Romania is becoming a popular destination for international students who want to pursue medical studies in Europe. According to the World Health Organization, there were 8,859 foreign medical students in Romania in 2020, representing 14.5% of the total medical student population. The country offers affordable tuition fees, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 EUR per year, much lower than other European countries. Many graduates seek job opportunities after medical studies in Romania and work as doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and other medical professionals, benefiting from the low cost of living, the high demand for healthcare professionals, and the country’s cultural diversity. According to a survey conducted by the Romanian College of Physicians in 2020, 38% of the medical graduates who applied for residency in Romania planned to remain in the country after completing their training. Additionally, there is a high demand for healthcare professionals in the country, which faces an acute shortage of medical staff, with around 30% of positions unfilled. The situation is worse in rural areas, where salaries are lower and there is less oversight. Medical graduates and skilled doctors may continue to leave the country if hospitals have unfavorable working conditions. According to the World Health Organization, Romania had only 2.9 physicians per 1,000 people in 2018, the lowest rate in the European Union. As such, there is a fertile market for employment for medical graduates in Romania, and there is no better time to pursue a medical degree in the country than now!
This article will look at some of the most common career pathways for medical graduates after their studies.
Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Romania: Medical Doctor
To become a medical doctor in Romania, one must first obtain a formal qualification in medicine from an accredited university, which usually takes six years of study. After graduating, one must apply for a license from the Romanian College of Physicians, which is the professional body that regulates medical practice in the country. The license is valid for five years and can be renewed by fulfilling the requirements of continuous medical education. Additionally, one must prove their proficiency in the Romanian language by passing a test or presenting a certificate of completion of a Romanian language course. This is necessary because most of the medical communication and documentation in Romania is done in Romanian. Once these conditions are met, one can choose from various medical specializations, such as clinical, surgical, or paraclinical specialties. The duration of the specialization programs varies from four to six years, depending on the field and the level of complexity. During the specialization, one must work as a resident physician in a hospital or a clinic, under the supervision of a tutor who is a senior specialist in the same field. The resident physician must also attend theoretical courses and seminars, conduct research, and pass periodic exams. At the end of the specialization, one must take a final exam and present a thesis to obtain the title of specialist doctor. Some of the largest employers of medical doctors in Romania are MedLife, Pan Medical, and Gineko Pro Medical. These are private healthcare providers that offer a range of medical services, such as diagnostics, laboratory tests, surgeries, consultations, and treatments.
The average salary of a medical doctor in Romania is about 10,000 EUR per year, according to SalaryExplorer. However, the actual income of a medical doctor may vary depending on their specialization, experience, location, and employer. Generally, doctors who work in private healthcare providers earn more than those who work in the public sector. Moreover, doctors who have higher qualifications, such as specialist or consultant titles, earn more than those who have lower qualifications, such as residents or general practitioners. Furthermore, doctors who work in urban areas, especially in the capital Bucharest, earn more than those who work in rural areas. Additionally, doctors who work for international organizations, such as the World Health Organization or the European Union, earn more than those who work for local institutions.
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Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Romania: Doctor in Other Countries
Working as a medical doctor after studying in Romania in other countries can be a challenging but rewarding career path. Depending on the country, there may be different requirements and opportunities for foreign-trained doctors. Here are some of the most prominent destinations for medical graduates to seek employment:
UK: To work as a doctor in the UK, you need to register with the General Medical Council (GMC), which requires passing the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test or having a recognized postgraduate qualification. You also need to have a job offer from a UK employer and a valid work visa. The UK has a shortage of doctors in some specialties and regions, so there may be good prospects for qualified candidates.
USA: To work as a doctor in the USA, you need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which consists of three steps and covers basic medical sciences, clinical skills, and clinical knowledge. You also need to complete a residency program in your chosen specialty, which can take 3 to 7 years depending on the field. You need a valid visa and a sponsorship from a US employer or institution. The USA has a high demand for doctors, especially in rural and underserved areas.
India: To work as a doctor in India, you need to have your medical degree recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), which may require taking the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) or completing a screening test. You also need to register with the state medical council where you intend to practice. India has a large and growing health sector, with a need for more doctors in both urban and rural areas.
UAE: To work as a doctor in the UAE, you need to have your medical qualifications verified by the DataFlow Group, which is a service that checks the authenticity of educational and professional credentials. You also need to obtain a license from the health authority of the emirate where you want to work, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH). You need to have a valid visa and a sponsorship from a UAE employer. The UAE has a modern and advanced health system, with a high demand for doctors in various specialties.
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Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Romania: Higher Education
After completing medical studies in Romania, many graduates aspire to pursue further education in the form of medical specializations or medical research. Medical specializations are postgraduate programs that allow doctors to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific field of medicine, such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, or orthopedics. These programs usually last 4-6 years and involve extensive clinical practice at university-affiliated hospitals or clinics, under the supervision of experienced tutors.
Medical research, on the other hand, is a scientific endeavor that aims to discover new knowledge and improve existing treatments or methods in medicine. Medical researchers can work in academic institutions, research centers, or pharmaceutical companies, and conduct experiments, trials, or studies on various topics, such as diseases, drugs, vaccines, or devices. Medical research can be pursued as a master’s or doctoral degree, or as a postdoctoral fellowship, depending on the level of qualification and experience of the candidate. Both medical specializations and medical research offer rewarding opportunities for career advancement and personal growth for medical graduates in Romania. However, they also require a high level of commitment, dedication, and passion, as well as proficiency in the Romanian language and compliance with the admission criteria and regulations of the respective institutions. Therefore, medical graduates who wish to pursue further education in Romania should carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best suits their interests, goals, and abilities.
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Alternate Medical Careers
Many medical graduates in Romania, don’t go into conventional career pathways and seek alternate options such as
Medical education: Medical educators are involved in teaching and training medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals. They may work as professors, lecturers, tutors, or mentors in medical schools, hospitals, or other educational institutions. Medical educators need to have a solid grasp of the medical curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and feedback methods, as well as skills in leadership, organization, and interpersonal relations.
Medical journalism: Medical journalists report on the latest news and developments in the field of medicine and health. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, radio, television, or other media outlets. Medical journalists need to have a keen interest in medicine and health, as well as skills in writing, editing, interviewing, and fact-checking.
Medical administration: Medical administrators are responsible for managing and overseeing the operations and finances of healthcare organizations, such as hospitals, clinics, or health departments. They may work as managers, directors, coordinators, or consultants. Medical administrators need to have a good understanding of the healthcare system, policies, and regulations, as well as skills in planning, budgeting, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Consulting: Medical consultants may work for management consulting firms, healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies. They may specialize in a specific area of health care, such as medical devices, clinical data, or public health. Consultants need to have a good understanding of the healthcare industry, as well as skills in communication, presentation, and project management.
Medical writing: Medical writing is a career option for those who have strong writing skills and an interest in the healthcare field. Medical writers produce various types of content related to health care, such as articles, reports, manuals, guidelines, proposals, and presentations. They may work for healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, medical equipment manufacturers, academic institutions, or media outlets.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there are ample job opportunities after medical studies in Romania, ranging from working as a physician in public or private hospitals and clinics, pursuing postgraduate specialization in various medical fields, conducting research in academic or scientific institutions, or even starting your own practice or business in the healthcare sector. Studying medicine in Romania can open up many doors for international students who want to make a difference in the world. Not only do they receive a high-quality medical education that is recognized by the European Union and other countries, but they also enjoy a low cost of living, a diverse culture, and a beautiful natural environment. By choosing to pursue a medical degree in Romania, students can benefit from the opportunities and challenges that this country offers, and prepare themselves for rewarding and fruitful careers in the field of medicine. For more information regarding career options for medical graduates in Romania, contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment!
