Radiology – a Doctor’s Route to the UK
- October 28, 2022
There are several routes overseas radiologists can take to GMC registration & securing an NHS radiology job.
Whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, all international radiologists will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council before beginning their journey in the NHS. The criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
“Doctors from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.”
Joint statement from the Royal College of Physicians & Radiologists
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as a radiologist inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you don’t need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK – you have already done this, and thanks to the EU your qualification is deemed equivalent. In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
- OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
GMC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for full registration with a license to practice with the GMC. For full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of English language capabilities (IELTS or OET)
AND
- Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (your equivalent qualifications)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: IMG Resources: GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European radiologists in the NHS is ever-increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of radiology jobs than are readily available online. Our network extends to Radiology services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your dedicated consultant, with a specialty knowledge of radiology, will negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the most competitive salary.
Our aim is to have a job offer on the table before your GMC registration is complete, giving you the peace of mind of having an agreed contract in place - leaving you to carefully plan your relocation to the UK.
Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. You can browse our articles here: IMG Resources: Relocation & UK Life
Outside of the EEA
If you qualified as a radiologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge & skills and English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK. In addition, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
Here we summarise the requirements for radiology doctors, looking at the following:
- English Language Testing
- Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, FRCR or equivalent
- Tier 2 Visas
- Full GMC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.You can do this by passing either of the following:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
- OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Radiology
Overseas radiologists must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For radiologists this can be done through three main routes:
- PLAB
- Royal College qualification of FRCR
- GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications
Route 1 - PLAB:
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in radiology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.
That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, radiologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS.
Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB:
PLAB – a guide for overseas doctors
Route 2 - Royal College Qualification of FRCR:
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. radiology. For senior radiologists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.
The Royal College of Radiologists is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Radiology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
For overseas doctors, attaining FRCR will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Radiology.
Take a look at our complete guide on Membership of the Royal College of Radiologists to understand more: IMG Resources: FRCR – a guide for overseas radiology doctors
Route 3 - GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications:
Some overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This means to say these qualifications are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications. There are Radiology qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC.
Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC below: IMG Resources: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
Tier 2 Visa:
If you are a doctor applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as a doctor or nurse has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make. Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: IMG Resources: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below:
IMG Resources: Tier 2 Dependent visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
GMC Registration
With everything in place, you can apply for full registration with a license to practice with the GMC. Remember, for full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
- Evidence of English language capabilities
AND
- Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (PLAB, FRCR or equivalent)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below:
IMG Resources: GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA Radiologists in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for overseas doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than is readily available online. Our network extends to Radiology services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your 1-1 consultant, with a specialty knowledge of Radiology, will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the most competitive salary. Giving you the peace of mind of agreeing your new contract, perhaps even before your GMC registration is complete.
Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. Take a look here: IMG Resources: Relocation & UK Life
IMG Jobs
Search and find live radiology jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Relevant Jobs
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Radiology to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Radiology holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.
Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a group of people who are truly hard-working, highly motivated and committed. They focus on the quality care that they provide for their patients. The Department is responsible for the CT scanning, DXA scanning, Interventional Radiology, MRI, Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT scanning, Ultrasound, Vascular Laboratory and X-ray. The Department cares for their patient in such a way that during the pandemic, they trialled a clear mask to support better communication for people with conditions such as hearing loss, or dementia.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- European Specialist Qualification in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Radiology to join a Health Board in Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Radiology holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade. Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed.
Radiologists with interest in cross sectional imaging, head and neck, oncology and urology will be best suited to this posts.
WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE?
The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.
The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture. Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a group of people who are truly hard-working, highly motivated and committed. They focus on the quality care that they provide for their patients. The Department is responsible for the CT scanning, DXA scanning, Interventional Radiology, MRI, Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT scanning, Ultrasound, Vascular Laboratory and X-ray. The Department cares for their patient in such a way that during the pandemic, they trialled a clear mask to support better communication for people with conditions such as hearing loss, or dementia.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES?
North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.
For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.
You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- European Specialist Qualification in Radiology
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- FRCR
UK based applicants:
- Experience of working in Radiology
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An exciting opportunity for an experienced Stroke Consultant to join one of the top performing trusts in the UK. Rated as "outstanding" by the CQC, this university hospital is seeking to appoint a Consultant Physician in Stroke Medicine.
Department and Trust overview:
This is a fixed term post joining an established and growing team. The post will involve responsibility for stroke prevention, hyper-acute and acute stroke care, including proactive in-reach, stroke rehabilitation and a commitment to the General Medicine on call rota.
The Stroke Team are part of the Medicine for the Elderly Department, but suitably qualified applicants from any parent speciality are encouraged to apply.
The department provides a full range of services to a population of approx 400,000.
The stroke service admits approximately 500 patients per year, and sees about 800 patients per year in the fast track TIA clinic. Hyper-acute and acute stroke is managed in the Bristol Royal Infirmary on the current 26 bedded acute stroke unit (ASU) which includes 10 hyper-acute beds. Patients requiring longer inpatient rehabilitation are cared for in the 16 bedded dedicated stroke rehabilitation unit.
Requirements for the role:
UK candidates:
- Consultant experience in Stroke Medicine
- Within 6 months of CCT or CESR
- Specialisation in Stroke Medicine
- MRCP
- Consultant experience in Stroke Medicine