Approximately 500 students from second-level schools throughout Ireland got a taste for life as a medical, pharmacy and physiotherapy student today at RCSI’s annual Open Day.

During the day-long event, Leaving Certificate and A’ Level students met with RCSI staff, students and graduates, to give them an idea of what it is like to study medicine, pharmacy and physiotherapy and take up careers in these areas. A series of talks were held on the range of courses available at RCSI, how to apply to RCSI through the CAO system and information on the Health Professional Admissions Test (HPAT) that was introduced as part of the selection process for EU student applying for medicine in 2009. An exhibition was hosted by faculties and staff, who were on hand to answer any questions.

Philip Curtis, Head of Admissions at RCSI, said: “The annual open day provides second level students with a great opportunity to get a sense of life, both academic and social at RCSI.  With talks from staff, current students and graduates, students are able to get a real sense of what life as a medical, physiotherapy or pharmacy student is really like.”

Information was also available on the wide choice of clubs and societies available in RCSI, as well as information on student accommodation, library and sports facilities.  Other highlights of the day included talks from current students of each of the three courses, who gave their perspectives on studying at RCSI. Students also heard about the experiences of junior doctors, who have graduated from RCSI.