Healthcare Jobs Abroad for Zimbabweans
Complete guide to international healthcare careers for doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and allied health professionals
Healthcare Roles & Salaries
| Role | UK (GBP) | Australia (AUD) | Canada (CAD) | UAE (AED/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor (Junior) | 32,398-63,152 | 90,000-150,000 | 80,000-200,000 | 15,000-40,000 |
| Pharmacist | 35,000-50,000 | 85,000-110,000 | 90,000-120,000 | 8,000-15,000 |
| Physiotherapist | 28,407-44,962 | 70,000-95,000 | 65,000-90,000 | 7,000-14,000 |
| Radiographer | 28,407-36,483 | 70,000-90,000 | 65,000-85,000 | 7,000-13,000 |
| Lab Technician | 25,655-31,534 | 60,000-80,000 | 55,000-75,000 | 5,000-10,000 |
| Occupational Therapist | 28,407-44,962 | 70,000-90,000 | 65,000-90,000 | 7,000-14,000 |
| Dentist | 40,000-80,000+ | 100,000-180,000 | 100,000-200,000 | 12,000-30,000 |
Doctors (MBChB from UZ)
UK (GMC Registration)
- Pass PLAB 1 (multiple-choice, can be taken at British Council Harare)
- Pass PLAB 2 (clinical OSCE, taken in UK - Manchester)
- English language: IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (7.0 in each band) or OET B
- Register with GMC
- Apply for NHS Foundation Training or staff/trust grade posts
Australia (AMC)
- Apply to Australian Medical Council (AMC)
- Pass AMC MCQ (Computer Adaptive Test)
- Pass AMC Clinical Exam OR enter Standard Pathway (supervised practice)
- Register with AHPRA and the Medical Board of Australia
Canada (MCC)
- Apply to Medical Council of Canada
- Pass MCCQE Part I (medical knowledge exam)
- Pass NAC (National Assessment Collaboration) clinical exam
- Apply to residency programs through CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service)
- Complete residency (2-5 years depending on speciality)
Pharmacists
- UK (GPhC): Apply for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Pass the OSPAP (Overseas Pharmacists' Assessment Programme) at a UK university (typically 1 year), then pass the GPhC registration assessment
- Australia (AHPRA): Apply to the Australian Pharmacy Council for assessment. Pass KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) exam and intern/supervised practice
- Canada (PEBC): Apply to Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada. Pass Document Evaluation, Qualifying Examination Part I (MCQ), and Part II (OSCE)
Allied Health Professionals
Physiotherapists
- UK (HCPC): Apply to Health and Care Professions Council. Assessment of qualifications and experience. May require adaptation period
- Australia (AHPRA): Assessment by Australian Physiotherapy Council. May require portfolio or exam
- Ireland: On Critical Skills list. Register with CORU (Health and Social Care Professionals Council)
Radiographers
- UK (HCPC): Direct registration pathway. Radiographers are in acute shortage in the NHS
- Australia: Assessment by Medical Radiation Practice Board. AHPRA registration
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK and Middle East are generally fastest. UK Health & Care Worker visas are processed in 3 weeks, and NMC registration for nurses can be completed in 3-6 months. UAE and Saudi Arabia can process employment visas in 4-8 weeks once you have a job offer and required credentials. For doctors, the UK PLAB pathway can take 6-12 months. Australia and Canada typically take longer due to more extensive assessment processes.
Registration with the Health Professions Council of Zimbabwe (HPCZ) demonstrates professional standing in your home country, which is required by most overseas regulators. However, you still need to register with the destination country's regulatory body. The HPCZ can provide verification letters and certificates of good standing that are essential for overseas applications.