Radiology ST1 Applications 2023/2024
"The application process significantly changes every year. We correctly predict almost every single change and incorporate these into our courses and continue to provide up to date, relevant material for our delegates."
Timeline for radiology ST1 applications for 2023 / 2024
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26th October 2023 - Application window open
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19th December 2023 - Specialty Recruitment Assessment (SRA) invitations
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4th-16th January 2024 - Specialty Recruitment Assessment (SRA) window
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12th-15th March 2024 - Interviews
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26th March 2024 - Initial offers circulated
The recruitment process will be run through the ORIEL recruitment system. The Specialty Recruitment Assessment (SRA) test, that all candidates must sit, usually in January forms a critical part of your overall score. We would strongly encourage you to prepare for this. The SRA will be used by the RCR to shortlist-out applicants.
There were obviously some significant changes owing to COVID with an increased emphasis on the SRA and a move towards digital interviews and a change to how your 'portfolio' was assessed. For 2024 it is highly likely that many of these changes will continue.
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How does this change things?
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'Simplistic' initial application process has attracted more speculative applications
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The SRA will likely eliminate only the least suitable candidates prior to interview
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More candidates being interviewed overall (owing to the SRA and longlisting)
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Worse competition ratio at the application and interview stages than previously
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Good performance at the remote interview is vital to success (as much as 50% of your score)
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Shorter interview time means you only have a short time to impress
The stages of application
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Applications are submitted as a single Unit of Application (UoA) using the ORIEL recruitment system.
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The MSRA is scheduled for late January. Early booking is advised due to limited time slots and venues.
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Applicants receive their MSRA scores a few weeks later, shortlisting the top 850 candidates for longlisting against the person specification.
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Successful candidates then submit self-assessment evidence (parts of their portfolio).
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Interview booking invitations are sent via email; prompt booking is recommended.
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Interviews are conducted online using Qpercom Recruit, following a national scoring framework.
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They consist of two 10-minute stations. Applicant scores are a combination of interview (50%), MSRA (20%), and verified evidence scores (30%).
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ST1 Clinical Radiology post offers are sent through ORIEL, requiring a response within 48 hours.
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Unfilled posts are allocated through a national clearing process by London Recruitment, with a minimum score for eligibility.
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Why is it so difficult to get in?
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Very popular, fast growing, technologically driven specialty
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Huge variety of work which touches on every medical and surgical specialty
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Good work life balance
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Growing disillusionment with other medical and surgical specialties
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Relatively short training period
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Focused consultant led training
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Excellent prospects of gaining a consultancy post at the end of training
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Potential for private work
Resources
We thoroughly recommend the excellent resources that RadiologyCafe have on their website.
Person Specification and Applicant Handbook
Alongside the handbook the person specification is the most important document for your ST1 application.