How to become a Doctor in the UK - Study MBBS in the UK without IELTS
Hey Readers, How are you all doing? I hope you all are well and in good spirits.
Are you interested in pursuing a career in medicine? If so, then you've probably considered studying MBBS in the UK. The UK has a rich history of producing some of the world's best medical practitioners, and studying medicine there is a prestigious and rewarding experience. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of studying MBBS in the UK, the requirements for admission to medical school, how to choose the right medical school, and more.
Why Study MBBS in the UK?
There are several reasons why studying MBBS in the UK is a popular choice among international students. Here are just a few:
- High-quality education: The UK has long been recognized as a leader in medical education, with top-ranked universities offering world-class programmes.
- Vast medical resources: Thanks to the country's rich medical history, there are plenty of resources available to students, from prestigious hospitals to research facilities.
- Multicultural environment: Studying in the UK gives you the chance to meet and learn from peers from all over the world.
- Accelerated programmes: Some medical programmes in the UK have a shorter duration than those in other countries, meaning you can start practicing medicine sooner.
Journey of becoming a Doctor
The doctor's journey is a tough one and full of challenges. It takes 11-15 years to be a fully qualified GP or consultant from the time they started medical school.
Become a Doctor in the UK
Ok! so let's talk about, how to become a doctor in the UK or how to register as a doctor in the UK.
I will take you through this process. and will also discuss further options after registering as a Doctor in the UK.
The main focus here is on International Medical Graduates Please do forward this blog to any friend or family you know who might be interested in coming to the UK to study medicine or to work as a doctor.
Requirements For Studying MBBS In The UK
If you're interested in studying medicine in the UK, there are a few requirements you'll need to meet. These include:
Academic Qualifications
Most medical schools in the UK require candidates to have completed a minimum of three A-levels, with grades of AAA or above. In addition, certain subjects such as biology and chemistry may be required.
English Language Proficiency
As English is the primary language of instruction in the UK, international applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in English. Some medical schools may require applicants to take an English language test such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
Entry Tests
In addition to academic qualifications and language proficiency, applicants may also be required to take entry tests such as the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). These tests are designed to assess your aptitude for studying medicine.
Medical Council Registration
Before practicing medicine in the UK, you'll need to register with the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) and complete a two-year foundation programme.
Choosing The Right Medical School
When choosing a medical school in the UK, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key things to look out for:
Accreditation
Make sure that the medical school you're considering is accredited by the GMC. This ensures that the school meets the necessary standards for medical education.
Curriculum
Check the curriculum to see if it aligns with your interests and goals. You may want to look for a programme that has a focus on a particular area of medicine, for example.
Campus Facilities
Consider factors such as the location, size, and quality of the campus facilities. A good medical school should have well-equipped libraries, labs, and other resources.
Student Support Services
Look for a medical school that offers comprehensive support services such as academic advisors, tutoring, and counselling. These can be invaluable in helping you to navigate the challenges of medical school.
Advantages of Studying Medicine In The UK
Studying medicine in the UK offers a range of advantages, including:
Top-Quality Education
The UK has a long-standing reputation for excellence in medical education, with some of the world's top-ranked universities offering exceptional MBBS programmes.
Exposure To Vast Medical Resources
The UK's rich medical history means that there are plenty of resources available to medical students, from world-class hospitals to research facilities.
Multicultural Environment
Studying medicine in the UK gives you the opportunity to meet and learn from peers from all over the world, which can be invaluable in understanding different perspectives on healthcare.
Accelerated Programmes
Some medical programmes in the UK have a shorter duration than those in other countries, meaning you can start practicing medicine sooner and save on tuition fees.
Doctor Registration in the UK
To work as a Doctor in the UK, one must have a registration with GMC, with a licence to practice. Without the lic,ence you won't be able to work as a Doctor.
Steps of Registration
First Step
So how do get the registration done?
But before this, I would like to mention that GMC is going to change the registration process from 2023. From 2023, GMC will introduce MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment).
In simple words, every medical graduate will have MLA whether they are British graduates or overseas Graduates.
I think it will be a fair process. Anyway, this is for 2023 and today I am going to take you through the current registration process.
You can get the registration by following 4 different ways.
You will be required to fulfil the English language requirements You can do it by taking either IELTS or OET test, You need 7.5 bands overall in IELTS and 7 in each module.
And both IELTS and OET are only valid for 2 years.
Let's talk about those earlier mentioned 4 ways to get registration.
Medical Exams for Doctors in the UK
The first is PLAB.
It has 2 parts- part1 and part2.
PLAB1 is a multiple choice theory exam (MCQ) Exam that contains 180 questions and lasts for 3 hours. and you can give it 4 times a year.
MBBS UK Exam Centres in Pakistan and India
You can give it in the UK or your home country if you have got centre there Centres in India are at Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Pakistan, you can give it to Islamabad and Karachi.
MBBS UK Fees of Entry Test
Its fee is around £239, but please do confirm it on the GMC website.
After completing PLAB1, you then give PLAB2.
That's an OSCE exam, that contains 18 stations for 8 minutes each Its fee is £875.
Please do confirm at the GMC website as the fee could change every year.
PLAB2 you will have to give in the UK itself.
Second Step
The second way of registration is Sponsorship.
This is mainly for specialists If you got a certificate of sponsorship from a GMC approved sponsor then you could get a registration, without the PLAB exam.
You can check the list of those sponsors in the link below.
Third Step
The third way of registration is having an Acceptable Post Graduate Qualification.
If your postgraduate qualification fulfils the GMC criteria, then you can get registration without an exam.
Last I checked on GMC, I couldn't find any Indian awarding body whose postgraduate qualification meets GMC Registration criteria Unless things change as GMC regularly updates it on their website.
I have noted that GMC accepts postgraduate qualifications from one of Pakistan's institutes its name is - Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded in 1998 by the colCcollegesician and Surgeons in Pakistan.
If you have done Postgraduate qualification from there then you will get registration without exams. That's good news for all of you who have graduated from there:).
So, if you have an acceptable primary qualification, IELTS/OET and you have done PLAB or meets other 3 ways (if not giving PLAB) Then you could apply for the registration to work as a Doctor in UK Okay!
So now you have got the primary qualification, cleared IELTS and PLAB And you have got the registration as well! Hurray!!! Party time! Thats are good! that's a good step.
What to do after MBBS in the UK
Now what to do after this? You can choose. you could go to foundation training for 2 years or only do FY2 if you have done an internship.
This way you will get both experience and exposure working in the NHS.
You could also choose to become a trust grade doctor for one or two years to gain experience.
There's that transition period while coming from abroad and settling in a new country and FY training or trust grade job helps in that transition.
Then obviously with experience, you can decide which way you want to go.
General Practice for MBBS
You could choose whether to go to GP( General Practice) that's my speciality or you could choose other specialities such as Ortho, Surgery, Plastics, Medicine, Cardiology, Respiratory etc Or you could decide to go Accident and Emergency side.
Each of these specialities has got its training programmes.
In General Practice, you give entry exams to get into GP training programme after your Foundation years training.
GP training is for 3-4 years and then you get CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training). to become a fully qualified GP in the UK. This is my profession and I enjoy it.
It's a vet's diverse profession. In your one clinic, you will deal with a different mix of medical and mental issues.
Your first patient could be someone with respiratory issues, then the second could be with cardiology issues, the third could be mental health case of depression/anxiety, The next one could be someone with knee or arm pain and so on!!
I mean to say that you get a variety of patients in your one clinic.
And it won't let you get bored!!:) Plus as a GP you have many career options.
You could do private surgery, Locums, salary, work in UTC, AE, Cruise ships and many more. There's a lot to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study medicine in the UK without an IELTS score? Yes, some UK medical schools do not require IELTS scores for international applicants.
Can I apply for a UK medical school with a non-science degree? In general, it is more challenging to be accepted to a UK medical school with a non-science degree. However, some schools may consider applicants with relevant experience or qualifications.
How long does it take to complete an MBBS programme in the UK? Most MBBS programmes in the UK take five to six years to complete, depending on the institution and the programme structure.
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