The United States has long been a destination for healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities, advanced medical facilities, and higher salaries. As a result, many doctors from other countries aspire to practice medicine in the US. In this blog, we will explore the complex process of foreign-trained doctors practicing in the United States, the countries with a shortage of doctors, and the requirements they need to fulfill.
Are you a professional healthcare worker from India? Looking for a job overseas? Check out these top 10 countries that have plenty of job opportunities for overseas nurses and other healthcare workers.
According to WHO, the number of healthcare workers worldwide will fall short by a whopping 12.9 million in 2035. An ageing workforce, falling numbers in people entering the profession, early retirements, inadequate training and increasing demands from a growing and ageing population are some of the reasons attributed to the global shortage of healthcare workers.
Being a healthcare worker is one of the most satisfying professions in the world. It’s rewarding, offers immense job satisfaction and deep contentment that comes with knowing that you’re providing patients with the best attention and timely medical treatment. Besides the emotional gratification you get from the job, being a healthcare worker – a licensed nurse, midwife, nursing assistant, home health aide, physiotherapist, medical sonographer, etc. – is also financially lucrative, especially when you move overseas.
A professionally qualified healthcare worker is always in demand, and you can work from any country in the world, provided you meet certain requirements. Here, in this guide, we list out the top 10 countries in the world that extend a warm welcome to overseas healthcare workers with lucrative pay and a high-quality lifestyle.
1. United Kingdom
The UK is facing one of the most severe healthcare worker shortages in the world. The NHS (National Health Services), the statutory body responsible for public health services in the country, revealed that in the first half of 2019 – 20, more than 43,000 nursing posts were unfilled.
Not just nurses, the King’s Fund reveals that NHS faces an overall shortage of healthcare workers across streams by a massive 100,000. If current trends continue, the number of healthcare workers required in the UK could reach 250,000 by 2030.
With a high-quality of life, a large Indian immigrant population, the UK remains as one of the top choices for young healthcare workers from India looking to move overseas.
2. Israel
Israel is not one of the top countries that come to mind when you think about international vacancies. However, this middle-eastern nation is often on the lookout for qualified nurses from overseas. Though Israel’s healthcare ranks high, on par with the other developed nations, the country has a severe shortage in the number of nurses.
To meet up its demand, Israel recruits English-speaking nurses from overseas. To be eligible for practising as a nurse in Israel, international nurses have to clear an Israeli licensing exam. The cost of living in Israel is on par with other European nations. However, nurses can earn lucrative wages, which makes it easy for them to meet the higher costs of living.
3. New Zealand
The land down under, New Zealand is known for providing some of the best working conditions in the world. With a small population, New Zealand is always on the lookout for highly skilled healthcare workers from overseas to meet its growing demands.
Healthcare jobs are listed on the Official Skills shortages lists. According to government figures, it’s estimated that New Zealand will require hiring 380 extra specialists every year to achieve the OECD target by 2021. The reports also predict that the country will need 25,000 more nurses by 2030.
A qualified healthcare worker in New Zealand can earn anywhere from $42,000 – $65,000, depending on their specialization, experience, role and more. The biggest benefit is that healthcare workers in NZ enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
4. Republic of Ireland
It’s another popular destination for English-speaking overseas nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers. Traditionally, an agricultural economy, Ireland has re-invented itself in the last few decades and today is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
With an ageing population and a healthcare workforce fast approaching retirement, Ireland meets its demand for healthcare technicians by recruiting from overseas. The average salary for healthcare assistants in Ireland is around €24,789 per year. Overseas healthcare workers can choose to work in the public sector or private hospitals, based on vacancies, their skill sets, and experiences.
5. Norway
Next to the UK, Norway is one of the top countries in the world that is facing a severe shortage of nurses. According to reports, the lack of specialist nurses increased by 47% in 2018 compared to previous years. One of the primary hurdles for foreign healthcare workers is that they must prove their efficiency in the local language, which is not a requirement for most of the other countries on this list.
6. Canada
Known for its immigrant-friendly policies, Canada is looking to bring in overseas nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers to meet its shortages. According to recent reports submitted by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA), the country is estimated to have a massive shortage of around sixty-thousand nurses by the year 2022. Not just nurses, the country is also facing a shortage of trained physicians with experts predicting that the crisis will only increase in the coming decade.
7. Denmark
The second Scandinavian country on this list, Denmark, just like Norway, faces a looming nursing shortage crisis in the coming years. Currently, the country has a short-supply of primary healthcare professionals. To make up for its falling supply of healthcare workers, Denmark looks to recruit them from overseas. The current government has plans to hire at least 1000 overseas nurses by 2021.
However, just like Norway, applicants must demonstrate their efficiency in the local Danish language before they can be offered a job.
8. Australia
Australia is one of the most popular choices for English speaking nurses looking to move abroad. Known for its pristine beaches, friendly people, the land down-under attracts plenty of nurses, physiotherapists and other primary healthcare workers from India and other Asian countries. A rising population and changing demographics estimate that Australia will fall short of 85,000 nurses by 2025.
9. UAE
Traditionally, UAE and other Gulf nations relied on recruiting labour from overseas, especially from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, to meet their shortages. While this still holds, the rules for overseas nurses in the UAE have changed recently.
The UAE has made a bachelor’s degree in nursing as the minimum requirement, which led to the loss of jobs of hundreds of Indian nurses with a diploma certificate in nursing. If you hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing, then the UAE still remains a top choice for work.
10. Switzerland
The land of the Red Cross, it’s an irony that Switzerland falls short by 10,000 nurses to meet its requirements. The numbers are expected to grow another 20% by 2025. One of the biggest perks of working in Switzerland is that it offers some of the most competitive pay packages in the world, for healthcare workers. However, overseas applicants are required to demonstrate linguistic efficiency in French, German, or Italian, along with English.
While these are the top 10 countries that face a healthcare worker shortage, there are several other nations like Oman, Belgium, Germany, Qatar, etc. that offer incredible opportunities for qualified professionals in healthcare.
If you’re interested in starting a career overseas, get in touch with Dynamic Health Staff. With years of experience placing healthcare professionals in high-paying jobs in several countries, we can help you get started on your dream career.
Countries Needing Doctors
While the United States boasts a well-developed healthcare system and a high demand for skilled medical professionals, it’s essential to recognize that several countries around the world face a shortage of doctors. This shortage is often due to various factors such as population growth, aging populations, and a lack of medical infrastructure. A few examples of countries in need of doctors include:
- India: Despite having a vast healthcare system, India still experiences a shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. Many Indian doctors seek opportunities abroad, including the United States.
- Philippines: The Philippines also suffers from a doctor shortage, leading many of its healthcare professionals to look for opportunities overseas, including in the US.
- Nigeria: Nigeria is another country struggling with a shortage of doctors, particularly in rural areas. This has prompted many Nigerian doctors to consider practicing medicine in the US.
- African and Middle Eastern Countries: Numerous countries in Africa and the Middle East face severe doctor shortages. This global issue has led to a significant brain drain, with medical professionals emigrating to Western countries like the United States.
Foreign Doctors in the US: Requirements and Challenges
The process of becoming a practicing physician in the United States as a foreign-trained doctor is often arduous and requires navigating a series of rigorous assessments, examinations, and regulatory hurdles. The following are some key steps and requirements for foreign doctors aspiring to practice in the US:
- Educational Equivalency: Foreign doctors must have their educational credentials evaluated and verified for equivalency to US medical education standards. This process can be lengthy and may involve taking additional coursework.
- USMLE Exams: The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a series of exams that foreign doctors must pass to obtain a license to practice in the US. These exams evaluate medical knowledge, clinical skills, and patient-centered communication.
- Clinical Experience: In many cases, foreign doctors are required to complete a clinical residency program in the United States to gain hands-on experience and familiarity with the US healthcare system.
- Visa and Work Authorization: Foreign doctors must secure the appropriate visa to work in the US, such as an H-1B or J-1 visa, which are typically sponsored by healthcare institutions.
- Licensing: To practice medicine in the US, foreign doctors must obtain a state medical license from the medical board of the state in which they wish to work.
- Residency Match: Securing a residency position in the US can be highly competitive, and foreign doctors often go through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or similar processes to secure a position.
- Specialization: Foreign doctors may also choose to pursue further specialization, such as fellowships, to enhance their career prospects in the US.
Does Germany Need Foreign Doctors?
Germany is one of the countries in Europe known for its robust healthcare system, advanced medical technology, and a high standard of medical education. However, like many other countries, Germany also faces a shortage of doctors in certain areas, especially in rural regions and underserved communities.
Foreign doctors interested in practicing in Germany should be aware that the requirements and regulations for doing so differ from those in the United States. Germany has its own medical licensing exams, language proficiency requirements (proficiency in German is essential), and a structured process for medical training and recognition of foreign qualifications.
In recent years, Germany has implemented initiatives to attract more foreign doctors to fill gaps in its healthcare system. The country recognizes the potential benefits of diversifying its medical workforce and addressing the doctor shortage, especially with an aging population.
Conclusion
The United States, like many other countries, offers opportunities for foreign-trained doctors to contribute their skills to the healthcare system. While the process of becoming a practicing physician in the US can be challenging, it is possible for those who are determined and willing to meet the requirements. Similarly, other countries, such as Germany, also welcome foreign doctors to address shortages in their healthcare systems. The need for doctors is a global issue, and efforts to facilitate the migration of medical professionals can help ensure access to quality healthcare worldwide.
