How to move and work abroad as a Nigerian trained health worker
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HOW TO MOVE AND WORK ABROAD AS A NIGERIAN TRAINED HEALTH WORKER

Byadmin

 Move and Work Abroad as a Nigerian-Trained Health Worker

Healthcare workers remain one of the most sought-after professionals globally. With shortages in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, Nigerian-trained nurses, doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and other allied health professionals are in high demand.

Many Nigerians dream of securing better salaries, improved working conditions, and career growth by practicing abroad. But the big question is: How to move and work abroad as a Nigerian trained health worker ?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every detail, from choosing your destination country to passing professional licensing exams, securing sponsorship, applying for visas, and successfully relocating abroad.

If you are determined to take your healthcare career global, this is your ultimate step-by-step roadmap.

Why Nigerian-Trained Health Workers Are in Demand Abroad

Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand why Nigerian healthcare professionals are highly valued globally:

  • Workforce Shortages: Countries like the UK, Canada, and Germany face aging populations, increasing demand for nurses and doctors.
  • Strong Academic Training: Nigerian universities and teaching hospitals produce competent health workers.
  • Language Advantage: English proficiency gives Nigerians a competitive edge in English-speaking destinations like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
  • Adaptability: Nigerians adapt well to new systems and are known for resilience and work ethic.

MEDICAL JOBS IN SWEDEN

With that established, let’s go step by step.

Step 1: Identify Your Profession and Destination Country

The first stage in how to move and work abroad as a Nigerian trained health worker is identifying your healthcare role and the country where you want to practice. Requirements differ depending on both.

Popular Destinations and Professions

  • United Kingdom (UK): Nurses, doctors, laboratory scientists, radiographers, physiotherapists.
  • United States (USA): Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, physical therapists.
  • Canada: Nurses, physicians, medical lab scientists, occupational therapists.
  • Australia: Nurses, midwives, allied health professionals.
  • Germany: Nurses, physiotherapists, doctors.
  • Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman): Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, radiographers.

👉 Inbound link suggestion: Explore healthcare career opportunities abroad on our platform.

Step 2: Licensing & Credential Recognition

Once you’ve chosen your country, you must register with its professional body and pass licensing exams. Without this step, you cannot legally practice.

For Nurses

  • UK: Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) → CBT + OSCE exams.
  • USA: NCLEX-RN.
  • Canada: NCLEX-RN + National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).
  • Australia: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (via AHPRA).
  • Middle East: Prometric exams.
  • Germany: Credential recognition + German language proficiency (B1–B2).

For Doctors

  • UK: General Medical Council (GMC) → PLAB exam (or postgraduate qualifications like MRCP).
  • USA: USMLE (Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3).
  • Canada: Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE).
  • Australia: AMC exams.
  • Middle East: Prometric exams.
  • Germany: Knowledge exam + German language (B2).

For Pharmacists

  • USA: Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Exam (FPGEE) + NAPLEX.
  • Canada: Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams.
  • UK: GPhC registration.
  • Middle East: Prometric exams.

For Medical Laboratory Scientists & Allied Health Workers

  • UK: Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • Canada: CSMLS exam.
  • Australia: AHPRA registration.
  • Germany: Qualification recognition + German language.

👉 Outbound link: Official GMC UK registration https://www.gmc-uk.org

Step 3: Meet Language Proficiency Requirements

Language skills are essential when moving abroad.

  • IELTS Academic: Required for UK, Canada, Australia.
  • OET (Occupational English Test): Alternative to IELTS for health workers.
  • TOEFL iBT: Required in the USA.
  • German Language Exam (B1–B2): Required in Germany.

Tip: Aim for high scores; this boosts both licensing and visa approval chances.

Step 4: Secure a Job Offer and Sponsorship

Many countries require a job offer before granting work visas. Luckily, many healthcare employers are recruiting internationally.

Where to Find Jobs Abroad

Tip: Create a professional CV tailored to international standards.

Step 5: Apply for a Work Visa

After securing a job offer, the next step in how to move and work abroad as a Nigerian trained health worker is applying for the correct visa.

Examples of Visa Pathways

  • UK: Health and Care Worker Visa.
  • USA: H-1B visa for specialists, EB-3 immigrant visa for nurses.
  • Canada: Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
  • Australia: Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination).
  • Germany: Work visa or EU Blue Card.
  • Saudi Arabia / UAE: Employer-sponsored work visa.

👉 Inbound link: Learn how to apply for international visas here.

Step 6: Financial Preparation

Relocating abroad involves expenses such as:

  • Licensing exams (IELTS, OET, NCLEX, PLAB, USMLE, etc.)
  • Registration and credential verification fees.
  • Visa application fees.
  • Flight tickets and relocation costs.
  • Proof of funds (Canada requires this for Express Entry).

Tip: Start saving early. Some employers may reimburse part of these costs upon arrival.

MEDICAL JOBS IN SWEDEN

Step 7: Settle Abroad Successfully

Once you land abroad:

  • Arrange temporary or permanent accommodation.
  • Join Nigerian associations and communities for support.
  • Learn cultural practices and adapt to the local healthcare system.
  • Keep upgrading your professional skills.

Country Comparison Table

Country Roles in Demand Average Salary Exams Required Visa Route
UK Nurses, Doctors, Lab Scientists £28,000 – £70,000 IELTS/OET, CBT, OSCE, PLAB Health & Care Visa
USA Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists $50,000 – $200,000 NCLEX, USMLE, TOEFL H-1B, EB-3
Canada Nurses, Allied Health CAD $50,000 – $150,000 NCLEX, MCCQE Express Entry/PNP
Australia Nurses, Doctors AUD $60,000 – $180,000 IELTS/OET, AMC exams Subclass 189/186
Germany Nurses, Doctors €35,000 – €90,000 German B2, Recognition Work Visa/Blue Card
Saudi Arabia/UAE Nurses, Doctors, Pharmacists $30,000 – $120,000 Prometric Exam Employer-Sponsored Visa

FAQs on How to Move and Work Abroad as a Nigerian-Trained Health Worker

1. Can I move abroad as a Nigerian nurse without experience?
Yes, but most employers prefer at least 1–2 years of clinical experience. Countries like the UK may accept fresh graduates if they pass NMC requirements.

2. How long does it take to process migration as a health worker?
It varies. For the UK, it may take 6–12 months. For Canada, 12–24 months. The USA process is longer (2–3 years).

3. Do I need IELTS if I studied in English?
Yes, most countries still require IELTS or OET even if your degree was in English.

4. Which country is cheapest for Nigerian health workers to migrate to?
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are often cheaper since employers cover relocation costs.

5. Which exam is hardest: NCLEX, PLAB, or USMLE?
USMLE is generally the most rigorous, followed by PLAB and NCLEX. Preparation time and resources differ.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to move and work abroad as a Nigerian trained health worker requires patience, planning, and persistence. While the process can be challenging, the rewards are significant: better salaries, global career opportunities, and improved quality of life. By choosing the right destination, passing required exams, securing sponsorship, and preparing financially, your dream of working abroad as a health professional can become reality.

For more guides on international jobs, scholarships, and migration, visit travel.scholarshipntoday.com.

Check official NCLEX registration details here → https://www.ncsbn.org/nclex.htm

Licensing & Credential Recognition

Language Proficiency

Job Search Abroad

Visa Information

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