The National Doctors Training and Planning unit (NDTP) in the Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for the intern scheme.
This comprises a minimum of 12 to 18 months of posts in a variety of hospital specialities - often including paediatrics, psychiatry, geriatrics and obstetrics & gynaecology.
[20] After successfully completing a Foundation Programme (not limited to Northern Ireland), doctors can pursue Core Training (CT) that lasts two to three years which depends on the specialty.
After completion of CT training, doctors can enter a ST post via open competition.
[23] Continuing professional development is now mandatory for all doctors, under guidelines from the General Medical Council.