Question answer
In this matter, it is better to focus on your taste. As a rule, the training program is the same for all centers within one language school. It should be borne in mind that London is a huge city. It is more suitable for adults who prefer to live in a metropolis and want to live in the capital. If you want to touch the traditions, it is better to choose a small town somewhere in the outback, and come to London on excursions. You can also go to the coast to improve your English and combine your studies and a wonderful vacation by the sea. For children, it is better to choose small towns and centers with a rich cultural program.
Yes, you can apply to the Foundation or A-Level preparatory program. Such programs exist with international language centers and at some universities. The A-Level program is designed for 2 years, after its completion you can enter British universities on a par with British applicants. The Foundation program is designed for 1 year and is designed specifically to prepare students from abroad for admission and further study at UK universities. After the successful completion of such a program, you can enroll in the 1st year, and in some universities and the second.
Medical education in the UK - how to apply?
Medicine in the UK - is it realistic to enroll?
Looking to study to be a doctor in the UK? Enrolling in a medical school abroad is not easy even for the indigenous people of the country, not to mention foreign applicants. However, “not easy” does not mean “impossible” at all. Especially if you start preparing in advance and know what you need to pay attention to. If you seriously decide to enter a good British university for a medical specialty, then you need to prepare in the most thorough way. This is what our article is about.
Where is British medicine heading today?
The population of the country, where the average life expectancy for men is 79 years, and for women - 83 years, is very positive about the local health care system. 7 out of 10 respondents claim that they receive quality medical care fromNational Health Service (NHS).
Of the latest innovations in the UK healthcare system, doctors officially receive patients via Skype. As stated National Health Service,launched a new five-year program to improve the performance of general practitioners (GPs). According to The Independent, the plan calls for additional funding of £ 2.4 billion per year. In particular, doctors expect the widespread introduction of an online system, thanks to which patients will be able to autonomously monitor their treatment and contact doctors. The Ministry of Health also changed the work schedule of outpatient clinics - from now on they will work in the evenings and on weekends. The government has allocated £ 50,000,000 for innovation in medicine. Therefore, we can expect that in the very near future it will receive a wide circle of supporters, and the number of applicants to medical universities will increase.
Why is the prestige of British medical schools high?
The career of a doctor is considered one of the most promising. This profession belongs to one of the few specialties, the demand for which has remained steadily high for decades, in spite of various economic and political vicissitudes. Despite the complexity of training, its high cost and long duration, competition in this direction has always been maximum. It is not surprising that today obtaining a medical degree in british university is the secret dream of many graduates. Indeed, huge funds are invested in scientific developments in the most pressing areas of health care and in the development of medicine. Thanks to this, the clinics introduce innovative technologies in a timely manner, use the most modern equipment, and constantly improve the level of qualifications of specialists in accordance with world standards.
The United Kingdom has consistently ranked among the world's top ten leaders in terms of the rate of innovation and the level of development of scientific research in the field of medicine. The prestige of education in the field of medicine, as well as salaries in this area, are very high.
How much do UK doctors earn?
The highest salaries in England are for lawyers, financiers, IT specialists and doctors. According to job search engine Adzuna.co.uk, a budding doctor earns around € 2,600 a month in his first year of practice (excluding tax payments), and a salary of € 3,200 in his second year. A doctor who is trained as a specialist has a salary of 3400 to 5400 euros (excluding taxes). The salary of a medical specialist ranges from 4250 to 7900 euros per month. Consultants' salaries range from € 8,250 to € 11,600. Of course, the average salary will differ depending on the region of the country.
"Bypass road" or one of the options - near-medical specialties
The main advantage of this path is that the number of places in universities for the so-called "near-medical" or related specialties is much higher. For example: last year the number of places in medical faculties was less than 8000, while more than 16 thousand students could study in psychology departments.
The universities of the United Kingdom have a large selection of programs for training specialists in related medicine fields, for example, in biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, physiology, genetics, etc.
Entry requirements and the admission process for these specialties are simpler than for medical specialties, so the chances of admission for foreign applicants are much higher, and at the same time you have the opportunity to engage in work related to health care.
However, if you are firmly committed to obtaining a medical specialty, then it is necessary to undergo training according to British rules.
How to become a doctor? Entry Requirements
As we have already said, the entrance competition for medical faculties is quite high. At the same time, the quota of places for foreign students does not exceed 20% of the total. And the possibility of transferring students from 2-3 years of university in their country to a British medical university is not provided.
It is not enough for graduates of non-British schools to have a high school diploma for admission to medical courses. Full school education in the UK takes 13 years, including the last two years devoted to specialized preparation for admission to A-level universities. According to the results of the last two years, graduates have been taking exams.
Entry Requirements medical universities are based on the A-level program. To be eligible for admission, you must demonstrate high marks in A-level subjects. Schoolchildren who intend to enroll in medical faculties focus on in-depth study of chemistry and biology. Most universities accept future "doctors" with a level of achievement not lower than A * AA. Knowledge of English must be high - at least 7.5 IELTS.
In addition, for admission, an exam in medicine is passed, the so-called Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and the British Clinical Aptitude Test (UCKAT).
Foundation preparatory courses for international students wishing to enroll in medical universities are offered by only a few universities. In addition, the results of this preparatory course are not recognized by all British medical schools, but only by those that offer this program. This fact significantly narrows the range of universities where you can enroll.
A very important point is the correspondence of the personality to the profession. Considering that the profession of a doctor is one of the most humane in the world, applicants need to prove to the admissions committee that they have the qualities necessary for their future work - kindness, compassion, and willingness to help. Therefore, those who have practical experience in this area have competitive advantages for admission, for example, work (including on a volunteer basis) in a hospital, a children's boarding school, a nursing home, etc.
Preparation for admission to a medical university for pre-medical courses in addition to the A-level
Among the many preparatory programs of an elite international college there is a Medics Program. You can take this course at one of the college campuses located in London, Cambridge or Canterbury. This two-year course is inherently a specialized A-Level program that has a medical bias and is intended for those who are going to enter the university in such areas as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine.
The college provides the highest quality student preparation. In the most prestigious universities Great Britain and the world - Cambridge and Oxford University enroll 38% of CATS College graduates, which is a very high success rate.
In the process of studying on the Medics Program, students study biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics. For foreign students, the study of medical English is provided to study specialized terminology.
In addition, students are provided with information about the chosen specialty, introduced to the requirements for applying for medical programs, prepared for independent presentations, developed critical analysis skills and taught to talk about specialized topics, for example, about urgent problems of medicine.
At the end of the training, in addition to the traditional A - level exam, BMAT and UKCAT are taken. International students also need to pass IELTS.
Mock introductory interviews are also conducted to help students feel confident when applying to university.
For admission to the A-level Medical Program at CATS, a foreign student will need a school certificate with high marks in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Age - from 16 years old. The requirement for knowledge of English is IELTS from 5.0 and above.
CATS Cambridge College also has a Fast-track Medics Program, which lasts only 3 terms. This program is designed for ambitious students with higher knowledge. Requirements for age, grades in the certificate and knowledge of English will also be higher. Excellent students over 17 years old and with IELTS 5.5+ can study on the accelerated course.
StrongtrainingA-level in CardiffSixthFormCollege(CSFC)
Perhaps, Cardiff College is the most successful center for preparing future students for admission to such prestigious universities as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, in particular in the most competitive areas - medical, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical, economics and legal. For example, last year 16 college graduates became students at Oxbridge (the universities of Oxford and Cambridge), 21 graduates passed the competition for medical specialties and 32 students joined the ranks of freshmen at prestigious London universities, such as the London School of Economics, London University and Imperial colleges.
CSFC graduates successfully pass qualifying rounds for a specialty with a large entrance competition due to strong A-level preparation, in which the college has practically no equal. According to the leading British publications The Daily Telegraph and The Times, according to the results of the A-level exams passed last year, the college was recognized as the best in the country. This is confirmed by statistics. Grades (A *) - 60% of college graduates received the highest honors mark on the exam. A and A * together accounted for 95.1% of the total marks. The rest of the graduates received a B grade (“good”) and none of the students passed the exams for a C point (“satisfactory”).
For such high results, the educational organization Education Advisers has awarded the college in several nominations at once as the best private school, the best private college of the Sixth Form - the last two years school education and the best co-educational boarding school for boys and girls.
At the college you can find programs such as obtaining a British Certificate of Secondary Education General Certificate of Secondary Education(GCSE), as well as A-level, summer course and boot camp.
To enter a boarding school, you must have excellent marks in a domestic school and IELTS from 6.5 and above. After reviewing the documents, the school administration sets the date for the interview.
Every year the number of students choosing medical education in England and continues to increase: this is true for Russian students and other foreigners. Indeed, the prestigious diploma of higher medical education in England opens up the broadest opportunities for successful international employment, continuing education and research activities, for a stable and high income.
The most important thing about admission to medical schools in the UK
- It is almost impossible to go directly to the University of Great Britain at the Faculty of Medicine after the Russian school
- To start studying at universities in the UK in the specialty "Medicine" in most cases, you need to pass at least 2 years in
- There are one-year preparatory programs for admission to medicine at UK universities for graduates of Russian schools, for example: and
- There are more.
Education in England: teaching medicine in the UK for international students
The British system of medicine has been tracing its history for many centuries: according to statistical data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the country ranks 15th among European countries in terms of the level of medical care and 18th place worldwide for the same parameter. The United Kingdom is in the TOP-10 world leaders in terms of the development of medicine, the use of the latest innovative technologies, the pace of development and research; on the territory of Britain there are world-famous universities and faculties of specialized areas (and many others). Medical education in England is prestigious and in demand.
Such a high demand and prestige of medical universities leads to the highest competition among applicants: according to statistics, only about 8% of students are foreigners.
They are also chosen for the reason that a medical degree allows you to receive a fairly high salary. Yes, the price of education in England is quite big, but the costs will pay off soon after graduation: according to statistics, an ordinary district therapist receives about 44,000 euros per year, and given the higher cost of services in private clinics, earnings may be even higher.
Higher education in the UK: the structure of higher medical education in England, features
The duration of receiving medical education in England is approximately 7-8 years: a wide range of basic disciplines and areas are studied under the bachelor's program, from which the main and priority ones are selected in the internship (Foundation), during which active practice and internship begin. The first professional degrees that students who choose medical education in England and the UK receive are the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (similar and equivalent). Having received a bachelor's degree, a student can continue their studies in the chosen or related specialty, going on an internship.
Internship (Foundation), in turn, is divided into two years - F1 and F2; the completion of the training is marked by the receipt of an MB diploma (for specialists in the field of "Surgery" the ChB diploma is intended). The Foundation Doctor degree is compulsory for all qualified medical practitioners in the UK and replaced Pre-registration house officer and Senior house officer in 2005. The passed level also learns to work in a team, acquire time management and IT skills.
- F1 - 3-4 different specialties are studied; The General Medical Council determines the mandatory set of knowledge that the student must possess after each trimester
- F2 - focuses on the diagnosis and prevention of acute diseases; also mastered teamwork and personnel management, the necessary IT skills, the ability to allocate time and rank tasks.
In the United States, an intern is a specialist who has received a medical education, but does not yet have a license to practice independently; in Britain there is a similar term Foundation House Officer. Interns practice only under the guidance of a licensed physician in an accredited clinic or hospital
The profile can be obtained by taking GEP express courses (4 years instead of 5-6), but only applicants who graduated from biological and medical faculties can enter accelerated training. There are exceptions to this rule, but you need to learn about them at each university separately - for example, Cambridge accepts even holders of humanitarian degrees at the GEP.
A special General Medical Council - GMC - is responsible for the certification of specialists and has been working for many years, periodically issuing professional collections of recommendations that must be followed by students, graduates and applicants.
The most prestigious and ranked universities in medicine in England
Great Britain can be proud of a whole galaxy of world-famous scientists and doctors who were educated in England at one of 30 specialized medical schools or one of 10 universities. Among the most demanded, prestigious and rating educational institutions, the following can be noted:
- King's College School of Medicine
- University of Wales
How to enroll in a medical school in England?
Unlike most other universities and high schools, the requirements for applicants are not limited to a certificate with good grades and the results of a language test for knowledge of English. You will need a certificate of the A-level program (the course should have studied specialized disciplines - for example, chemistry or biology), a language test certificate confirming an advanced level of English, and the obligatory passing of the BMAT exam (introductory testing in biochemical sciences).
Please note that most specialized universities provide a very small quota for Russian students and foreigners from non-EU countries, which further complicates the competition for each place as already mentioned, medical education in England is very much in demand among the country's citizens.
Pre-university training programs in medicine
- Foundation or (1 academic year). This course, upon successful completion, makes it possible to enter the chosen faculty without exams, which is very convenient for foreigners. This program is provided by large educational centers (such as INTO and Study Group). For example, INTO is jointly organizing a six-year training program in one of the best specialized schools: 4 years of study and two years of practice and internship in US clinics. Upon completion of the course, the student receives the right to work in his specialty in America, and if he passes the GMC certification, in the UK.
Education system in England
Speaking about medical education in England, it is impossible not to highlight the educational system of Britain as a whole: the gradual, gradual development of the national educational standard will help you to succeed even in such a complex area as medicine. The educational system of Great Britain is deservedly considered one of the best in the world, and it is from the United Kingdom that many countries of the world take an example. In many respects, national standards are regulated by the Law on Education, adopted back in 1944, which regulates the entire educational system as a whole.
Education in the UK is compulsory for all citizens from 5 to 16 years old. Up to 5 years old, parents can send a child to a nursery or kindergarten (3-4 years old), where kids will learn to count, read and write in fun and not boring classes. After 16 years, a student can obtain a professional qualification (GNVQ), start labor activity or go to Sixth Form programs and prepare to receive higher education in university. In general, the entire educational system is divided into 4 levels:
- primary education (Elementary School) - 5-11 years
- secondary education (Secondary School) - 11-16 years old
- post-secondary education (Further Education) -16-18 years
- higher education.
You can choose a public free school or a private school (the latter mainly work as boarding schools, providing students with accommodation on campus during their studies). There are schools offering a full educational cycle (from 3-5 to 18 years old), you can move from junior to middle or high school by changing educational institutions: for example, in Britain there are many high schools and colleges specializing in preparing students 15-18 years old to enrollment in universities. You can also choose a school of separate education (separately for boys or separately for girls) or an institution of joint education - as a rule, the former are distinguished by stricter discipline and loyalty to traditions.
Secondary education in the UK, education system
Secondary education of children in England usually begins at the age of 5 with preparatory preschool classes - at the age of 6-7 they are already waiting for primary classes in public and private schools, and at 11 years old students move to the middle classes, where they study until 15-16 years old.
- Primary classes usually include training according to an already given, standard program with a certain set of subjects: English, mathematics, science, history, music, physical education and sports, art.
- In the middle grades, the depth of study gradually increases from year to year, the child has the opportunity to choose some of the subjects on his own - the “core” of disciplines required for attending is determined, and the rest can be chosen as electives according to his taste and interests.
- Senior classes (Sixth Form) is a full-fledged directed preparation for admission to the university. It can be an A-level, IB, Cambridge Pre-U, Foundation (one-year) course - the choice depends on the future country and the university chosen for higher education.
A-level provides for a deep, thorough study of 3-5 selected disciplines for 2 academic years and the subsequent passing of the exam, which are also counted as entrance to the chosen university. Foreign students often choose a one-year Foundation: in addition to studying basic academic subjects, it is distinguished by an intensive language course that will help to significantly improve the level of English in just a year. But please note: the top, most elite and selective universities do not accept Foundation as academically full-fledged and require a certificate of at least A-level or IB.
At the age of 16, a student can go to receive vocational education (Further education): this professional training or preparation for a bachelor's degree. This qualification can be obtained from colleges, institutes and special schools.
The academic year in the UK lasts 38 weeks and is divided into thirds - trimesters:
- Autumn (Michaelmas) - from September to December
- Spring (Lent) - from January to March
- Summer (Summer) - from April to early June.
Each school can set the exact dates for each trimester independently. Do not forget about the holidays: short weekly intervals in the middle of each trimester and long Christmas, Easter (2-3 weeks) and summer (6 weeks) holidays.
Pupils study on weekdays - from Monday to Friday: usually these are lessons from 9:00 to 15:00 (lunch and lunch breaks are provided). Saturday is a traditional day for field trips, major events, sports and matches, creative studios and electives. Sunday is usually reserved for rest.
Higher education in England and throughout the UK
Higher education in the UK can be provided by universities, institutes, higher schools and polytechnic colleges - more than 700 institutions in total. You can get bachelor's and master's degrees (including MBA), take short-term programs (diploma and advanced training), doctoral degree. Universities are divided into two large groups:
- Unitary: includes departments and faculties
- Collegiate (including Oxford and Cambridge): Consists of several colleges, sometimes even several dozen.
Higher education begins in October and lasts until June, each trimester (one third school year) for 8-10 weeks. Large summer holidays - usually from June 1 to September 30.
A bachelor's degree can be obtained in 3-4 years (in the field of medicine and architecture - up to 6 years), a master's degree - after studying for an additional year and creating a personal research work. A doctorate can be obtained for voluminous outstanding work, invaluable contributions to science, inventions with practical application, or important scientific research.
The main forms of work at universities are seminars and lectures, laboratory works, tutorials in mini-groups of 2-10 people, master classes: in general practical work in English universities much more than in Russian.
All higher education in the country is paid, and for foreigners the fee is usually higher. British nationals have the opportunity to study on credit, and the government has the right to collect the debt only if the graduate got a job with a salary of at least £ 21,000 per year.
You may also be interested in:
One of best schools in the USA with training in medicine and biomedicine.
Higher education - statistics
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Medical education in the UK - one of the most prestigious and difficult areas in international education. The tradition of teaching medicine is rooted in the British medieval historyand the quality of education is considered one of the highest in the world. Three medical schools in the UK are in the top ten of the world's best medical schools. Applying for a medical direction is a difficult process that will require significant time and money.
Organization of UK medical schools
Unlike the United States, where you can only go to medical school after graduating from a bachelor's degree, in the UK, medical school is considered the first stage of higher education. Training in British honey. the school lasts for five or six years.Each university has its own medical school structure. For example, in Oxford, Cambridge, London Universities and Edinburgh, the first 2-3 years of study take a theoretical course, and the last three years it takes a clinical course. Most last year aims to prepare for residency and is the first year of practical training.
At the end of medical school, students take final exams, which include all the material studied.
After graduation, the student is awarded the degree “ bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery", And the Latin abbreviation of degrees varies from university to university - adherence to tradition, as you know, is one of distinctive features British culture. So, in all universities in London it will be MB BS, and for example, in Cardiff - MB BCh. Interestingly, after completing a theoretical course at medical school in Oxford and Cambridge, the graduate is additionally awarded the title of Bachelor of Arts (BA), and the student can change his specialty if he wishes.
Postgraduate programs in medicine in the UK
This format of medical education is new to Foggy Albion and today such programs are only available at 14 universities in England and Wales. The training process takes 4 years and is most similar to the training process in US medical schools. For admission, you must have a Bachelor of Science degree with a bias in chemistry and biology.Upon completion of this program, a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery degree is also awarded, which provides an opportunity to begin practical medical training.
Considering that medical education in this program is considered new to the UK, most of the local students prefer to enroll in traditional medical school programs.
Tuition fees for UK medical schools
Requirements for Medical Education in the UK
To enter medical school at a university in the UK, a student must be trained in one of the preparatory programs.- One year of the A-level preparatory program - you must obtain at least three "A" grades. A * grade in chemistry is required for all medical schools. In addition, two more A grades are required: in biology, physics or mathematics. Admissions commissions do not consider grades obtained in subjects such as general knowledge, critical thinking, and global perspectives and research.
- A two-year IB with chemistry as a major subject and biology, physics or mathematics as a second subject.
The admission process necessarily includes an interview and a comprehensive exam. There is currently no general exam for medical schools in the United Kingdom, so different universities consider different examinations. BMAT and UKCAT are the most common tests in the country, and GAMSAT is only accepted for admission to postgraduate medical programs.
It should be borne in mind that in addition to the deadline for accepting applications, each exam has its own registration deadlines: for UKCAT - mid-September, for BMAT - mid-August or early October.
The most successful applicants are called by the admissions committee for an interview, which lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. During the interview, it is checked general level knowledge of the applicant, his ability to quickly navigate in a non-standard situation, the ability to correctly construct the answer and even the level of empathy.
Medical Preparatory Programs UK
On the preparatory programs, you can acquire the necessary knowledge to pass the entrance exams and improve the level of English proficiency. Some preparatory programs are integrated into medical school education, while others are independent, one-year training programs. The cost of such programs for international students coincides with the cost of university tuition per year.Programs are organized directly at universities and are divided into two types:
Medical practice and internship in the UK
The medical education process in the UK differs significantly from other countries in that it involves many stages of practical training. All are required by the UK National Health Service.The first stage is a two-year "Training program for doctors" after graduating from medical school. Admission to this stage occurs automatically at school. This is the stage during which the future doctor can more accurately determine the medical specialization and get acquainted with medical practice in various fields. At this stage, the medical student receives the title of “foundation doctor”.
Internship - this is the second stage of practical training. It represents compulsory practical training in the chosen medical specialization. Physicians in the UK are classified into two types: general practitioners, who are similar to general practitioners, and consulting physicians, who are specialized specialists at clinics. The training programs for these specialists differ in both content and duration. Thus, after graduating from medical school, a general practitioner is trained for 5 years, while training for a consultant takes 7-9 years. As a result of the program, the student must receive a "certificate of completion of training", which gives access to independent medical practice. The General Medical Council deals with issues of admission to medical work. Medical degree in the UK
After obtaining the qualification of a doctor, an opportunity opens up for building a scientific career in the field of medicine. There are several ways to defend a dissertation in medicine.- The degree of Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or PhD takes place at universities. The duration of full-time MD / PhD programs ranges from 3 to 4 years and is similar to postgraduate studies in the Russian education system. At Cambridge, St Andrews and Oxford, the M.D. equated to the scientific degree of "Doctor of Science".
- Medical scientific work is possible without obtaining a doctoral degree. For example, there are five-year research programs for clinical laboratories.
- Additional practice is an optional step of study that is required to access scholarship research programs and paves the way for earning scientific researchsponsored by the state.
Interesting facts about medical education in the UK
Pictures of UK medical schools
Official language - English
Capital - London
Currency - Pound sterling
Average General Practitioner (GP) Salary - 60,000 - 80,000 pounds per year
Unemployment rate – 4.8%
About UK healthcare
In the UK, public health is handled by the National Health Service (NHS), which was established after the end of World War II. The NHS is divided into four administrative divisions that are located in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Each of these units is autonomous and responsible for its own territory. Medical services are free of charge for everyone who lives in the United Kingdom, regardless of citizenship. This means that even temporarily residing in Britain, you can get free ambulance services. Overall, more than 90% of citizens use NHS services. The remaining 10% seek help from private medical clinics.
Every resident of Britain is attached to his general practitioner - General Practitioner or simply GP, which is the main link in British medicine. In post-Soviet countries, such doctors are called district therapists. The GP conducts an examination, makes tests and then decides whether it is necessary to refer the patient to a narrow specialist. Narrow specialists, in turn, deal with the admission of patients whose diseases are beyond the competence of a general practitioner.
The salary of a doctor depends on end result treatment, therefore, when planning a patient's hospitalization, the doctor chooses the most suitable hospital for this, concludes an agreement with him on the patient's treatment. In addition to general practitioners, patients can also refer to specialists working in a service called “walk in”, which means “came and helped”. This service works seven days a week from 8 am to 8 pm. Its specialists can advise the patient on any medical issue, as well as examine him at home. If the patient cannot get to the doctor on his own, it is possible to call a specialist of the “walk in” service.
Along with the NHS in the UK, there are also:
- General Medical Council (General Medical Council - GMC), which is responsible for registering the regulation of the practice of doctors;
- General Dental Council (General Dental Council - GDC), which is responsible for registering and regulating dental practice;
- General Pharmaceutical Council (General Pharmaceutical Council - GPhC), which is responsible for registering and regulating the practice of pharmacists;
- Council of Nursing and Obstetrics (The Nursing and Midwifery Council - NMC), registration and regulation of the practice of nurses and midwives;
- Health Professions Council (Health and Care Professions Council - HCPC), registration and regulation of allied health professionals.
Registration with the above organizations is compulsory for all healthcare professionals who are pursuing postgraduate education, are practicing or intending to practice in the UK. However, since we are only considering doctors in this article, the focus will only be on registration and licensing with GMC. Many British physicians also become members of the British Medical Association (BMA), which fights for the rights of doctors and their professional status.
The system of training doctors in the UK
It usually takes about five years to complete a medical degree. After graduating from medical school, graduates receive Provisional Registration at the General Medical Council to continue their studies in the Foundation Program, namely in Foundation Year 1 (FY1). After passing FY1, British doctors receive full registration (Full Registration) at GMC and are eligible to proceed to Foundation Year 2 (FY2), which allows them to gain narrower skills and knowledge in medicine. Despite the apparent similarity with the Ukrainian postgraduate internship (both forms of postgraduate education are mandatory for obtaining the right to practice medicine), the Foundation Program is not a means of training specialists of any specific narrow specialty. For 2 years, British graduates of medical schools receive practical skills in all areas of medicine and surgery, thus preparing for the subsequent Specialty Training or GP Training, which is the remote equivalent of a Ukrainian internship in a specialty. After graduating from ST or GPT, the doctor receives a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) or another certificate confirming the specialty, which entitles him to be entered into a special GMC register (GMC Specialty Register). It's worth noting that not all UK doctors enroll in Specialty Training or GP Training (also known as training posts). Those who did not pass the competition go to work for non-training posts, that is, vacancies that do not lead to obtaining a certificate and registration of a specialist.
Career Opportunities in the UK for International Physicians
For a long time, the UK has been trying to train as many doctors as possible, but the constant outflow of specialists to other countries consistently provides foreign doctors with the opportunity to find work in the UK. Due to the fact that the public health sector, that is, the NHS, feels a constant need for medical personnel, a special website has been created where doctors can find a job.
Average wages:
- Junior doctors (doctors who study at the Foundation Program) - minimum wage + allowances;
- Specialty doctors (doctors who have not completed Specialty Training and are not members of the GMC Specialist Register) - from £ 37,176 to £ 69,325;
- Consultants (doctors who have completed Specialty Training and are on the GMC Specialist Register) - from £ 75,249 from £ 101,451;
- General practitioners (doctors who have completed GP Training and are members of the GMC GP Register) - from £ 80,000 to £ 120,000.
Registration with the General Medical Council
As stated above, all doctors must be registered and licensed to practice medicine in the UK, such as administering patient appointments, prescribing prescriptions or issuing death certificates. The practice license is issued by the General Medical Council (GMC) to all doctors, whether they work in the public sector or a private clinic, on a permanent or temporary basis, full-time or part-time, etc.
Ukrainian doctors who have never been registered with the GMC must apply for full registration with a license to practice. The concepts of registration and license should be separated, since they are not identical. Registration is the recording of personal data in the UK national registry of doctors; a license is a permit for medical activities. Foreign doctors, including Ukrainian ones, can apply only for registration with a license to practice. Successful registration with GMC will depend on a number of factors:
- Nationality of the candidate;
- The country in which the candidate received his primary medical education (Diploma of Specialist in General Medicine);
- The type of employment the candidate is applying for in the UK;
- Possession of a recognized postgraduate education (a physician may obtain membership or take exams at one of the Royal medical colleges Great Britain; However, it should be borne in mind that, having received membership, for example, at the Royal College of Anesthetists, a doctor cannot apply for registration as a specialist in the specialty of Anesthesiology. Membership gives access only to full registration with a license to practice);
- Knowledge of English (IELTS: an overall score of 7.5 and a minimum of 7.0 in all four sections) (Additional information about the IELTS exam in Russian);
- Successful completion of the PLAB exam or exemption from the exam (based on the rights of an EU citizen or the spouse of an EU citizen) (Additional information about the PLAB exam in Russian).
Registration with GMC does not guarantee employment in the UK!
We also draw your attention to the fact that Ukrainian medical specialists, regardless of qualifications, categories and experience, must always first obtain full registration with a license to practice before submitting documents for registration in a special register. Usually, Ukrainian doctors have two ways () through which a doctor can become a specialist:
- Apply for the recognition of foreign postgraduate education in the UK, after which a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration (CEGPR) is issued;
- To enroll in a Specialty Training or GP Training in the UK, after which the doctor is issued a Certificate of Completion of Training, and his name is entered in the Specialist Register or GP Register (we remind you that General Practice is also a specialty in the UK).
Both paths are quite complex and difficult to accomplish. Recognition of postgraduate qualifications can be delayed for a very long time and / or result in rejection. As for Specialist training or GP Training, then you can apply for them only on condition that there are no candidates from Britain or the European Union for the training post (i.e. the vacancy that leads to the receipt of a specialist certificate - CCT).
Contact us for assistance with paperwork and applying for a medical practice and license in the UK.
Immigration rules for Ukrainian doctors
If you are not a citizen of the UK, Switzerland or a country that belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA), you need to obtain a visa to legally enter and work in the UK. To obtain a visa, you must comply with the immigration laws of the UK Visas and Immigration Department, which is responsible for managing migration in the UK. All doctors are assessed by the standard immigration system, which determines how a visa is obtained. There are 5 categories in total (Tier 1, Tier 2… Tier 5), among which Tier 2 is the most common category.
GSA is often asked what educational opportunities are available abroad for people with medical specialties. The profession of a doctor abroad is in demand and highly paid, but the requirements for foreign candidates are also high. They may vary from country to country, although knowledge foreign language, passing medical exams, medical education and work experience will be mandatory for all countries. If you want to work as a doctor abroad, but do not yet know where to start, this article will give you the clearest idea of \u200b\u200bthe possibilities of working as a doctor abroad for foreign citizens.
Find out how a foreigner can start working or study as a doctor abroad in the following countries:
Doctors in the USA
What are the opportunities for doctors in the United States?
Already having a medical degree, you can choose one of three options:
- retrain to become a doctor in the United States;
- undergo residency (Residency) - this option is suitable for those who plan to work as a doctor in the United States;
- to attend graduate school.
Let's take a closer look at each option.
To start training as a doctor in the United States, you re-enroll in a professional medical "school" (university) in the United States. After graduation, you take exams and receive a doctor's license.
Cost of education: $ 30,000 - $ 60,000 per year.
Duration of training: from 4 years old.
Scholarship:unless you are a super-genius and talented doctor, the opportunity to receive a scholarship is zero.
Medical residency
In order to work as a doctor in the United States, after graduating from university, you need to undergo full-fledged training in your homeland and receive certification in your chosen medical specialty.
To apply for residency, you must:
1. Have a higher medical education;
2. Pass the 3 parts of the USMLE Medical Exam;
3. Get a contract in one of the US clinics in the chosen specialty (“Match” system).
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
The USMLE is a multipart US medical license professional exam. The USMLE assesses a doctor's ability to apply knowledge, concepts, and frameworks, and identifies the fundamental, patient-centered skills that underpin safe and effective patient care.
Parts of Basic Science and Clinical Science are handed over for two days each, two sessions are held per day, including 180-200 questions. All questions are categorized as multiple choice (multiple choice questions). On average, less than a minute is given to answer one question. To pass the exam, you must score at least 79 conditional points out of 100 possible. The last third part - Clinical Skills Assessment - involves an exam in a situation with a real patient.
The exam is held twice a year. There are no more than six attempts to pass the exam. The cost of passing each part varies from $ 560 (depending on the country in which you will take the exam). Permission to take the exam, after receiving all required documents, gives Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates(ECFMG)... ECFMG is an international organization dedicated to the education and accreditation of foreign doctors in the United States.
After successfully passing the USMLE, candidates go through the "Match" system.
MATCH system
MATCH is a system for assigning US medical school graduates to work places. The process begins in July when students graduation course, as well as those who have passed the USMLE at that time, foreign doctors send applications to those hospitals where they would like to undergo residency. There are over 1000 resident training hospitals in America and you can go to any of them. The letter includes a completed standard application form, 3 letters of recommendation, CurriculumVitae (resume), photos and USMLE exam results.
Applications are accepted and considered until November 15th. It should be noted right away that at any stage it is always more difficult for foreign doctors - many programs immediately declare that they do not take foreigners. In December-January, the best graduates are invited for an interview. Typically, each applicant undergoes about 15-20 interviews in hospitals in different states.
Thereafter, in February, future physicians draw up lists of hospitals where they would like to work, in order of preference. Hospitals also maintain graduate rosters. All this information is sent to Washington, where a special organization NationalResidencyMatchingProgram is engaged in processing the received data. Both parts of the list are entered into a computer, which produces a MATCH (match, combination).
A simple example: a doctor abroad wants to get a residency at a medical center at New York University and put him in second place on his list (of all hospitals in which he was interviewed). The New York University Medical Center, in turn, ranked the doctor in fifth place on its list, but the top four candidates were so good that they got places in more prestigious hospitals (Harvard, Cornell, Yale and Stanford). Our doctor also had Harvard in the first place, but the six available at Harvard were not enough for him. they were given to stronger graduates. Thus, the doctor enters the residency at New York University. Only one combination is possible for each person.
The results are announced in mid-March, this date is known in advance and is traditionally the occasion for a big sabantui in all medical schools. Over the next month, the hospitals are sending out contracts and from July 1st, new residents start working in the internship.
A small number of seats are left unfilled every year. During the first week after the results are announced, any physician seeking a site may apply for any of these sites. As practice shows, this is the best opportunity for foreigners. This process is called "Scramble".
For reference:
- Total places in US residencies - about 20,000
- Total American graduates - about 16,000 (almost all get a job)
- Total foreign doctors - about 20,000
- For more information, contact the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Duration of training as a doctor in the USA
The duration of residency training depends on the specialty, but cannot be less than 3 years. Family medicine, pediatrics, therapy - 3 years; anesthesiology, radiology - 4 years; gynecology, surgery - 5 years; neurosurgery - 6 years. The duration of many programs is increased by one year due to the compulsory year allocated for the theoretical scientific work... Every year, each doctor is obliged to pass a written examination in his specialty - InserviceExam. The results of this exam may affect the receipt of a contract for the next 12 months.
It is easier to get a job in the specialty - anesthesiology, family medicine. It is more difficult to get into gynecology and surgery.
Opportunities for Doctors in the USA
After the end of the residency, each doctor in the United States is given several options to choose from:
- private practice;
- admission to clinical postgraduate study for a period of 1 to 3 years, depending on the specialization;
- work in a university clinic (what we call “stay in the department”) is possible only for 5-10% of the best graduates.
During the first two years after the end of the residency, each doctor is required to obtain a certification in his specialty - Board Certification. This requires passing two large exams - written and then, if successful - oral. Certification must be confirmed every 10 years. For more information, see the websites of the American Medical Association and the National Board of Medical Examiners.
Fellowship for Doctors in the USA
There are two types of postgraduate studies for doctors in the United States: research and clinical.
Research Medical Graduate School
If you have an interest in science, then you can apply for a research postgraduate (PhD) program. The greatest preference is given to such specialties as biology, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, physics, although there is work in any other field of knowledge. Almost all graduate students are employees of the university, i.e. are fully employed and receive a monthly salary.
Duration of training- on average, 3 years.
Salary: $ 10,000-20,000 per year.
Duration of work - 2-3 years.
Clinical Fellowship in the USA
For those wishing to work in a hospital, there is a clinical postgraduate course and admission will also require the USMLE test (all three parts), as well as the English proficiency test.
Job title - Clinical Fellow.
Opening hours - 10-14 hours a day, plus extra time and night shifts. Jobs can be found in any medical specialty.
Salary - $ 30,000-40,000 (higher than residents').
Duration of work - 1, at least 2 years. The total visa validity period is no more than 5 years.
Doctors in Finland
For those who want to work as a doctor in Finland, several conditions must be met:
- Pass an examination for knowledge of the Finnish language at least keskitaso-3.
- Translate the diploma into Finnish or English with an official translator and send the documents to TEO.
- Pass a three-part medical specialty test. To be admitted to the exam, you must have worked for at least 6 months as an amanuenssi (trainee) or physician assistant.
Exam
- The first part of the exam is clinical. This is a written 6-hour examination in Finnish with 6 situational problems. It is estimated in points, for incorrect answers minus points are provided. You must score at least 60 points out of 120 possible. After successfully passing the first exam, you can apply for a limited work permit as a doctor. At this stage, you can get a job at the clinic and not continue to confirm your doctor's diploma.
- If you want to obtain a full permit to work as a doctor in Finland, you must pass the exam to the end. The second part of the exam consists of 3 parts (Formulation, Forensic Medicine and Social Medicine). These parts are allowed to be handed in separately.
- The third part is practical. The examinee conducts an appointment with real patients. Video filming is being conducted, all materials are then considered by a special commission.
After successfully passing the test, you will be able to work as a general practitioner in Finland.
Doctors in Italy
There is no medical internship in Italy as a form of postgraduate education. For a future doctor in Italy there is a residency (specialization) - 5-6 years, depending on the specialty. There is also a variant of a "shortened" residency - 2-3 years for some specialties, after which the specialist receives the right to engage only in research activities in this profile, but not medical.
To legalize a diploma, you must:
- Contact the consulate to confirm the authenticity of the diploma (dichiarazionedivalore)
- To confirm a diploma at a university in Italy - to compare the subjects studied (they must match as much as possible), if necessary, take exams.
- Contact the UfficioStranieri of the university, which deals with the confirmation of diplomas (riconoscimento).
Doctors in Estonia
To obtain a doctor's license in Estonia, you need to go through 6 stages:
- Obtain a certificate of knowledge of the Estonian language at least C1. The exam is free and takes place several times a year.
- Provide a diploma (does not require apostille). There is an agreement between Russia and Estonia on the mutual recognition of all official documents, incl. medical diploma abroad.
- Copies of the diploma and certificate of a specialist, certificate of completion of the internship / residency should be transferred to the Estonian branch of ENIK / NARIK. The documents will be verified within two months. The procedure is free.
- In the presence or absence of work experience in the specialty, it is necessary to send a request to the Residency Department of the University of Tartu indicating the desired specialty. The university decides whether your qualifications as a doctor meet the Estonian criteria. If necessary, you will have to additionally attend courses on missing subjects.
- In case of a positive decision on qualifications, you can apply for residency. The residency is free. For admission, it is necessary to pass exams in Estonian on a general basis.
- The last resort is the Ministry of Health. There, a decision is made to issue a license to work as a doctor in Estonia.
Doctors in Canada
Modern Canada is experiencing an acute shortage of qualified medical personnel, therefore doctors in Canada extremely in demand. In this regard, the country's government announced plans to increase the number of students at medical universities, as well as to allocate additional funds from the budget for medical education.
International students can obtain medical education in Canada on the basis of an existing university by enrolling in one of the local medical schools. This is the name of medical faculties operating on the basis of large universities. The number of places for foreign citizens is limited (10-15 places), the competition for admission is very high. Tuition is paid, the allocation of scholarships, as a rule, is not provided.
If you are planning to obtain a permit to work as a doctor in Canada, then you will need to continue your education in a Canadian internship, as well as obtain the status of a citizen of the country (Canadian Citizen or Canadian Permanent Resident).
To work as a doctor in Canada, you need
- Have a diploma issued by a medical educational institutionlisted in the International Medical Education Directory or the World Health Organization's World Directory of Medical Schools;
- Successfully pass two parts of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination. ( www.mcc.ca)
- Pass one of the exams: the Royal College of Physicians, Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC, www. rcpsc.medical.org), the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC, www.cfpc.ca)
- Complete postgraduate practice for a year at a clinic in Canada;
- Have the status of a citizen of Canada (Canadian Citizen or Canadian Permanent Resident).
Admission to a Canadian medical internship is done centrally through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), which assigns Canadian medical graduates educational institutions to various internships across the country. For example, a graduate of a medical school wants to go to an internship to work as a pediatrician in Canada as a physician. To do this, he must contact the CaRMS service, where he will be selected a place in one of the medical schools in Canada, offering an internship with the appropriate specialization - Pediatric Residency positions. Foreign medical graduates must also apply to CaRMS for admission to a Canadian internship.
Doctors in Germany
Doctor in Germany one of the most demanded professions at the moment. In Germany, the Länder is responsible for the training and employment of doctors. The rules may differ in each of the 16 lands.
To work as a doctor in Germany, foreign citizen it is necessary to obtain a residence permit and a special "license for the profession" (Berufserlaubnis). Obtaining Berufserlaubnis is possible after confirming your medical education, passing specialized examinations and obtaining membership in the Land Chamber.
Confirmation of a medical degree in Germany
The period for consideration of your documents lasts from 12 months and longer. After the diploma is recognized as equivalent to German, you will be invited to take exams. As a rule, this rarely happens right away, so you will be asked to go through an “year of pull-ups” (Anpassungsjahr) in order to bridge the knowledge and experience gaps. Anpassungsjahr can take anywhere from a few months to a year (or longer). This practice is otherwise called “working as a visiting doctor” (Gastartz) and is poorly paid. After completing the "pull-up year", you take the Kenntnisstand prufung (an oral examination to test basic medical knowledge in internal medicine and surgery). Having received Berufserlaubnis, you must immediately register with the State Medical Chamber at the place of intended work (Landeserztekammer).
A temporary work permit must be renewed every two years. With this permission, it is possible to obtain a position of an assistant doctor (Assistenzarzt), i.e. clinical resident. Regardless of your knowledge and experience in the field of medicine, you will not be able to get a higher position without passing the examination for a specialist doctor (Facharzt).
To obtain a doctor's license and a permanent work permit, you must pass an exam after completing your residency. If you have the necessary experience as a doctor in Germany, you can apply for a specialty exam at the Medical Chamber of the land where you work. It is taken in the form of an interview on clinical situations, the exam is taken by a commission of 3 specialists. The oral exam consists of several parts: internal medicine, surgery and 2 more specialties, which you will learn about 2-3 months before the exam. Only 2 attempts to pass. Additionally, a knowledge exam is taken german language (not lower than B2)
Physician salary in Germany
After passing all the exams, you become a specialist doctor in Germany. There are 2 possibilities for a specialist doctor: to open a private practice or to become a senior doctor (analogue: head of a department) in a hospital. The salary depends on the length of service and the clinic - on average, an assistant receives from 3,000 to 5,000 euros (before taxes), a specialist - from 5,000 to 8,000 euros per month. Senior physicians receive at least € 12,000 per month (before taxes), surgeons up to € 25,000 per month.
Doctors in Sweden
Detailed information on procedures and required documents for doctors in Sweden can be found on the website of the Swedish Ministry of Health at