Here, in this article, you will read about the comprehensive guide to help you to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse. Learn the requirements, processes, and tips to make the journey easier.
As a foreign-trained nurse, obtaining a nursing and midwifery license in the UK can be intimidating. However, with proper planning, preparation, and guidance, it is an easy process. We will discuss the requirements, processes, and tips to make your journey toward obtaining a nursing and midwifery license in the UK as a foreign-trained nurse a smooth and successful one.
Requirements you must have to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse
The following are the requirements you must have to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse:
- Possession of a valid nursing qualification from a recognized institution in your home country.
- Proficiency in the English language, as evidenced by an IELTS or OET score.
- A clear Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.
- A minimum of two years’ work experience as a registered nurse in your home country.
Step-by-Step Guide You Need To Know In order to obtain a Nursing and Midwifery License in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse
The step-by-step guide to obtaining a Nursing and Midwifery License in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse can be seen as written below:
Step 1
The first step towards obtaining a nursing and midwifery license in the UK as a foreign-trained nurse is to pass the checklist and meet the eligibility criteria. This checklist can be seen on the NMC site upon creating an account.
Here are the questions that constitute the checklist:
- Do you have a valid passport?
- Have you ever changed your name?
- Do you have a primary qualification in nursing?
- Do you have the original copies of the qualification certificates?
- Do have any health challenges that may prevent you from being effective?
- Have you been convicted by the police, or released conditionally?
- Have you been previously deemed unfit to serve by another regulatory body?
- Have you been registered previously?
- Have you been registered in the last 3 years?
- What evidence do you have to show for your proficiency in the English language?
- Will you have indemnity/insurance?
The above questions assess your readiness for application to get licensed to practice Nursing in the UK.
Step 2
The second step is creating an account with NMC UK. To create an account with NMC UK, you must :
- Visit the NMC website at www.nmc.org.uk
- On the homepage, click on the “Sign In” button located in the top right-hand corner.
- Once you have clicked on the “Sign In” button, you will be taken to a page where you can sign in to your existing account or create a new account.
- To create a new account, click on the “Create an Account” button.
- You will then be taken to a page where you need to fill out your personal and professional information, including your name, contact details, and NMC registration number.
-
You will also need to create a unique username and password once you have completed the registration form, you will receive an email from the NMC with a link to verify your email address.
-
Click on the link in the email to activate your account.
- After you have verified your email address, you can log in to your NMC account using the chosen username and password which you will now have access to your registration details and professional development portfolio.
Step 3
Now, the third step is registering and taking the Competency-based test (CBT) for Nurses. The UK CBT for nurses is a mandatory examination that tests the nurse’s competency to practice as a nurse in the United Kingdom. It is designed to ensure that all nurses who work in the UK meet the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
The CBT consists of competency-based test questions and a practical assessment. Once you have completed the UK CBT, you will surely receive your test results. If you pass, you will be able to register as a nurse in the United Kingdom, if on the other hand, you do not pass, you will need to retake the CBT. If you need to retake the CBT, you should take the time to review your previous performance and identify areas for improvement to ensure you pass the test.
It is worthy of note that there are different types of Competency-based test (CBT) applications depending on the primary nursing license gotten from your home country. The types of CBT applications include:
The approximate cost required to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse is £1170 as of the time of publishing this article.
Step 4
Finally, it is important to keep up with the latest developments in the Nursing field and to continuously develop the nursing skills and knowledge. This is known as Continuing Professional Development (CPD). You will need to complete a certain amount of CPD each year to remain on the NMC register. This can be done through attending training courses, conferences, workshops, or online learning. To remain on the NMC register, you must comply with the NMC’s code of conduct.
FAQs on How to obtain a license to practice Nursing in the UK as a foreign-trained Nurse
- Can I work as a nurse in the UK while my nursing and midwifery license is being processed?
Yes, you can only work as a nurse in the UK once you have obtained your nursing and midwifery license. - How long does it take to obtain a nursing and midwifery license in the UK as a foreign-trained nurse?
The process of obtaining a nursing and midwifery license in the UK as a foreign-trained nurse can take several months, depending on factors such as the assessment of your qualifications, language proficiency, and performance on the NMC’s competency and knowledge tests.