Years of study to become an ENT specialist

The academic path to becoming an ENT (otolaryngologist) 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 various stages of this adventure, which we outlined in our ENT métier fact sheet. From the first steps in medical school to the years of residency, let's shed some light on the challenges of ENT studies.

Études générales de médecine

Après le lycée

Before entering higher education, the aspiring ENT must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, he can choose between two solutions:

• Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

• Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiée Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major; é 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 succeed can enter the health sector.
• Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor's field of study before, if they wish, trying their luck again.
• The PASS approach relieves the pressure associated with the former PACES single entrance exam, while diversifying the student's skills.

• La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

• Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program 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 examinations. Depending on their performance, they will either be rejected or admitted to the second year of general medical studies.
• The L.AS enables students to follow a diversified pathway, promoting skills and reorientation.

Études générales médicales

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), les études générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes:

• Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.
• Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study that integrates specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Examen Classant National (ECN)

After six years of study in the health sector, students take a national competitive examination. At the end of the examination, they choose their speciality according to an order of priority determined by their ranking.

Specialization in ENT

On completion of 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 otorhinolaryngology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
• Practical training: ENT interns participate in the activities of various health departments. They carry out consultations, surgical procedures and patient follow-ups under the supervision of senior specialists.

Finally, the ENT intern must write and defend a thesis in order to earn a doctorate. At the end of this specialization, he obtains the Diplôme d'Etudes Spécialis;es en Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie (DES). In all, it took him 11 years of study to become an ENT specialist.

Complementary training

After obtaining the DES and registering with the Ordre des médecins, specialists wishing to apply for ENT job vacancies can continue their training to specialize in specific fields such as otology, rhinology, laryngology, ENT surgery and ENT oncology.

Skills and qualifications required for an ENT

Whatever his or her speciality, an ENT specialist must possess the technical, medical and human skills and qualities needed to succeed in his or her field. The latter will be imparted and passed on throughout his or her 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 him/her to exercise his/her profession with complete safety, and to deal with every case he/she is confronted with.

From the rigor of the initial studies to the acquisition of specific clinical and surgical skills, every step of the studies to become an ENT is crucial. They train qualified professionals capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. Ongoing training is essential in this fast-moving 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.

Did you like this article and want to find out more? Check out our ENT salary fact sheet!!