Registrar (Reg)
A registrar is a non-consultant hospital doctor who has completed a minimum of 24 months post internship. Advancing to registrar level from SHO level is dependent on experience and aptitude within a specialty.
Registrars are supervised in their work by consultants. Registrar posts are generally non-training or standalone posts and work is carried out as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
These posts allow you to gain further real-world experience and improve your competitiveness when applying to training schemes.
Training and non-training registrars
In some instances, doctors will be in registrar posts during their third or fourth year of Initial Specialist Training (IST). Registrars provide some clinical oversight to interns and SHOs, but always under the supervision of a consultant.
Many registrars take on roles such as clinical lectureships in third-level institutions or conduct research in the form of an MD. Registrars in training programmes will follow the defined IST/BST curriculum and will need to complete courses and exams as outlined by their training bodies.
However you decide to proceed, it’s important to prioritise self-care and find ways to manage stress and maintain your wellbeing. Learn more about work-life balance for doctors.
Recruitment for training posts
Registrars are appointed to posts as part of their training rotations. These are advertised either on hse.ie/jobs or on the hospital’s own website.
Recruitment for non-training posts
Registrars not in training programmes may also use this time to complete exams or courses to enhance their competitiveness in applying for Higher Specialist Training.
The HSE website has more information about applying for standalone registrar posts.
Funding supports for NCHDs
There are various educational funding supports available to non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs). You’ll find an overview of funding and support schemes in our Supports section.
Learn more about the fellowships, scholarships, and placements available to you, including the Lead NCHD programme.
What’s next after registrar?
A specialist registrar (SpR) is a doctor who is undertaking Higher Specialist Training (HST), whereas a senior registrar is undertaking HST in psychiatry.
A consultant is a senior clinician who can practice medicine without supervision and can provide clinical supervision to training and non-training NCHDs.