How Overseas Trained Nurses Can Live and Work in the UK

In a previous article, we noted that nurses and midwives continue to be in short supply in the UK so that foreign trained nurses and midwives are warmly welcome in the UK. Anyone wanting to work in the UK as a nurse must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

Nurses trained outside the UK and EEA

They can apply to be on the NMC Register, providing they meet its standards. The NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK. Registration with the NMC does not provide the right to work in the UK.

The requirements for registration are different for nurses who trained in the UK and EEA to those who trained outside the UK and EEA.

Process for nurses educated from outside the EEA

Since October 2014, the only route to registration for all nurses trained outside the UK and EEA with the NMC is through a 2-part application process.

• Part one – a computer based multiple-choice examination which will be accessible in many countries around the world for applicants to access in their home countries.
• Part two – a practical objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) which will always be held in the UK.

This process does not require applicants to complete a period of supervised practice.

For further information about the application process and the new test of competence please visit the NMC website.

EEA nationals who have trained outside the EEA will not be eligible for automatic recognition of their qualification under the EU Directives as they have not trained within an EU member state. Further information is available from the NMC website.

Nurses trained outside of the UK must also meet the English language standards set by the NMC. This can be demonstrated:

• by successfully completing a language test such as an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 7 or the Occupational English Test (OET) at level B. 
• through evidence that their pre-registration nursing programme was taught and examined in English and that at least 50 per cent of the programme involved clinical interaction using English
• by practising for a minimum of one year in a country where an English language is the first and native language. A list of native English-speaking countries should be available from the Home Office.

Further information about the new language competency requirements and guidance can be found on the NMC website.

Overseas-trained nurses holding EC Treaty Rights who have had their qualification recognised in another EU member state and have practised in the EU/EEA for three years, will continue to be processed through the EU route.

Nurses trained in the EEA

Nurses who trained in the EEA must also meet the standards of the NMC before they can be considered for registration. The NMC will compare the training in your country with that required in the UK.

Following the recognition of qualification, and before entry to the register, all applicants are required to supply evidence that they have the necessary knowledge of English. Communication is defined as speaking, reading, listening and writing.

Read more information about EEA registration on the NMC website.

Nurses who trained in the EEA who are not EEA nationals may be required to undertake one or both parts of the application process above.

Related reading: Guide to live and work in the UK for medical and allied health professionals

Source:
The above article is reproduced from material entitled 'Information for overseas nurses' as provided by NHS Careers. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.