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NHS Jobs

Starting a career in the NHS depends on two key factors:

2 min read

NHS Job Opportunities for Emergency Physicians

Introduction

Starting a career in the NHS depends on two key factors:

1. GMC Registration

  • GMC registration is mandatory to work in the NHS.

  • However, you can apply for jobs and even attend interviews while your GMC application is in process.

  • To register with GMC, you need either PLAB or MRCEM.

2. Your Experience

  • Given the competitive job market, your years of experience in emergency medicine play a crucial role in securing a job.

Eligibility Requirements

Each position has unique eligibility criteria, which are mentioned in job adverts.

  • Some job listings state "NHS experience mandatory", but you can still apply without prior NHS experience.

  • For Registrar-level positions (e.g., Specialty Doctor, Senior Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade ST+3 Doctor):

    • GMC Registration required

    • 3–4 years of emergency medicine experience

    • MRCEM is not mandatory for securing the job but is needed for GMC registration

Finding Job Vacancies

Use the following platforms to search for NHS jobs:

Job Search Platforms

Recruitment Agencies

Tips for Job Search

  • Search broadly; do not limit yourself to a specific location.

  • Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances.

Preparing Your Application

After registering on job websites, upload a detailed resume with a focus on:

  1. Clinical Experience

  2. Life-Saving Courses (ACLS, PALS, ATLS)

  3. Procedural Skills (Intubations, Central Lines, Chest Thoracotomies, Procedural Sedations, Fracture Reductions, etc.)

  4. Academic Experience

  5. Research Achievements & Publications

  6. Teaching Portfolio

Application Process

Steps to Apply

  1. Search for jobs on aforementioned portals.

  2. Check the location, salary, and working hours before applying.

  3. Apply to as many jobs as possible, unless you have strict location preferences.

  4. Salary and working hours (if showing >40 hours) are usually negotiable—don’t rule out jobs based on these factors.

  5. Be prepared to apply for 20+ job adverts at a time.

  6. Regularly check job websites for new positions.

  7. Wait for an interview call.

Interview Process & Tips

Job Offer & Next Steps

  • If successful, job offers typically arrive within 2–3 days after the interview.

  • Review the offer carefully, checking:

    • Working hours

    • Salary package

    • Number of hospitals under the trust

Negotiation & Salary Considerations

  • If you have concerns about the offer (e.g., salary), discuss it with the recruitment agency to negotiate.

  • Note: Some salaries in job adverts exclude banding (especially in London). Always confirm the gross salary, including:

    • Allowances

    • Banding

    • London Weighting (if applicable)

Salary Overview

Document Preparation for CoS Application

After signing the job offer, you must submit documents for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) application. Prepare these in advance:

  1. PMDC Good Standing Certificate

  2. Police Character Certificate

  3. Passport

Contributors

Syed Hassan

Chief Registrar, Emergency Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Moeed Ahmed

FRCEM, FCPS Emergency Medicine (AKUH), MBBS

Specialty Registrar, St. George's Hospital, South West London, United Kingdom