Doctors_Direct

International Healthcare Professionals for the UK

Putting people in places to care

NHS Professionals International is owned by the Department of Health and Social care. We work in partnership with most hospitals, across the United Kingdom (UK), to recruit and place internationally educated healthcare professionals into full-time jobs with the National Health Service (NHS).

We offer support and guidance to Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals (AHP), like you, every step of the application journey, for a smooth transition into your new job.

 

The benefits of joining

There are lots of advantages in applying with us. In addition to providing support and peace of mind, it includes:

  • Free flight to the UK
  • Free initial accommodation
  • 27 days paid leave + 8 bank holidays (rising to 33 days)
  • Free fully structured adaptation programme for each AHP role
  • Free fully structured training programme aimed at achieving Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
  • Advance of fees for the OSCE
  • Extra payments for nights and weekends
  • First choice of overtime (up to 20 additional hours per week)
  • Access to the generous NHS Pension Scheme

 

Discover your healthcare profession

We have job vacancies, across the UK, in the following areas:

Your next steps

During your initial application process, you will need to provide proof of relevant experience in the role in which you are applying for, once successful, our typical recruitment journey is as follows:

Flowchart representing typical journey

To meet Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) requirements, you will need to be from an English-speaking country, or you will be required to pass an English language test.

Examples of approved English language tests are:

  • International English Testing System (IELTS)
  • Occupational English Test (OET)

Our international recruitment team can provide more information on these requirements.

 

Training and development

Many hospitals work with universities that offer on-going education and professional development to employees. Hospitals often provide free training courses and paid study leave as part of their commitment to your continued education.

From day one of your new jobs, you will receive support through an excellent training programme. This is to help you pass the Nursing & Midwifery Council’s (NMC) Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE).

 

There are many different Allied Health Professionals working in the NHS and supporting patients. We recruit the following positions:

  • Dietitians
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs)
  • Paramedics
  • Physiotherapists
  • Podiatrists/Chiropodists
  • Radiographers
  • Sonographers
  • Speech and Language Therapists

Find out more about the different roles we offer, including salary, responsibilities, and what to expect.

Your next steps

During your initial application process, you will need to provide proof of relevant experience in the specialty you are wishing to work in. This will be assessed with your CV and then at interview with the NHS Hospital of your choice. 

Once successful at interview, you will need to be either from an English-speaking country or need to pass an English language test. This will either be the International English Language Testing System (IELTS level 7 in reading, speaking, listening, and writing) OR alternately Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet Based Test (IBT) with a minimum score of 100 (out of 120). Alternatively, you can also provide education or employment certificates depending on your country. The required score for these tests may change – our international recruitment team can advise you on the necessary score.

Once this is completed, you may be required to obtain HCPC (Health and Care Professional Council) registration to complete the application process. You will be supported by our team throughout the process.

Visit the HCPC website for more information 

Your training and development

Many hospitals are attached to renowned universities and offer further education and professional development as a priority. Hospitals and Trusts often providing free training courses and paid study leave as part of their commitment to your continued education.

Whichever hospitals you choose, you will be supported from day one, whether that is through corporate and local inductions or an adaptation programme.

After joining NHS Professionals International

Once you have completed your training and become a Registered Nurse, Midwife, or Allied Health Professional, you can register to join the NHS Professionals Staff Bank. The Staff Bank offers the choice of flexible shifts, as well as the ability to develop professionally and gain additional experience within your ward, area, or department.

For information on the International Healthcare Professionals process, visit our Help and Support pages. For any additional queries, email our International Recruitment Team on international@nhsprofessionals.nhs.uk