Global Healthcare Jobs (GHJ) - FAQs

FAQ, Frequently Asked Question

Welcome to our comprehensive FAQ resource for healthcare professionals considering relocating to the UK for exciting NHS career opportunities.
We understand you likely have many questions about the process of obtaining registration, securing a suitable role, visas, contracts, workplace culture, and more in the UK.
These 100 questions and detailed answers on key topics were created to provide helpful clarity as you research pursuing international NHS employment.
Review the information here to gain insightful tips and a better understanding of requirements and best practices for joining the NHS workforce as an overseas clinician or other medical professional.
We wish you the very best taking these first steps towards an immensely rewarding opportunity to advance your expertise while making a difference for patients in the NHS, one of the world’s most esteemed public healthcare institutions.
Don’t wait – check out current openings tailored to your specialty area and experience level and apply today to embark on an incredible new chapter in your global healthcare career!

Yes, there are specialised healthcare and NHS recruitment agencies that can help connect you with job opportunities. Some well-known examples include Sanctuary Personnel, Perfect Practice, and Morrow Medical. They often have insider knowledge about roles.

Yes, taking locum and temporary cover positions is an excellent way to gain crucial NHS experience as you continue seeking permanent roles. It builds your knowledge and helps you make contacts.

The NMC has a multi-step process including document submission, eligibility verification, English testing, and potentially an exam or supervised practice. It takes 6-12 months so you must plan ahead.

Generally no, to work as a healthcare professional in the UK long-term you need a suitable work visa like the Skilled Worker visa or Health and Care visa. There are limited short-term exceptions.

Yes, strong English skills including medical terminology are required for clinical roles. Plan to take an approved exam like the IELTS for written and spoken fluency verification.

The NMC reviews all international nursing qualifications. If they don’t automatically recognise your degree, you may need to pursue additional training and exams.

The GMC provides resources to verify the equivalency status of your qualifications by country. Alternatively, you can pursue obtaining a full GMC licence.

Great resources include the NHS Jobs website, recruitment agency databases, professional associations, and directly on hospital trust career sites. Sign up for job alerts with Global Healthcare Jobs today.

Relevant professional conferences, recruitment fairs, alumni meetups, and informational interviews can help build your professional network and learn about job leads.

Show in-depth knowledge of the NHS and current policy issues. Use concrete examples demonstrating strong clinical expertise plus soft skills like communication, leadership, and professionalism.

The process is quite competitive, especially for popular specialties and locations. Developing relevant experience, nailing your applications, and interview preparation will improve your chances.

Contact the General Dental Council to begin the application process including document submission, exams, and verification of your qualifications. Meet all eligibility criteria.

Submit an Application to Change Registered Particulars form specifying your name change along with acceptable supporting documentation for approval.

After applying, you can check the status online via your NMC account during processing. They will email you once registration is fully approved.

You can check the status online by signing into your account on the gov.uk website for updates as it is processed, including next steps if more info is needed.

GMC sponsoring includes supervised practice under an approved sponsor organisation. Search approved sponsors via the GMC website and apply directly to them.

Submit a credential evaluation application along with certified copies of your degree transcripts, course outlines, training certificates, licence, passport and English test score.

You will need to submit an application to the GMC providing evidence of formal re-training and recent experience in your new specialty with references.

The standard timeline is 6-12 months but may be shorter if you qualified in the EEA. Have all required documents ready for efficient processing.

In the UK, CVs are preferred over resumes. Follow conventions like including your full education history. Adapt any local resume content into CV format.

Absolutely – get formal written offers with all compensation and visa sponsorship details finalised before relocating to be assured the role is secure.

You’ll likely be asked about your skills/experience, knowledge of NHS systems, handling difficult patients, teamwork, decision making, and interests in the role/organisation.

Watch for vague visa sponsorship commitments, lack of written particulars, dramatically lower pay than market rate, and reluctance to answer follow up questions.

Top sites include, Global Healthcare Jobs,  Locum’s Nest, LocumUK.com, and Global locums. Only use reputable locum agencies to avoid recruitment scams.

SJTs assess your judgement in hypothetical scenarios an employee might encounter. Providers like Cubiks and Pearson Vue offer NHS pre-employment SJTs.

Salaries range from approximately £25,000 to £48,000 depending on specialisation, experience level, location and exact role. Review NHS pay bands and negotiate appropriately.

Some of the largest NHS trusts with extensive hiring needs include Barts Health, King’s College Hospital, Manchester University Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

Consistently sought specialties include A&E, general practice, psychiatry, paediatrics, anaesthesia, surgery and all types of nursing such as critical care.

Full-time NHS doctors typically work 37-40 hours per week. This averages to 9 sessions of 4-5 hours. you also must participate in on-call rota duties.

Leading sites include NHS Jobs, LinkedIn, Indeed, Mediplacements, BMJ Careers, and individual facility pages like those of large NHS trusts.

You must have an approved undergraduate nursing degree and register with the NMC, meeting English fluency and competency standards.

There is high demand for many clinical roles but especially nurses, paramedics, radiographers, sonographers, oncologists, cardiologists, and OTs.

This visa has lower salary and language requirements. It facilitates recruitment of qualified overseas healthcare professionals into priority NHS roles.

The maximum pay rates for NHS locum doctors are typically between £70-100 per hour depending on exact role and location.

After submitting your application to the NMC, you’ll need to pass the CBT exam and potentially an OSCE assessment before registration is approved.

Typical requirements are a master’s degree in healthcare or business administration, 5+ years management experience in healthcare, and strong leadership abilities.

Ideally from current or recent managers highlighting clinical expertise, strengths, leadership/teamwork skills, communication abilities and judgement.

Key examples are A&E for the ER, OT for occupational therapist, NHS for National Health Service, Registrar as senior doctor, and FY1/FY2 for foundation years.

The main visas are the Skilled Worker Visa if you have a job offer paying minimum £20,480 and Health and Care Worker Visa with reduced requirements.

Most agency nurses require Tier 2 sponsorship. Talk to your agency about certification and restrictions such as the annual Tier 2 quota.

Cover letters tend to be 1 page in length or approximately 400 words. Avoid going over one page unless specified.

Submit applications 6-12 months in advance of when you hope to begin practising. Account for registration and visa processing times.

Helpful resources include NHS pay bands, salary databases like Glassdoor, recruitment firms, and professional associations.

Credentials like nursing registration with the NMC and medical licensing with the GMC are recognised internationally making future mobility easier.

Recruitment firms specialising in niche disciplines include, Global Healthcare Jobs (GHJ), AliusDoc (radiology), php healthcare consultancy (physicians), and Global Medics (emergency medicine).

Ongoing CPD training is mandatory for regulated healthcare professions in the UK. It ensures you maintain competency and provide quality care.

Possibly – your credentials will be evaluated to determine if bridging training or knowledge exams are required for full GMC registration.

Yes, part-time and flexible schedule options are often available within NHS dental practices. This must be negotiated as part of your role terms.

It’s risky to relocate before securing NHS employment since your visa to stay long term is contingent upon having a confirmed job offer.

Most NHS employees on salaried contracts for regular scheduled hours are automatically enrolled into the NHS pension plan after 12 weeks of service.

Full-time NHS doctors are entitled to 27 days of annual leave plus an additional 10 public holidays. Part-time schedules receive adjusted pro-rated leave.

Standard notice periods tend to be between 4-12 weeks. Always check your contract. Give notice promptly once you have accepted a new position.

Yes, all doctors in training grades must complete NHS-specific training programs regardless of international background.

It’s recommended to apply after accepting a position since your employer will likely sponsor your GMC registration fees.

Standard NHS benefits include annual leave entitlements, comprehensive pension contributions, continuing education/training allowances, and discounts on certain healthcare services.

Locums are temporary fill-in roles often through agencies. Permanent doctors are directly employed long-term with regular schedules and greater stability.

Expect questions on expertise, knowledge of NHS systems, ability to lead teams, research experience, and commitment to delivering excellent patient care.

Many countries have established qualification pathways, but some require additional steps like exams or supervised practice before full GMC registration.

You must get approval from your employer first, but many NHS Trusts do allow taking occasional additional locum shifts.

Look into employer-provided options, try to locate flatshares, consider commuting from suburbs, or negotiate housing stipends into contracts.

Contact hospitals directly about registering for their staff bank. Attend local recruitment fairs which often feature staff banks seeking nurses.

Most visas require staying at least 12 months in the role that sponsored you. Plan to commit to your first UK position before pursuing other opportunities.

No, the NHS Constitution outlines principles and values to guide the service but is not legally enforceable like legislation or contracts.

Examples include Great Ormond Street, King’s College Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare, Cambridge University Hospitals, and Manchester University NHS Trust.

This is the national pay scale framework that standardised salaries and benefits for all NHS roles except doctors/dentists who use separate contracts.

Band 5 nurses are entry level while band 6 nurses take on additional senior responsibilities like mentoring, training, and managing teams.

Contributions like research, quality improvement efforts, presenting at conferences, publishing articles, and obtaining specialty certifications.

Combinations of early, late, night, weekend and on-call shifts on rotational schedules. Specifics vary by specialty and employer.

Not always – have your credentials officially evaluated. Be prepared to take extra exams or training before registration if they do not directly transfer.

Yes, nearly half of NHS employees work reduced, flexible, or compressed hours. But full-time work may increase chances of initial employment.

Yes, all practising physicians sign up for rotational on-call shifts providing 24/7 physician coverage across their assigned location/specialty area.

Securing strong letters of recommendation, pursuing rotations in your specialty of choice, and extensively preparing for interviews can all help.

You pay tax on earnings above your tax-free personal allowance. Overall rates range from 20-45% depending on income level and location like Scotland.

NHS advantages include set pay, security and benefits. Private settings offer higher pay, smaller teams and customised care. Assess priorities.

Once fully onboarded, contact your organisation’s IT team to request creation of your individual NHS.net account for email and scheduling.

Potentially – most Agenda for Change contracts allow voluntary overtime. Discuss any constraints and pre-approval needs with your manager.

You must get consent from your NHS employer first. Private work must not interfere with or undermine your NHS role.

Research childcare voucher schemes, tax-free childcare options, NHS discounts at certain providers, and local nursery costs to identify affordable care.

Schedule flexibility depends on the practice. Be clear on needs like part-time hours or no weekends during the hiring process and in your contract.

Sick days provide paid time off for illnesses following proper notice/certification procedures. Annual leave is for requested vacation time and requires advance approval.

Notify all employers if you need additional time to make a decision. Then professionally decline any offers you will not accept so others can have the role.

Yes – NHS-sponsored visas allow bringing dependents. All accompanying family members will have healthcare surcharges covered too.

Yes, most large NHS Trusts are located in or near diverse metro areas with multiple strong private school options for families.

Yes, ongoing training and development opportunities are encouraged and often funded in NHS organisations. Discuss options with your manager.

Highlight your subspecialty expertise, tailored qualifications, relevant leadership experience, research background, and fit with the hospital’s initiatives/values.

Yes, the NHS aims to accommodate religious dress requirements as long as clinical safety and hygiene are not compromised. Discuss needs with your employer.

Formally accept the offer in writing, begin visa processing, book travel, and arrange housing. Maintain frequent communication with your new employer regarding timelines.

Expect questions about your skills, experience handling challenging clinical situations, strengths and weaknesses, teamwork, patient safety knowledge, and commitment to NHS values.

Yes, the NHS pension scheme provides excellent benefits including life insurance, retirement income, and disability coverage. Join when eligible after passing probation periods.

No, your sponsored NHS role outlines a specific intended work location. You can’t freely relocate across the UK without obtaining a new approved job offer.

Connect early with your hiring manager regarding logistics. Review key NHS policies and procedures in advance. Set up your workspace proactively on the first day. Introduce yourself to colleagues.

A registrar is a physician still completing training who works under supervision. A consultant is fully qualified and autonomous in their specialty field of practice.

Yes, you will need to provide proof of immunisation coverage and undergo occupational health screening as mandated by your NHS Trust prior to seeing patients.

You can contact your hiring manager or your organisation’s HR team for clarification on contract terms, benefits, policies, payroll details, leave entitlements, and any other questions.

You stay enrolled in the nationwide NHS pension scheme when moving between NHS employers in the UK so your contributions simply continue seamlessly.

Yes, many NHS trusts allow this with limits, as long as you get approval and it does not interfere with your training program responsibilities. Check policies.