How to become a GP

2,739

311

£22,000/y

avg. starting salary

Looking for a healthy career? You should become a GP… GPs, or General Practitioners, help diagnose and treat illness, providing a range of general preventive care within their community. In the majority of cases, they are the first point of contact for anyone suffering from an ailment, making the work they do particularly vital when it comes to our personal health. GPs differ from Doctors slightly, in that they provide general treatment and diagnosis, rather than specialising in one particular area of medicine. Typical duties for a GP could include:

Meeting with patients to assess their health
Diagnosing symptoms and causes of illnesses
Prescribing treatment or medication based on their diagnosis
Developing individual treatment plans for patients with long-term illnesses
Providing general health and lifestyle advice to those in need
Liaising with other medical professionals and referring patients to specialists, if necessary

In order to become a GP, a caring and compassionate nature is absolutely essential. The health and general wellbeing of your patients will be of paramount importance, and without the right positive mental attitude and a commitment to the cause that goes beyond the call of duty, you’re unlikely to gain the full trust and backing of your community. However, although a good bedside manner is non-negotiable, the people you treat won’t always be receptive to your advice, making the ability to deal with difficult situations similarly essential. Other key skills for a GP include:

A natural passion for anatomy and physiology
Excellent interpersonal skills
Trustworthiness
Objectivity
Honesty
Tact
The ability to work well under pressure

Junior GP

Up to £22,000

Salaried GP

Up to £80,000

Practice Partner

Up to £95,000

"Becoming a GP was pretty much the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, if I’m honest. It took years of studying, dedication and hard work to get through medical school – but I wouldn’t change any of it. When I finally got into a surgery and started seeing patients, it felt amazing. To have so much trust and faith put on your shoulders can be a lot of pressure, but doing something you’re passionate about and helping makes people’s lives better – honestly there’s no better feeling for me."

Get qualified

You will need to hold a degree in a medical-related field, and complete five years of vocational training, in order to become a fully-qualified GP. To qualify for medical school, you will need a minimum of three A-levels (grade AAB).

Recommended GP courses

GP Essentials Training

Course Line

2-Premium course *|* 2 Free Certificates *|* Designed by Industry Experts *|* Lifetime Access
- Compare
- Online
- 13 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

GP Online Training Do you want to start a career in the GP sector or learn more about it? This GP bundle is designed by industry experts so that it assists you to have a better understanding of GP. This GP bundle includes the most relevant courses, which will allow you to a …
£23
General Practitioner (GP) Essentials

Course Line

2-Course Bundle | CPD Certified | 3 Free Certificates | 2023 Updated | Lifetime Access | 24/7 Student support
- Compare
- New course!
- Online
- 24 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- Tutor support
Great service

See more See less

General Practitioner (GP) Essentials Online Training Do you want to start a career in the General Practitioner (GP) Essentials sector or learn more about it? This General Practitioner (GP) Essentials bundle is designed by industry experts so that it assists you to have a better u …
£21