


Studying to become a lung specialist
Barthélemy

All job sheets
In France, to become a respirologist, you need to complete a long course of medical studies. This apprenticeship enables students to acquire all the technical skills and human qualities essential to the practice of this profession. This is what we defined in our job description for a lung specialist. Since it's not always easy to find one's way through the many options offered by this course, it was time for us to write an article to help make things a little clearer.
What is a pneumologist?
A pneumologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Whether working in a public hospital or a private practice, their role is to heal and support patients throughout the entire care process. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and the highest standards, they are able to handle a wide range of cases, from the most benign to life-threatening emergencies. It is this expertise that lung specialists value through their long studies.
How to become a pneumologist?
General medical studies
Before entering higher education, aspiring respirologists must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies 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 may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, encouraging skills development and reorientation.
After the PASS or the 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.
- 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 tests 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 the theoretical knowledge required by 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 mark is 10/20.
- University course mark: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final mark.
Specialization in pneumology
Once they have completed their general medical studies , students specializing in pneumology enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoreticaltraining : interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of pulmonology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : Respirology interns participate in the work of various health services.
Respiratory interns must also write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, interns are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Pneumologie (DES).
Want to find out more? Find out more on our pneumologist salary page!
Further training
Once you've obtained your DES and registered with the Ordre des Médecins, you can continue your training to specialize in pediatric respirology, pneumo-allergology or pneumo-oncology, and enhance your skills and know-how on the job market .
The skills needed to become a pneumologist
By the end of their academic career in pulmonology, students must have mastered techniques such as spirometry, blood gasometry and the interpretation of medical images. They also need to be well-informed about drugs specific to respiratory diseases, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as prescribing and monitoring treatment.
Playing an important role in the detection and prevention of serious respiratory diseases, notably lung cancer, the pulmonologist must be able to manage the long-term follow-up of chronic diseases, continually adapting treatments and advising patients on the necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Finally, training will enable them to acquire essential human skills such as empathy, listening and communication. They will also need to know how to manage stress and emotions, remain patient and perseverant in the face of the challenges of long-term follow-up, work effectively in a team and make informed decisions about their patients' health.
Career opportunities and prospects
Pulmonologists' careers are rich in opportunities, both in terms of practice structures and specializations. Pulmonologists can work in public hospitals, private clinics, private practices or rehabilitation centers.
These locations will enable these specialists to vary their tasks and therefore their daily routine, to offer a rich and fulfilling career over the long term.
In short, pulmonology studies are among the most difficult in the French university system. Fortunately, the 11 years of study required to become a pneumologist lead to a rich and fulfilling career. It's a profession full of discoveries to be made, cases to be treated and variations. It is one of the most complex medical specialties, but also one of the most sought-after and respected. All of which justifies the high level of expertise expected during the academic curriculum.
This offer may be of interest to you
Jober can accompany you on your next professional adventure. Take a look at our special offer.
Respiratory specialist - Décines-Charpieu 69
Liberal
9000 - 15000 per month
Décines-Charpieu
Pneumologist Job - Décines-Charpieu 69 Are you looking for a position as a pulmonologist in Décines-Charpieu, in the Rhône department? If so, you've come to the right place, as we're offering a freelance opportunity in a multidisciplinary health center. The structure's DNA The health center will open in March 2026 in a new 500 m², two-storey building, offering modern, upscale premises with gardens, terraces for professionals and convivial communal areas. In addition, the layout will feature different-sized practices for specialists, dedicated waiting rooms and an on-site secretariat. The neighborhood is new, dynamic and central, accessible by public transport with the tramway 2 minutes away and fifteen minutes from Lyon, offering a professional and easily accessible living environment. Description and duties - Take charge of specialized pneumology consultations and follow up a patient base - Perform and interpret respiratory function tests, particularly spirometry - Manage unscheduled care and complementary procedures related to your specialty - Work closely with general practitioners, cardiologists and paramedical teams to ensure a coordinated care pathway - Participate in the community life of the nursing home and in multidisciplinary exchanges Compensation For this position, you will receive a royalty of between 20 and 30% of your gross sales, depending on your activity. You can also choose to simply rent your practice. Benefits - Full range of medical equipment: ultrasound, ECG, spirometer - New, high-end 500 m² premises with garden and terraces - Dedicated secretariat with 2 on-site secretaries for administrative and logistical support - Multidisciplinary working environment and structured medical project - Use of Doctolib software for appointment management - High patient flow from the outset, with Doctolib slots filled over several weeks - Tramway 2 minutes away, parking available - Financial benefits: €10,000 ZIP bonus, increased consultation fees for the first two years Profile sought Respirologist 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] Reference : 12054 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.
Respiratory specialist - Montpellier 34
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Montpellier
UPDATE 16/03: Royalty of 35% of your sales Job Pneumologist M/F - Montpellier 34 We are recruiting a pulmonologist M/F to join a medical structure located in Montpellier, in the Hérault region, as part of a self-employed collaboration. Structure DNA You will be joining an organization dedicated to allergology, with a technical platform including an EFR, a test chair and medical tables. The operation is designed to relieve the practitioner of administrative and technical tasks, so as to refocus on diagnosis and medical care. The facility has three practices organized to ensure a seamless patient pathway. Last but not least, Montpellier offers an attractive living environment between the urban center and the proximity of the sea, with an easily accessible transport network and amenities. Description and missions The working model is based on a clear division of tasks: - The secretary takes care of administrative reception and an initial questionnaire - The medical assistant performs the tests and completes the questionnaires - The doctor consults the results, establishes the diagnosis and prescribes treatment Compensation For this position, you will receive a 35% gross commission on sales. Benefits - Full technical platform - Dedicated secretary for administrative management - Medical assistant in charge of tests and patient questionnaires - Organization allowing you to concentrate on your medical missions Profile sought Respirologist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 06 67 17 15 28 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11762 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. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, France's leading recruitment agency for healthcare professionals, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you.
Respiratory specialist - Aubervilliers 93
Employee
9000 - 15000 per month
Aubervilliers
Are you looking for a position as a Pneumologist near Aubervilliers, in Seine-Saint-Denis? We've got just what you're looking for: a full-time or part-time permanent or fixed-term contract in a well-equipped medical center. DNA of the structure The medical center is located in the town of Aubervilliers, close to the town hall, in a new, quiet neighborhood. It is also just a 5-minute walk from the Aimé Césaire metro station (line 12). The facility also boasts a new, modern technical platform and a friendly, family atmosphere. Medical and administrative support is provided by qualified assistants and secretaries, an administrative manager, a housekeeper and a medical director in charge of human resources. In addition, it is a multi-disciplinary center bringing together general practitioners and specialists, encouraging the exchange and sharing of skills. Career development and medical training are offered and supported. Description and duties You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team and your main duties will include : - Care of patients in pneumology consultations. - Collaborating and sharing skills with GPs and other specialists on site. - Participating in training activities and medical meetings organized by the hospital. - Contributing to the smooth running of the patient pathway within the multidisciplinary platform. Compensation For this position, you will be paid 50% gross of sales. Exceptional signing bonus of 1,000 euros, subject to signature of final employment contract and minimum activity of 2 days per week. Benefits - New, modern technical platform - Bright, modern premises in a quiet neighborhood close to transport links - Medical and administrative support with qualified assistants and secretaries - Smiling, family atmosphere - Support for training and professional development - Flexible scheduling and hiring bonus - CPR offered, 50% of Navigo pass and complementary health insurance offered Profile sought Respirologist 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] Advert reference: 12025 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.
See all available offers for this category