The Ministry of Health has approved the launch of a call for proposals for 11,943 Specialized Health Training (FSE) places by 2025, as reported by Medical Writing. This marks an unprecedented high, with the MIR contributing 9,007 residents, which is 235 more than last year. In the case of Nursing, the department led by Monica Garcia will offer 2,171 positions, an increase of 63. According to the head of the department, the Human Resources Commission of the National Health System (NHS) also decided this Tuesday to eliminate the cut-off mark and the minimum score required to participate in position selection and awarding processes, limiting eligibility to those whose final score for the exercise is greater than zero.
The Ministry of Health is addressing one of the primary demands of the autonomous communities, which pointed out that many MIR positions went unfilled because some graduates did not meet the minimum grade. “It is unfortunate that nearly 4,000 doctors in Spain want to pursue a residency and cannot,” commented Carlos Fernandez Carriedo, spokesperson for the Regional Government of Castile and León.
Monica Garcia herself described the removal of the cut-off mark as a “milestone,” a “request from some autonomous communities” that “will facilitate professionals’ access to training places.”
Increase in ESF supply in 2025
Regarding the number of places offered for 2025, the Ministry of Health has confirmed, as previously reported by this newspaper, that there will be space for 11,943 residents.
This represents a 2.9 percent increase compared to the previous year, with García noting that this increase signifies a 40.9 percent rise since 2018 and reaffirms the Ministry of Health’s commitment to specialized training for healthcare professionals.
Specifically, the breakdown by qualification is as follows:
- Medicine: 9,007 places (+3%)
- Nursing: 2,171 vacancies (+3%)
- Pharmacy: 352 places (+4%)
- Psychology: 274 places (+11%)
- Biology: 63 places (-3%)
- Physics: 51 places (+11%)
- Chemistry: 25 places (-7%)
The only fields where the number of places has decreased are Biology and Chemistry, each losing two positions. All other fields have an increase, particularly in Medicine, which will train 9,007 new residents next year, an increase of 235 from last year.
There are also increases in the EIR (+63 places, up to 2,171) and the PIR (+27 places to 274).
Regarding places reserved for people with disabilities (7 percent), there will be 836 available. The quota of places for applicants from outside the EU without a residence permit includes up to 901 places for the Medicine degree (10 percent); four places for Pharmacy (1 percent); and 22 for Nursing (1 percent).
By specialty, the MIRs will be allocated as follows: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (60 percent); Legal and Forensic Medicine (42 percent); and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (14 percent). In the case of Family and Community Medicine, the offer includes 2,508 places, which is a 1 percent increase compared to the previous call; in Family and Community Nursing, 919 places are available (+3 percent compared to last year).
The entrance exam for the various qualifications is scheduled for January 25, 2025, following the usual timetable for tests, which will facilitate the prompt integration of new graduates from universities into Specialized Health Training (FSE).
Although it may contain statements, data, or notes from institutions or health professionals, the information in Medical News is edited and prepared by journalists. We advise readers to consult a health professional for any health-related questions.
Ministry of Health Approves Launch of 11,943 Specialised Health Training Places for 2025
The Ministry of Health has made headlines with its landmark decision to launch a call for 11,943 Specialised Health Training (FSE) places for the upcoming year 2025. This figure marks a record high never seen before, with the MIR (Medical Intersystem Residency) contributing a significant 9,007 residents, an increase of 235 compared to the previous year. This move is poised to improve healthcare training and service delivery across Spain.
The Minister of Health, Monica Garcia, announced that 2,171 nursing positions would also be available, reflecting an increase of 63 places. This expansion aims to address the growing demand for trained healthcare professionals, responding effectively to the needs expressed by regional communities.
Elimination of Cut-off Marks for MIR Positions
In a pivotal decision, the Human Resources Commission of the National Health System (NHS) voted to remove the cut-off mark and the minimum score requirement for participating in the selection and allocation of places. This policy change will apply to candidates whose final score for the exercise exceeds zero.
This alteration directly addresses the concerns raised by numerous autonomous communities where many MIR positions went unfilled due to the high cut-off scores that some graduates could not achieve. Carlos Fernandez Carriedo, spokesperson for the Regional Government of Castile and Leon, expressed regret at the situation, noting that nearly 4,000 motivated doctors were eager to enter residency but were barred due to stringent scoring norms. He asserted, “It is a shame that almost 4,000 doctors in Spain want to do residency and can’t.”
Minister Monica Garcia called the elimination of the cut-off mark a significant “milestone,” emphasizing that this adjustment caters to a request from several autonomous communities, which will streamline access to training positions for professionals.
Details of the Specialised Health Training Offer for 2025
The Ministry of Health confirmed a substantial expansion of the Specialised Health Training (FSE) program, with an increase of 2.9 percent compared to the previous year. This expansion signifies a considerable commitment towards enhancing healthcare training by a remarkable 40.9 percent since 2018.
| Qualification | Number of Places | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 9,007 | +3% |
| Nursing | 2,171 | +3% |
| Pharmacy | 352 | +4% |
| Psychology | 274 | +11% |
| Biology | 63 | -3% |
| Physics | 51 | +11% |
| Chemistry | 25 | -7% |
While certain fields, namely Biology and Chemistry, have seen a slight reduction in available places, the overall trend is positive, showcasing a significant boost particularly in the demand for medical professionals.
Special Places and Reservations
The allocation process also includes provisions for candidates with disabilities, with 7 percent of total vacancies (amounting to 836 places) reserved for applicants in this category. Furthermore, quotas are established for applicants from outside the EU without residence permits, such as:
- Medical Degree: 901 places (10%)
- Pharmacy: 4 places (1%)
- Nursing: 22 places (1%)
Notably, the largest portions of MIR placements are in fields such as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (60% increase), Legal and Forensic Medicine (42%), and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (14%). Not to be overlooked, the Family and Community Medicine field will see a modest rise with 2,508 places, reflecting a 1 percent increase from the previous year.
Key Dates and Examination Details
Scheduled for January 25, 2025, the examination for these qualifications aims to streamline candidates’ entry into the Specialised Health Training (FSE). This effort ensures that graduates from various faculties can promptly commence their essential training.
This systematic approach by the Ministry of Health not only fosters the professional growth of healthcare workers but also enhances the quality of care available to patients, illustrating a commitment to health service advancement across Spain.
Benefits of the Expanded Specialised Health Training Opportunities
- Increased Workforce: More training positions will lead to an enhanced workforce, benefiting healthcare services.
- Diverse Specialties: With a wide range of specialties available, trainees can carve out careers in fields that match their interests.
- Improved Access: The removal of cut-off marks allows more candidates to pursue their aspirations of becoming healthcare professionals.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Reserving positions for people with disabilities and extracommunity candidates promotes a more diverse healthcare workforce.
- Commitment to Quality Training: Continuous growth in training positions reflects a commitment to maintaining high-quality healthcare standards.
By implementing these changes, the Ministry of Health is not just expanding numbers; it is enhancing the very fabric of Spain’s healthcare training system. This initiative is set to create a pool of well-qualified healthcare professionals ready to serve the community effectively.
