Introduction
Starting a medical career in the United Kingdom presents a thrilling prospect for Indian medical graduates. The (MRCP) UK pathway stands as a well-established route for those aspiring to practice medicine in the UK. The full form of MRCP is the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians. This blog offers a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the MRCP UK pathway, beginning with obtaining a medical degree, progressing through the MRCP exams, gaining clinical experience, and culminating in securing a job in the National Health Service (NHS). Additionally, it discusses the crucial aspect of applying for a Tier 2 visa and provides insights into the associated MRCP costs of pursuing this pathway.
Step 1: Obtaining a Medical Degree
The first step towards pursuing the MRCP UK pathway is to obtain a medical degree from a recognized institution. This typically involves completing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree in India.
It takes about 5 and a half years to complete, including a one-year internship. After finishing the degree, students can apply for registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Make sure the degree is accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK, as this is important for the next steps in the MRCP UK pathway.
Step 2: Completing Internship
After finishing medical school, graduates in India need to do a one-year internship. During this time, they work in different departments of a hospital to gain hands-on experience and apply what they've learned in school. This internship helps them become better doctors by improving their skills and understanding of patient care. It's an important step before they can fully register as doctors and continue their training or apply for exams like the MRCP UK.
Step 3: Passing MRCP Part 1
The next step is to get ready for and pass the MRCP Part 1 exam. This test evaluates your understanding of basic medical sciences relevant to clinical practice. The MRCP Part 1 exam is structured as follows -
- It is a one-day exam.
- There are two papers, each lasting three hours.
- Each paper contains 100 multiple-choice, best-of-five questions.
- The marking system awards +1 mark for a correct answer, with no negative marking for wrong answers.
- The exam does not include image-based questions.
- It is a computer-based exam, which can be taken at a test centre internationally or online via a proctoring service in the UK.
MRCP UK Part 1 is the first step in the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians pathway so Success in MRCP UK Part 1 is essential for progressing to the next stages of the MRCP pathway.
MRCP Part 1 Fee
- UK: £419
- International: £594 i.e. Rs. 62,973/-
Step 4: Passing MRCP Part 2
After passing the MRCP Part 1 exam, candidates can prepare for and take the MRCP Part 2 exam.
The MRCP Part 2 exam consists of two parts: the MRCP Part 2 written exam and the MRCP Part 2 clinical examination, also known as PACES. It is recommended that candidates have completed two years of training, including internship, before applying to take these exams.
This MRCP Part 2 written exam assesses a candidate's clinical knowledge and skills, focusing on areas like diagnosis, investigation, and management of common medical conditions. Here are the key details about the MRCP Part 2 exam:
- Two papers are conducted in one day.
- Each paper lasts for 3 hours.
- There are 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in each paper, and candidates need to choose the best of five possible answers.
- The MCQs are designed to closely relate to the most correct answer, with four other options provided.
- The exam includes image-based questions.
- It is a computer-based exam, administered by Surpass.
- Candidates receive +1 mark for each correct answer and no marks for incorrect answers.
MRCP UK Part 2 is designed to ensure that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality patient care. Success in MRCP UK Part 2 requires a deep understanding of clinical concepts and effective study strategies. Passing MRCP UK Part 2 is a significant achievement for medical professionals seeking to advance their careers in the UK.
MRCP Part 2 Written fees
- UK: £419
- International: £594 i.e. Rs. 62,973/-
The MRCP Part 2 Clinical Examination, known as PACES, is a test for trainee doctors aiming to enter higher specialist training (ST3). To take the MRCP PACES Exam, you must have passed the MRCP Part 1 exam within the last 7 years. This exam assesses your clinical skills and knowledge to ensure you can provide high-quality patient care.
In the MRCP PACES Exam, you'll demonstrate essential clinical skills at five stations. Each station will have either real patients or trained stand-ins. Two examiners will assess your performance at each station. MRCP UK PACES is designed to ensure that candidates can provide high-quality patient care in a clinical setting. Passing MRCP UK PACES is a significant achievement for trainee doctors aspiring to enter higher specialist training.
MRCP PACES fees
- UK: £657
- International: £1202 i.e. Rs. 1,27,430/-
Step 5: English Language Proficiency Test
Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET).
This is a requirement for GMC registration.
IELTS/OET (For GMC Registration) Approximately
- £160 for IELTS i.e. RS. 16,963/-
- £332 for OET i.e. Rs. 35,197/-
Step 6: EPIC Verification
Candidates who have completed their medical education outside the UK must undergo verification of their qualifications through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC) system.
- Opening an EPIC Account: $130 i.e. Rs. 13,782/-
- Verification per credential: $100 i.e. Rs. 10,601/-
- Cost of the postal service for tracking: $30 i.e. Rs. 3180/-
- Sending verified and signed documents back to ECFMG: Variable
Step 7: Applying for GMC Registration
After successfully completing the MRCP exams, English language proficiency test, and EPIC verification, candidates can apply for registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). This is a mandatory requirement for practising medicine in the UK.
GMC Registration Fees
- Annual registration fee for licensed doctors: £433
- Annual registration fee for newly qualified doctors (first five years): £166
- Annual retention fee after registration: £390
Step 8: Securing a Job in the NHS
With GMC registration in hand, candidates can start applying for jobs in the NHS. The NHS offers a wide range of opportunities for doctors in various specialities and locations across the UK.
Step 9: Tier 2 Visa Application
Finally, candidates must apply for a Tier 2 (General) visa to work in the UK. This visa allows non-EEA nationals to live and work in the UK for up to five years, with the option to extend.
Conclusion
The MRCP UK pathway offers a structured and prestigious route for Indian medical graduates to practice medicine in the UK. MRCP preparation requires dedicated study time and a thorough understanding of clinical concepts. Many candidates find MRCP preparation challenging but rewarding, as it prepares them for higher specialist training. By following these steps diligently and preparing thoroughly for each stage of the pathway, candidates can enhance their chances of success and fulfil their dream of working in the UK healthcare system.
