EM Gurus > Career Pathways > UK Pathway > NHS Jobs
Starting a career in the NHS depends on two key factors:
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.
Given the competitive job market, your years of experience in emergency medicine play a crucial role in securing a job.
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
Use the following platforms to search for NHS jobs:
Contact: ashlyjohn@remediumpartners.com (LinkedIn) – Use code REMMOEED
Search broadly; do not limit yourself to a specific location.
Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances.
After registering on job websites, upload a detailed resume with a focus on:
Clinical Experience
Life-Saving Courses (ACLS, PALS, ATLS)
Procedural Skills (Intubations, Central Lines, Chest Thoracotomies, Procedural Sedations, Fracture Reductions, etc.)
Academic Experience
Research Achievements & Publications
Teaching Portfolio
Check the location, salary, and working hours before applying.
Apply to as many jobs as possible, unless you have strict location preferences.
Salary and working hours (if showing >40 hours) are usually negotiable—don’t rule out jobs based on these factors.
Be prepared to apply for 20+ job adverts at a time.
Regularly check job websites for new positions.
Wait for an interview call.
Commonly Asked Questions – Raja Adnan Ahmed
The NHS Job Interview – Road to UK
Managing the Interview – NHS
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
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)
NHS Pay & Conditions Circulars for Medical Staff
After signing the job offer, you must submit documents for your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) application. Prepare these in advance:
PMDC Good Standing Certificate
Police Character Certificate
Passport
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