,
ensuring they meet the same educational and professional standards as traditional medical students.
How much do medical apprentices get paid?
Medical apprentices receive a salary while training, but the exact amount depends on the employer. The minimum wage for apprentices in the UK is £7.55 per hour,
though NHS employers may offer higher rates. Apprentices are paid for both their
work and study time, making this route financially appealing compared to
traditional medical degrees, where students typically do not earn a salary until after graduation.
Which universities offer medical apprenticeships?
Several universities are piloting medical apprenticeships, including Anglia Ruskin
University, the University of Central Lancashire, and the University of Plymouth.
These institutions collaborate with NHS Trusts to provide apprentices with both
academic and practical training, ensuring they meet GMC standards.
How long does a medical apprenticeship take?
A medical apprenticeship typically lasts five years, similar to a traditional medical
degree. Apprentices must complete all academic and practical training
requirements, including medical school coursework, clinical placements, and the
Medical Licensing Assessment, before qualifying as doctors.
What are the entry requirements for NHS medical
apprenticeships?
Entry requirements vary by university and employer, but they generally align with
traditional medical school criteria. Applicants typically need strong A-Level grades in Biology and Chemistry, along with relevant healthcare experience.
Some apprenticeships prioritize candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to improve diversity in the medical profession.
Can international students apply for medical apprenticeships in the UK?
International students can apply for apprenticeships in the UK, but they must have a visa that permits them to work while studying. Some apprenticeships may have
restrictions based on funding and eligibility criteria, so international applicants
should check with individual universities and NHS employers for specific
requirements.
