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Free information guide Β· Updated July 2026

UK Registration Comparisons for International Clinicians

The pre-decision questions clinicians ask before spending money on a test, exam or visa β€” answered side by side, in plain English, from the official regulator and gov.uk sources. Each page is balanced, dated, and links to the primary source for every figure. Information only; GeraClinic is not a recruitment agency.

All comparisons

IELTS vs OET for UK Healthcare Registration

IELTS AcademicvsOET (Occupational English Test)

IELTS Academic vs OET for UK registration, with the accepted scores each regulator publishes β€” GMC (doctors), NMC (nurses & midwives), GPhC (pharmacists), HCPC (allied health) and GDC (dentists) β€” in one sourced table. Free information guide.

Read the comparison β†’

PLAB vs the Postgraduate-Qualification Route to GMC Registration

PLAB examinationvsPostgraduate qualification (e.g. Royal College membership)

The two main routes an international doctor uses for UK GMC registration compared: the PLAB examination versus holding a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification (such as certain Royal College memberships). Cost, time, eligibility and specialty β€” balanced and sourced.

Read the comparison β†’

NHS vs Private Practice in the UK: A Doctor’s Comparison

NHS practicevsPrivate practice

NHS versus private practice for doctors in the UK, compared across pay structure, the NHS Pension Scheme, clinical-negligence indemnity, job security and autonomy. Balanced, sourced information for internationally-qualified doctors planning their UK career.

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Health and Care Worker Visa vs Skilled Worker Visa

Health and Care Worker visavsSkilled Worker visa (general)

The UK Health and Care Worker visa compared with the general Skilled Worker visa: who is eligible, the Immigration Health Surcharge exemption, lower visa fees, and what the employer must provide. Sourced from gov.uk β€” information only, not immigration advice.

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India vs the Philippines for UK Nurse Registration (NMC Route)

India-educated nursesvsPhilippines-educated nurses

How the UK NMC registration journey compares for internationally-educated nurses from India and the Philippines β€” Test of Competence (CBT + OSCE), English evidence, and qualification recognition. Balanced information for nurses applying on their own account; not recruitment.

Read the comparison β†’

NMC vs GMC: Nurse Route vs Doctor Route to UK Practice

NMC (nurses & midwives)vsGMC (doctors)

The NMC (nurses & midwives) and GMC (doctors) UK registration routes compared: who each regulates, the exams (Test of Competence CBT + OSCE vs PLAB), English requirements and what each licence lets you do. Sourced information for internationally-qualified clinicians.

Read the comparison β†’

Researching the full journey? Start with the UK GMC registration pathway for doctors or the UK NMC route for nurses.

What these comparisons are β€” and are not

These are

  • Free, balanced information for clinicians exploring their options independently.
  • Built from primary sources β€” the regulators (GMC, NMC, GPhC, HCPC, GDC) and gov.uk.
  • Dated, with every changeable figure pointing at the official source to confirm.

These are not

  • Recruitment. GeraClinic does not place clinicians into jobs and is not an agency.
  • Legal, immigration or financial advice β€” always confirm with the official body.
  • A guarantee of registration, a job or a visa β€” those decisions rest with the regulators, employers and the Home Office.

Keep practising while you plan your move

GeraClinic is a remote telemedicine platform for licensed clinicians. Wherever you are registered today, you can see patients online, set your own hours and fees, and get paid within 3–5 business days. It is free to apply.