The academic path to becoming an ENT specialist is long and demanding. It combines the acquisition of medical knowledge with the exercise of clinical skills. This specialization includes practical internships, research and - often - further training. This article explores the different stages of this adventure, which we outlined in our ENT career sheet. From your first steps in medical school to your residency years, let's take a look at the challenges of ENT studies.
General medical studies
After high school
Before entering higher education, aspiring ENT specialists must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, they can choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they will either be rejected or integrated into the second year of general medical studies.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, favoring skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- The Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Externship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of exams which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to choose their specialty as well as their city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in theoretical knowledge useful to all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): These are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum grade is 10/20.
- Academic progress grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
ENT specialization
Once they have completed their general medical studies, students specializing in ENT enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoretical training: interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of otolaryngology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practical training: ENT interns take part in the work of various health departments. They carry out consultations, surgery and patient follow-up under the supervision of experienced specialists.
Finally, ENT interns must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, he or she is awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie (DES). In all, it took him 11 years of study to become an ENT specialist.
Further training
After obtaining the DES and registering with the Ordre des Médecins, specialists wishing to apply for ENT jobs can continue their training to specialize in specific fields such as otology, rhinology, laryngology, ENT surgery or ENT oncology.
Skills and qualities required of an ENT specialist
Whatever their specialty, ENT specialists must possess the technical, medical and human skills and qualities needed to succeed in their field. These are imparted and passed on throughout their academic training. In particular, they must possess medical, diagnostic and surgical skills, while demonstrating curiosity, adaptability, leadership, rigor, patience and empathy. This set of skills will enable them to exercise their profession with complete peace of mind, and to deal with every case they encounter.
From the rigor of initial studies to the acquisition of specific clinical and surgical skills, each stage of the training to become an ENT specialist is crucial. They train qualified professionals capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Ongoing training is essential in this evolving field, ensuring that specialists remain at the cutting edge of advances. This combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience and dedication to learning is the key to success in this exciting field.
Enjoyed this article and want to know more? Discover our ENT salary sheet!
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ENT Specialist (M/F) - Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 78
Employee
1000 - 1400 per day
Conflans-Sainte-Honorine
A medical facility in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the Yvelines department, is seeking a new ENT specialist (M/F) for a permanent position. Requirements - Permanent contract - Two to five days per week - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Facility You will join a medical practice located inside a shopping center in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine. The new 110 m² facility includes a 15 m² consultation room, a waiting room, a break room, and a lounge equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee machine. The facility also features a parking lot, wheelchair access, and air conditioning, as well as an on-site reception desk and administrative support. Compensation - Between €1,000 and €1,400 net per day, depending on workload Responsibilities - Conducting diagnostic and follow-up ENT consultations - Ordering and interpreting additional tests - Coordinating patient care pathways with colleagues and local healthcare facilities - Helping to organize consultation schedules - Adherence to medical protocols and best practices Benefits - Meal vouchers - Assistance with settling in (housing and administrative procedures) - Flexible vacation time - New, fully equipped, and air-conditioned facilities - Break room with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker - Parking and accessibility for people with disabilities - On-site secretarial and administrative support - Industry-specific software and IT support That little extra something Conflans-Sainte-Honorine is known as the “capital of river transport,” located at the confluence of the Oise and Seine rivers, offering beautiful riverside walks and a pleasant neighborhood atmosphere close to local amenities. Qualifications An ENT specialist with a degree from France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13018 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
ENT M/F - Reims 51
Employee
1000 - 1300 per day
Reims
ENT Job - Reims 51 As part of the development of its activity, an ENT center in Reims, in the Marne region, is looking for a full-time ENT specialist. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time The structure You will be joining a 100m2 ENT center located in Reims, comprising 3 equipped cubicles. The model is based on a complete medical activity, a modern technical platform, a multidisciplinary team and an administrative organization providing secretarial and operational support. Remuneration package - Fixed salary with a variable component - Estimated income between €250,000 and €350,000 gross/year (average €1000 net per day) Missions - Diagnostic and therapeutic ENT consultation - Performing and interpreting imaging examinations - Coordination with the medical assistant and administrative teams The advantages - Modern, well-equipped, state-of-the-art facility - Presence of a medical assistant and an audio prosthetist - Salaried contract with fixed remuneration and variable portion linked to activity - High volume of activity guaranteed (up to 60 patients per day) - Travel and up to 50% of accommodation covered during trial period Equipment - Cone beam - 3 cubicles for consultations and procedures A little something extra Reims is famous for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, the historic site of the coronation of the kings of France, and lies at the heart of the Champagne region, renowned for its Champagne houses. The city offers a rich cultural life and easy links to the capital. Profile required ENT qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Ad reference : 12127 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
ENT Specialist (M/F) - Elancourt 78
Employee
1000 - 1400 per day
Élancourt
As part of its business expansion, a medical facility in Elancourt, in the Yvelines department, is seeking a new ENT specialist (M/F). Terms of Employment - Permanent contract - Two to five days per week - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Facility You will work at a newly built medical facility located in Elancourt, in the Yvelines department. The new 110 m² premises feature a 15 m² examination room, a waiting room, a break room, a parking lot, wheelchair accessibility, and air conditioning, as well as a break area equipped with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee machine. Compensation - Between €1,000 and €1,400 net per day, depending on workload Responsibilities - Conducting diagnostic and follow-up ENT consultations - Ordering and interpreting additional tests - Coordinating patient care pathways with colleagues and local healthcare facilities - Helping to organize consultation schedules - Adherence to medical protocols and best practices Benefits - Meal vouchers - Assistance with settling in (housing and administrative procedures) - Flexible vacation time - New, fully equipped, and air-conditioned facilities - Break room with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker - Parking and accessibility for people with disabilities - On-site secretarial and administrative support - Industry-specific software and IT support That little extra something Elancourt is home to France Miniature, a unique attraction featuring scale models of France’s major landmarks—perfect for a family outing or for entertaining visitors. Qualifications An ENT specialist with a degree from France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 13023 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, will assist you free of charge until you begin your practice - Introduction to our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the French Medical Council - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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