The recent japa wave is making many Nigerians focus exclusively on tech-related or student visa options. But the good thing about immigration is that there are different visa types that work for different countries. While some, like the Tier-1 Global Talent Visa, are more talked about amongst young and vibrant people, some other visa types do not necessarily require you to have tech skills, outstanding achievements or college admission.
If you are a Nigerian healthcare worker, you possess a unique skill set that is highly sought after in various countries around the globe. All you need is an open mind and a bank of information. Lucky for you, we’ve got the information bank part on lock. In this blog post, we will shed light on opportunities and licensing processes that will help you achieve your dreams.
Which Countries Need Your Skills?
- United Kingdom: The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK is known for its world-class healthcare system. The Health and Care Worker visa is not just similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, it also has impressive benefits that are available for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. However, this particular opportunity excludes a few roles in the healthcare sector. Visit their official website to check if your job qualifies for this opportunity.
- Canada: Canada is welcoming healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, through its Express Entry system. If this is an opportunity you will be open to exploring, it is important to read more about the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and get insights into the licensing process with the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) and other relevant bodies.
- Australia: The Australian healthcare landscape is not excluded from the list of countries opening their borders to Nigerian workers. If you are curious about how it works, learn about the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), which oversees the licensing process for various medical professions.
What Do You Need to Practice Abroad?
- Credential Evaluation: Your educational credentials will be reviewed to determine whether you can meet the requirements of the destination country’s medical regulatory bodies.
- Language Proficiency Exams: Many countries require proof of language proficiency. So if this is an opportunity you want to explore, now will be a good time to learn about exams like IELTS and OET and how to prepare effectively.
- Medical Licensing Exams: Another thing you’ll need to note if you are a Nigerian health worker hoping to practice abroad is that there are medical exams that different countries will require you to pass. Familiarize yourself with exams like PLAB (UK), USMLE (USA), and MCCQE (Canada).
How to find your feet when you successfully move abroad
- Cultural Sensitivity: After you move, take it as personal homework and learn about the culture of the country you move to. This will help you communicate effectively with patients and colleagues from different backgrounds.
- Professional Development: Open your mind to take advantage of the opportunities that advanced medical technologies, research opportunities, and collaborations with experts in your field can expose you to. The tough skin and “hustle spirit” Nigeria gave you will take you places abroad.
- Personal Well-Being: Adjusting to a new country can be exciting and challenging. Find tips on maintaining your mental and emotional well-being as you begin this journey.
Embarking on a medical career abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering you the chance to contribute to global healthcare and expand your qualifications. As a young and vibrant Nigerian healthcare professional, the world is waiting for what you have to offer, whether you know it yet.
