Healthcare careers — from carer to doctor
You can start with NO qualifications as a Healthcare Assistant. The NHS will train you for free. Nursing students get a £5,000/year grant. For refugee doctors, PLAB 1 is FREE. Already 323 doctors registered through REACHE.
📊 Career ladder — from zero to doctor
In the NHS (National Health Service — the UK's public healthcare system) you can grow step by step. You can start with no qualifications at all.
🏥 Healthcare Assistant — start with no qualifications
HCA (Healthcare Assistant) means you help look after patients. This is an entry-level role in the NHS. No qualifications needed. You will be trained on the job.
👩⚕️ For overseas nurses — the NMC pathway
If you are already a qualified nurse from another country, you need to register with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council — the body that regulates nurses and midwives in the UK).
🩺 For refugee doctors — GMC/PLAB pathway
If you are a doctor from another country and have refugee status — there is special support. PLAB 1 is free!
✅ PLAB 1 — FREE for refugees
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is the exam for overseas doctors. Normally PLAB 1 costs £285. But for refugee doctors it is free.
PLAB 2 (practical exam) normally costs £949. For refugees there is a 50% discount (about £475).
GMC registration (General Medical Council — the body that regulates doctors in the UK) — after passing PLAB you get registered and can work as a doctor in the UK.
💰 NHS Learning Support Fund — £5,000/year grant
If you are studying to be a nurse, midwife, paramedic or other healthcare professional — the NHS gives you £5,000 per year. This is a GRANT — you do not pay it back.
Extra: up to £3,000 for childcare. Up to £2,000 for special expenses.
Apply: nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in the NHS without qualifications?
Yes! Start as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) — a patient care role. No qualifications needed. The NHS will train you on the job. Salary from £24,071 (Band 2). You just need decent English and the right to work in the UK.
How much do nurses earn in the UK?
Newly qualified nurse (Band 5): £29,970 per year. With experience (Band 6): £37,338. Senior nurse (Band 7): £46,148. Plus extra pay for night shifts, weekends and London (up to +20%). NHS also gives you a pension, 27 days holiday and free training.
I am a doctor from another country. How can I work in the UK?
You need to register with the GMC (General Medical Council — the body that regulates doctors in the UK). Path: PLAB 1 (test — FREE for refugees) then PLAB 2 (practical exam — 50% off for refugees) then GMC registration then work. The REACHE programme helps for free. Already 323 doctors have registered through REACHE.
I am a nurse from another country. What do I do?
Register through the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council — the body that regulates nurses in the UK). Path: IELTS 7.0 then CBT test (£83) then OSCE practical exam (£794) then NMC registration (£153). The whole process takes 6-12 months. Some employers pay all costs for you.
Can asylum seekers work in the NHS?
Asylum seekers CANNOT work for the first 12 months. After 12 months — you can apply for permission to work, but only in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List. Nurses and some healthcare roles ARE on this list. You CAN study at any time.
What is the NHS bursary and grant?
The NHS Learning Support Fund gives £5,000 per year to student nurses, midwives and other healthcare students. This is a GRANT — you do not pay it back. Plus up to £3,000 extra for childcare costs. Apply at nhsbsa.nhs.uk.