Over here, I am describing, step by step how you can get a job in the United Kingdom. This tutorial is for Indian Anaesthesiologists (Anaesthetists, as some of us like to call it). Trust me, no where else, on or off the internet, will you find this information spoon fed to you, in such a straightforward way. You're welcome.
There are mainly three routes you can use. Note (VERY IMPORTANT) that the common requirement for all these routes is clearing IELTS or OET.
Another important piece of information is that getting these jobs is all about building your CV. Your CV matters! Any extra degrees, courses, publications or presentations matter. So be sure to work on this.
ROUTE ONE - MTI - Medical Training Initiative
ROUTE TWO - Royal College of Anaesthesia (RCoA) exam - FRCA Part1 / EDAIC
ROUTE THREE - PLAB
What is this - The PLAB test is for doctors who have qualified overseas and wish to practice medicine in the UK under limited registration. The test assesses your ability, as a doctor, to work safely as a senior house officer (SHO) in a UK NHS hospital.
How to apply -
Step 1 - Go to https://webcache.gmc-uk.org/ecustomer_enu/index.aspx and create your GMC login, by following the instructions over there.
Step 2 - You can view available dates and book under the 'My Tests' section.
Step 3 - Pay for, study for and clear both parts of PLAB.
Step 4 - Create your profile on https://apps.trac.jobs/
Step 5 - Apply for jobs and await for an interview call.
Step 6 - Clear the interview and get the job.
Advantages-
1. PLAB is a relatively simpler exam.
2. You get a Tier 2 Visa which means it is for 5 years.
Disadvantages -
1. You will posted at a level lower compared to if you clear FRCA, similar to MTI pathway.
2. The cost and studying that will go into the exam.
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There you go, the three main ways to come to UK. There may be a few more ways, but i assume you need massive connections and money for those. I do not know about those ways.
I admit this is not a comprehensive guide, just a simpler one. I am happy to answer any questions anyone may have. Post them down below.
Cheers~~
There are mainly three routes you can use. Note (VERY IMPORTANT) that the common requirement for all these routes is clearing IELTS or OET.
Another important piece of information is that getting these jobs is all about building your CV. Your CV matters! Any extra degrees, courses, publications or presentations matter. So be sure to work on this.
ROUTE ONE - MTI - Medical Training Initiative
What this is - It is a scheme drafted by the UK government which allows "qualified" doctors from specific countries to come to UK for a period of two years to learn, earn and return to their home country. You will be sponsored by the Royal College of Anaesthesia, not the Trust employing you.
How to apply -
Step 1 - Email global@rcoa.ac.uk - saying that you want to apply for a MTI post along with your IELTS score and CV.
Step 2 - You will receive a reply in a few days (it takes time because they get many requests) asking you to fill in a form.
Step 3 - You will be approached via email by different hospitals for interviews.
Step 4 - if you clear the interview, you get the job. Simple. 🙂
Advantages -
1. Hands down, the quickest way.
2. Easy
Disadvantages -
1. You are placed at ST 3-4 level which is kind of like "final year resident and just freshly passed out after masters" level in India. So, if this level is unacceptable to you, this route is not for you.
2. Your Visa is for two years. Keep in mind, you can always re-apply for a new different Visa after two years. But, if you are looking for a longer first Visa, this is not for you.
Advantages -
1. Hands down, the quickest way.
2. Easy
Disadvantages -
1. You are placed at ST 3-4 level which is kind of like "final year resident and just freshly passed out after masters" level in India. So, if this level is unacceptable to you, this route is not for you.
2. Your Visa is for two years. Keep in mind, you can always re-apply for a new different Visa after two years. But, if you are looking for a longer first Visa, this is not for you.
ROUTE TWO - Royal College of Anaesthesia (RCoA) exam - FRCA Part1 / EDAIC
Note that to clear FRCA part 2, the requirement is that you need to have worked in the UK. So, you cannot clear the entire exam (all parts) from India.
What this is - FRCA is the qualifying exam for Anaesthesia in the UK. Clearing the first step, allows you a chance to be sponsored by the NHS Trust employing you. Alternatively, you can clear EDAIC exam and follow the same steps. Clearing EDAIC, exempts you from appearing for FRCA part 1 (this is subject to change as per guidelines).
How to apply -
Step 1 - Go to FRCA/EDAIC website - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/examinations or https://www.esahq.org/education/edaic/part-i-examination/registration-for-part-i-examination/ and apply for the exam.
Step 2 - Study hard and clear the exam.
Step 3 - Look for jobs online on websites - https://www.indeed.co.uk/ or https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
Step 4 - Create your profile on https://apps.trac.jobs/
Step 5 - Apply for jobs and await for an interview call.
Step 6 - Clear the interview and get the job.
Advantages-
1. Your Visa will be for 5 years.
2. Your pay will be better than MTI route pay.
Disadvantages-
1. You have to pay for and study for the exam.
2. It takes longer to get to UK.
What this is - FRCA is the qualifying exam for Anaesthesia in the UK. Clearing the first step, allows you a chance to be sponsored by the NHS Trust employing you. Alternatively, you can clear EDAIC exam and follow the same steps. Clearing EDAIC, exempts you from appearing for FRCA part 1 (this is subject to change as per guidelines).
How to apply -
Step 1 - Go to FRCA/EDAIC website - https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/examinations or https://www.esahq.org/education/edaic/part-i-examination/registration-for-part-i-examination/ and apply for the exam.
Step 2 - Study hard and clear the exam.
Step 3 - Look for jobs online on websites - https://www.indeed.co.uk/ or https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
Step 4 - Create your profile on https://apps.trac.jobs/
Step 5 - Apply for jobs and await for an interview call.
Step 6 - Clear the interview and get the job.
Advantages-
1. Your Visa will be for 5 years.
2. Your pay will be better than MTI route pay.
Disadvantages-
1. You have to pay for and study for the exam.
2. It takes longer to get to UK.
ROUTE THREE - PLAB
What is this - The PLAB test is for doctors who have qualified overseas and wish to practice medicine in the UK under limited registration. The test assesses your ability, as a doctor, to work safely as a senior house officer (SHO) in a UK NHS hospital.
How to apply -
Step 1 - Go to https://webcache.gmc-uk.org/ecustomer_enu/index.aspx and create your GMC login, by following the instructions over there.
Step 2 - You can view available dates and book under the 'My Tests' section.
Step 3 - Pay for, study for and clear both parts of PLAB.
Step 4 - Create your profile on https://apps.trac.jobs/
Step 5 - Apply for jobs and await for an interview call.
Step 6 - Clear the interview and get the job.
Advantages-
1. PLAB is a relatively simpler exam.
2. You get a Tier 2 Visa which means it is for 5 years.
Disadvantages -
1. You will posted at a level lower compared to if you clear FRCA, similar to MTI pathway.
2. The cost and studying that will go into the exam.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There you go, the three main ways to come to UK. There may be a few more ways, but i assume you need massive connections and money for those. I do not know about those ways.
I admit this is not a comprehensive guide, just a simpler one. I am happy to answer any questions anyone may have. Post them down below.
Cheers~~
