Top Medical Jobs in the UK for Nigeria
1. Doctors and Physicians (General & Specialist)
Nigerian doctors with relevant qualifications and clinical experience are in high demand. Positions are available in general medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry, surgery, paediatrics, anaesthesia, and more.
Requirement
MBBS or equivalent from a recognized Nigerian institution
Pass the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test or have an accepted postgraduate qualification (e.g., MRCP, MRCS)
Register with the General Medical Council (GMC
IELTS (minimum score of 7.5) or OET (Grade B in all modules
2. Nurses and Midwives
Nursing is one of the most accessible medical jobs in the UK for Nigerians. There’s a nationwide shortage of nurses in various areas including adult nursing, mental health, community health, and neonatal care
Requirement
B.Sc. Nursing or RN Certificate from an accredited Nigerian institution
Pass the CBT (Computer Based Test) and OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination
Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
IELTS (minimum of 7.0) or OET (Grade B)
3. Physiotherapist
Physiotherapists are needed in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and community settings in the UK.
Requirement
B.Sc. Physiotherapy
Register with the Health and Care Professions Council
IELTS or OET proof of English proficiency
Evidence of clinical experience
4. Radiographers and Sonography
These imaging professionals are vital in diagnostic and therapeutic roles and are in short supply in the UK.
Requirement
Degree or diploma in radiography/ultrasound
HCPC registration
IELTS or OET for language
Requirements
Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Biomedical Science
HCPC registration
IELTS or OE
6. Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) and Support Work
For those without full medical degrees but with experience in patient care, HCA roles are an entry point into the NHS and care home
Requirements
Basic patient care training
Sponsorship from a UK employer (Tier 2 visa)
No formal degree required, but certification and experience help
How to Apply for Medical Jobs in the UK from Nigeria
Step 1: Get the Right Qualification
Ensure your qualifications match UK standards. If you’re applying as a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional, your degree must be recognized, and you may need additional exams or assessment.
Step 2: Pass English Proficiency Tests
The IELTS Academic or OET (Occupational English Test) is required for most roles. Aim for the standard score required by your regulatory body.
Step 3: Register with the UK Regulatory Body
Each profession has a regulatory
GMC – for doctors
NMC – for nurses and midwives
HCPC – for allied health professionals
The registration process involves documentation review, exams (if necessary), and payment of fees.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs with Sponsorship
You need a job offer from a UK healthcare provider licensed to sponsor foreign workers. Most NHS Trusts, private hospitals, and care agencies are approved sponsors
[Global Nurses and Medics UK Agencies)
[CareUK, Bupa, HCA Healthcare
Look out for keywords like “Tier 2 Sponsorship Available” or “Visa Sponsorship”
Step 5: Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you secure a job offer with sponsorship, you can apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa, a fast-track visa category for medical worker
Eligibility Requirements
Job offer from an approved UK employer
Certificate of Sponsorship
Proof of English proficiency
TB Test result (from IOM Lagos or Abuja)
Police clearance certificate
Benefits of Working in the UK Healthcare System.
1. Attractive Salary
Nurses: £25,000 – £35,000+ per year
Doctors: £40,000 – £100,000+ depending on role and experience.
Support Workers: £20,000 – £24,000
2. Relocation Supply
Many NHS Trusts provide relocation packages, which may include flight tickets, accommodation for the first few weeks, and reimbursement for registration and visa fees
3. Permanent Residency Pathway
After 5 years of continuous work, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
4. Family Visa Options
You can bring your spouse and children under the same Health and Care Visa route. Spouses can also work without restrictions.
5. Career Development
The UK offers ongoing training, specialization options, and the chance to rise to senior roles or consultant positions.
Challenges and Tips for Nigerian Applicants.
1. Cost of Application Process
Expect to spend ₦800,000 to ₦2 million for exams, registration, English tests, and visa. However, some employers reimburse these costs.
2. Cultural Adjustment
The UK healthcare system emphasizes patient-centered care, professionalism, and documentation. Learn NHS values and adjust your clinical practice accordingly.
3. Timeframe
From initial preparation to relocation, it can take 6 months to 1 year. Plan your transition well
4. Use Verified Agencies
Many Nigerians fall victim to recruitment scams. Only use approved NHS recruiters or trusted agencies registered in the UK. Avoid paying large sums to third parties without contracts.
Real-life Success Story: Dr. Amaka’s Journey
Dr. Amaka, a Nigerian-trained physician, passed PLAB in 2023. By early 2024, she had received a job offer from an NHS hospital in Birmingham. Through the Health and Care Visa, she relocated with her husband and child. Today, she works in A&E (Accident & Emergency), earns £52,000 annually, and is preparing to specialize in emergency medicine
Her advice
> “Start early, prepare for the exams, and be persistent. The UK system rewards competence and professionalism.”
Final Thought
Medical jobs in the UK remain one of the most promising routes for skilled Nigerians seeking global exposure, financial stability, and long-term career development. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, lab scientist, or physiotherapist, the UK welcomes your skill—if you can meet the standards and show commitment.
With strategic planning, the right qualifications, and determination, you can build a successful healthcare career in the UK. The opportunities are real, the pathway is structured, and thousands of Nigerians are already thriving in the system
Step 1: Get the Right Qualifications
Ensure your qualifications match UK standards. If you’re applying as a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional, your degree must be recognized, and you may need additional exams or assessment.
Step 2: Pass English Proficiency Test
The IELTS Academic or OET (Occupational English Test) is required for most roles. Aim for the standard score required by your regulatory body (GMC, NMC, or HCPC)
Step 3: Register with the UK Regulatory Body
Each profession has a regulatory
GMC – for doctors
NMC – for nurses and midwives
HCPC – for allied health professionals
The registration process involves documentation review, exams (if necessary), and payment of fees.
Step 4: Apply for Jobs with Sponsorship
You need a job offer from a UK healthcare provider licensed to sponsor foreign workers. Most NHS Trusts, private hospitals, and care agencies are approved sponsors.
[Global Nurses and Medics UK Agencies]
[CareUK, Bupa, HCA Healthcare]
Look out for keywords like “Tier 2 Sponsorship Available” or “Visa Sponsorship”
Step 5: Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you secure a job offer with sponsorship, you can apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa, a fast-track visa category for medical workers.
Eligibility Requirement
Job offer from an approved UK employers
Certificate of Sponsorship
Proof of English proficiency
TB Test result (from IOM Lagos or Abuja)
Police clearance certificate.
Benefits of Working in the UK Healthcare System
1. Attractive Salary
Nurses: £25,000 – £35,000+ per year
Doctors: £40,000 – £100,000+ depending on role and experience
Support Workers: £20,000 – £24,000
2. Relocation Supply
Many NHS Trusts provide relocation packages, which may include flight tickets, accommodation for the first few weeks, and reimbursement for registration and visa fees.
3. Permanent Residency Pathway
After 5 years of continuous work, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship.
4. Family Visa Options
You can bring your spouse and children under the same Health and Care Visa route. Spouses can also work without restrictions.
5. Career Development
The UK offers ongoing training, specialization options, and the chance to rise to senior roles or consultant positions.
Challenges and Tips for Nigerian Applicants.
1. Cost of Application Proces
Expect to spend ₦800,000 to ₦2 million for exams, registration, English tests, and visa. However, some employers reimburse these costs.
2. Cultural Adjustment
The UK healthcare system emphasizes patient-centered care, professionalism, and documentation. Learn NHS values and adjust your clinical practice accordingly.
3. Timeframe
From initial preparation to relocation, it can take 6 months to 1 year. Plan your transition well.
4. Use Verified Agencies
Many Nigerians fall victim to recruitment scams. Only use approved NHS recruiters or trusted agencies registered in the UK. Avoid paying large sums to third parties without contracts.
Real-life Success Story: Dr. Amaka’s Journey.
Dr. Amaka, a Nigerian-trained physician, passed PLAB in 2023. By early 2024, she had received a job offer from an NHS hospital in Birmingham. Through the Health and Care Visa, she relocated with her husband and child. Today, she works in A&E (Accident & Emergency), earns £52,000 annually, and is preparing to specialize in emergency medicine.
Her advice
> “Start early, prepare for the exams, and be persistent. The UK system rewards competence and professionalism.
Final Though
Medical jobs in the UK remain one of the most promising routes for skilled Nigerians seeking global exposure, financial stability, and long-term career development. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, lab scientist, or physiotherapist, the UK welcomes your skill—if you can meet the standards and show commitment.
With strategic planning, the right qualifications, and determination, you can build a successful healthcare career in the UK. The opportunities are real, the pathway is structured, and thousands of Nigerians are already thriving in the system.
