NMC UK removes work experience requirement for overseas nurses, midwives

Great news for Filipino nurses and midwives who want to work in the UK!

In a move to lure overseas nurses and midwives to work in the United Kingdom, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) said that the work experience requirement has been scrapped.

These nurses and midwives may now apply and work in the UK after qualifying.

Emma Broadbent, Director of Registration and Revalidation at the Nursing and Midwifery Council said:

“More than 65,000 nurses and midwives from outside the EU deliver first class care to millions of people across the UK every year and they are a vital part of our health and care workforce.

“This change will remove an unnecessary barrier, making it as simple and straightforward as possible for highly skilled nursing and midwifery staff to join the workforce.”

Previously, anyone trained outside the EU wishing to apply to join the NMC register must have worked for at least 12 months after qualifying and initial registration.

Nurses will still need to pass the two part test of competence (CBT and OSCE) and demonstrate that they can communicate effectively in English, which, for Filipino trained nurses would be by way of passing IELTS or OET.

Here’s the official NMC press release and updated guidance for overseas applicants:

• NMC Press Release: https://bit.ly/2xX64QP
• Updated Guide for Overseas Applicants: https://bit.ly/2LrT2QE

According to ASC Recruitment and Drake International, if you already have an NMC application in progress, you should expect to receive an email communication outlining how this latest change may affect you. It may be that your application has already been assessed and you have been asked for further reference forms to be submitted.

This requirement is now likely to be waived and you will move directly to a decision letter, assuming no additional requests have been made for other information.