When you hear about applying for jobs in the NHS, you may invariably hear people talk about FY2 standalone or locum appointment for training (LAT) posts, and it’s only natural to wonder if you should apply for such a post. So let us give you the complete picture of what an FY2 standalone or LAT post means.
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What is an FY2 Standalone/LAT?
In the UK, newly graduated doctors enter into what is known as the foundation program, which consists of a two year rotational post. The first year of this post is known as Foundation Year 1 (FY1), while the second year is known as Foundation Year 2 (FY2). If you’ve completed an acceptable pattern of internship as per the GMC back home, you’ve already done the equivalent to FY1 in the UK.
Wondering what is considered an acceptable pattern of internship? Check out our article on Internship & UKFPO.
FY2 standalones are essentially open spots in the foundation program. It is a training post that is available to be applied for in January via Oriel. The post then starts in August of that year.
Eligibility for joining standalone posts
As mentioned before, you can apply for an FY2 standalone/LAT in January, so at the time of the application you will need:
- To have passed IELTS or OET with the required score. You’d need a minimum of 7.5 in each section and 7.5 overall for IELTS and a minimum of 400 for OET.
- To have at least passed PLAB 1.
If you have already been working in the NHS for at least 3 months, then a consultant can provide a testimony to state that your level of English proficiency is adequate to continue instead of having to take IELTS or OET. Please note that you must be in a paid working role. A clinical attachment, observership, or locum work does not count. You can find the consultant testimony proforma on the foundation program website.
If you can prove that 75% of your patient contact during medical college was in English and that your medical education and exams were conducted completely in English, then you can avoid IELTS or OET.
You must also hold FULL GMC registration by the time the standalone starts, as well as have completed an Immediate Life Support (ILS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course. To keep to this schedule, have your PLAB 2 cleared by April of the year you are applying, and have your GMC registration applied for by May at the latest.
You will also need to take an exam known as the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). This is not a medical/clinical exam, rather a general exam to assess your selection. If you are successful in the longlisting process, you will be invited to book an SJT date. The bookings will open from February 15th-22nd, 2022.
What makes you ineligible for FY2 standalone
- Completed the UKFP or are currently enrolled in the foundation program
- Have a CREST form signed
- Already completed an FY2 standalone in the past
How do I apply?
All applications must be submitted via ORIEL. You will need to look under the ‘foundation’ staff group to find the option for UKFPO. You will then be able to search for ‘FY2 standalone’ in the vacancies. It’s always best to complete this process on a desktop/laptop rather than on a tablet or mobile device.
Please note that during the application process you will need to provide references. These references will only be contacted once your offer has been accepted. Please ensure from the start that your references are happy to be contacted and that they will be prompt in responding if you are successful in your application.
If you are interested in starting an FY2 standalone for the 2022 intake, the application window is from January 17th until January 31st, 2022. If you do not submit your completed application during this time, it WILL NOT be accepted.
FY2 Standalone versus Non Training
If you wish to start out in the NHS, you don’t need to be in a training post from the get-go. There are options to work in non-training for some time before transitioning to a training job (if you want!). So make a decision based on what you think would make the most sense for you. We have talked about the differences between an FY2 standalone and a non-training post:
The progression for an individual who has completed FY2 standalone and someone who has gone via a non-training post to get their CREST form signed is the same. No preference would be given to someone who has done a standalone versus someone who has not. Make your decision after weighing all the pros and cons mentioned in the video above.
Good luck with your application for an FY2 standalone! If you are successful, check out how to prepare for your FY2 standalone interview.
