Doctors pathway to UK jobs: Introduction
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs has become the top choice for Pakistani and international doctors. The UK offers high salaries, NHS training, and global recognition.
But the road isn’t easy—exams, visas, and competition make it both encouraging and daunting. This blog explains the 5 steps in the Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs with updated 2025 details.
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs – Step 1: English Proficiency & GMC Registration
The first requirement in the Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs is proving English skills. Doctors must pass either:
- IELTS Academic UKVI – Overall 7.5, minimum 7.0 in each module.
- OET Medicine – Grade B in all sections.
Once cleared, apply for GMC (General Medical Council) registration. GMC ensures doctors meet UK standards (GMC official site).
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs – Step 2: Pass PLAB Exams
The PLAB exam is the main entry test for IMGs.
- PLAB 1: 180 MCQs, held in Pakistan and abroad.
- PLAB 2: Clinical OSCE exam, held only in Manchester, UK.
These exams check if you match the level of a UK-trained doctor (PLAB details).
💡 Challenge: PLAB 2 requires travel to the UK and costs around £2,000–£3,000.
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs – Step 3: UK Visa & Full GMC Registration
After PLAB 2, apply for:
- Visitor Visa (for PLAB 2 attempt).
- Skilled Worker Visa (Tier 2) for NHS jobs.
You also need:
- MBBS degree + house job certificate.
- IELTS/OET certificate.
- Good Standing Certificate (from PMC/PMDC in Pakistan).
Once documents are approved, you gain full GMC registration, allowing you to work legally in the UK (Curressense PLAB Guide).
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs – Step 4: Apply for NHS Jobs
The NHS is the largest employer for doctors in the UK. Most IMGs start with:
- Foundation Year 2 (FY2) posts.
- Junior Clinical Fellow or SHO jobs.
NHS jobs are advertised on the NHS official portal.
👉 But competition is tough. As one IMG said on Reddit: “A single job post had 400 applicants.”
Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs – Step 5: Specialization & Career Growth
Finally, the doctors pathway to UK jobs leads to training and specialization:
- Specialty Training (ST1–ST7) in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, etc.
- Royal College Exams (MRCP, MRCS, MRCOG).
- GP training for family medicine careers.
These steps open doors to consultant-level positions with top salaries (Academically PLAB Guide).
Salary Packages
According to NHS Careers:
- Foundation Doctors (FY1–FY2): £32,000–£37,000.
- Specialty Registrars: £45,000–£65,000.
- Consultants: £84,000–£120,000 (plus private practice).
For Pakistani doctors, this is far higher than local salaries, making the UK pathway worth the effort.
Pros & Cons
Doctors pathway to UK jobs – Pros
- Globally recognized training.
- Competitive salaries.
- NHS pension & benefits.
- Advanced healthcare exposure.
Doctors pathway to UK jobs – Cons
- Expensive exams and visas.
- High job competition.
- Long waiting times.
- Cultural adaptation challenges.
Doctors pathway to UK jobs – FAQs
Q1. Is PLAB required for UK jobs?
Yes, most international doctors must clear PLAB unless they pass GMC-accepted postgraduate exams (MRCP, MRCS, etc.).
Q2. How long does the Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs take?
On average, 2–3 years including IELTS/OET, PLAB, GMC registration, and job hunting.
Q3. Can Pakistani doctors work in the UK without PLAB?
Yes, if they have Royal College exams or sponsored training, but PLAB is the common route.
Q4. What is the success rate of PLAB?
According to GMC, PLAB 1 pass rate is ~70%, and PLAB 2 is ~65%.
Conclusion
The Doctors Pathway to UK Jobs is a mix of encouraging opportunities and daunting challenges. From English exams and PLAB to visas, GMC registration, and NHS jobs—the process is demanding but highly rewarding.
For Pakistani and international doctors, the UK remains one of the best destinations for career growth, high salaries, and advanced training. With persistence, this pathway can change your future.
Also see our other blogs on Career Guidance https://careerbyali.com/