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Working in the Medical Profession

Nursing Jobs

There is a constant demand for nurses in the National Health Service (NHS), private hospitals, clinics, surgeries and nursing homes.

You will need a relevant nursing qualification to work as a nurse in the UK and will also need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It's recommended you register with them before you leave for the UK as registration can take a while. But once approved, registration lasts for three years. The NMC charges an application fee then a further fee if you are accepted. You will also need police clearance if you are planning to work with children. All the relevant forms and further details are available from their website www.nmc-uk.org.uk.

Typical working hours: 35-45 hours per week
Typical rates of pay: £7 + per hour depending on experience and qualifications

Doctors

Doctors are also always in demand, particularly house officers, house surgeons, house physicians, housemen, senior house officers, registrars, specialist registrars and clinical assistants.

All doctors wishing to practise in the UK must hold the relevant qualifications and experience and must register with the General Medical Council (GMC). Doctors are eligible for full registration if they qualified at a UK or European Economic Area (EEA) medical school and are a national of the EEA. If you qualified in New Zealand, Australia or South Africa you will still be eligible to register but you should check with the GMC for further information. Registration forms can be downloaded from the site www.gmc-uk.org.

Typical working hours: Locums can work 20-100 hours a week
Typical rates of pay: Locums can earn £14-£20 per hour

A number of hospital locum positions come with free or highly subsidised accommodation.

Dentists

The UK offers a range of locum and permanent posts on a continual basis. As part of the relevant qualifications, you must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) in order to practise in the UK. It is vital that you contact them to register and determine your eligibility before you leave for the UK. All dentists who qualified after December 2000 in a country other than in the EEA will now have to pass a three-stage international qualifying exam in order to work in the UK. Further details can be obtained by visiting www.gdc-uk.org.

Typical working hours: 40-45 hours per week
Typical rates of pay: £18+ in locum positions

Other Medical Professions