Options during Higher Training

This section provides information and case studies about your options during Higher Training, including taking Less Than Full Time Training. It is part of our section for core trainees, to support you to continue to choose psychiatry.

 

Options during specialty training

Some higher trainees want extra flexibility to fit in with their lifestyle.

Among the options you can apply for are

  • Less Than Full Time Training: Trainees who undertake LTFT training do reduced hours. Specialist training takes longer to complete, but LTFT training allows trainees to spend part of their week pursuing other interests.
  • Out of Programme: Most higher trainees do their three years of specialist training consecutively, but you can apply to do Out of Programme which means you take a break of up to six months during higher training.

During this year's Choose Psychiatry campaign, which we're also calling Continue to Choose Psychiatry, we'll be sharing stories from trainees who have taken up these options.

Less Than Full Time Training

Dr Tom Fyall took Less Than Full Time training after his first child was born, working 80% of a full time post to support his young family, Read about his experience, including how colleagues reacted.

Dr Elizabeth Robertson took Less Than Full Time Training to help her start a family, and has moved from 60% to 80% as her children have got older. She speaks about her own experience of LTFT and whether she'd recommend it for people who are looking for more flexibility in working patterns for other reasons.

Read more to receive further information regarding a career in psychiatry