The New Application Process for VTS/ST Entry

Recruitment to August 2007...

From January 2007, applications for ALL specialty training programmes commencing August 2007, including applications for General Practice training programmes, will be made using the new Medical Training Application System (MTAS).

Applying to General Practice is similar to applying to the other specialities but there are some significant differences.

All deaneries will be recruiting to GP Speciality training programmes at ST1, ST2 and ST3 entry levels.

Specialty & GP Training

The four UK Health Departments have agreed a new career framework for doctors, to be implemented in August 2007. Structured specialist / GP training programmes will begin directly after foundation training, with a competitive entry process followed by a period of continuous training. This will lead to the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), subject to satisfactory in-training assessment and progress.

By introducing this new framework, MMC aims to update current medical training to ensure it meets the rising expectations of patients and the new demands of the NHS. We also aim to align the aspirations of doctors with the reality of healthcare in a world of unprecedented medical advancement. With the introduction of competence-based, assessed, PMETB-approved curricula, explicit standards will underpin the new programmes.

The following guide will provide an overview of the new career framework, and outline how things will work in its first few years. During this transition period the new training pathway will be introduced, and old styles of training phased out.

Recruitment and Selection into Specialty Training

Online application via Medical Training Application Service (MTAS)
National timetable with defined dates for recruitment and selection
Electronic notification and correspondence
Specialty-specific national documentation including person specifications, application and reference forms
Different person specifications for different levels in most specialties and Fixed Term Specialty Training Appointments (FTSTAs)
Two recruitment rounds

Person specifications for each level will state entry requirements

ST1	Foundation Programme-equivalent competences.
ST2	Some SHO competences as described in curricula and commensurate with ST1 competences, but not current entry requirements.
ST3	SHO competences as described in curricula and commensurate with ST2 competences. Likely to be as current SpR entry requirements - i.e. college exams.
ST4 (Paediatrics and psychiatry only)	SHO competences as described in curricula and commensurate with ST3 competences. Likely to be as current SpR entry requirements - i.e. college exams.

In order to be shortlisted, applications must match the competencies specified in the appropriate person specifications. Applicants must make sure they read the person specs to understand more clearly the level at which you should apply as soon as they are published on the royal college and MTAS websites. We anticipate this being October 2006.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

i. Can I apply for more than one level?
You can apply only at one level within a given specialty. It may be possible to apply at a different level in a second specialty, where your skills may match a different level of person spec.

ii. Can I pick the level at which I apply?
In order to be considered for shortlisting, it is important to apply for the level of person specification to which you most closely match. Person specifications will be available for most specialties from October.

All deanery websites publish:
Details of specialty training programmes and FTSTA posts they offer.
Job descriptions for these, where available.

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