NMC streamlines registration process for overseas nurses and midwives

Regulator cuts red tape in bid to get applicants on to UK register as fast as possible

A new admission system for overseas nurses applying to join the UK register has been introduced to ensure they can join the workforce as quickly as possible.

From today, applicants to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register who are coming from overseas are promised 'a streamlined experience'.

Cutting bureaucracy may reduce nurse shortages

The changes will attempt to address nursing shortages across the UK, the regulator said.

Changes include:

• An online, rather than paper, application with personal accounts that enable instant progress checks.
• The NMC itself will confirm the applicant holds the necessary qualifications, instead of asking for transcripts.
• A redesigned guidance page on the NMC website, including easy-read guidelines and a new pre-application checklist.

Making UK as attractive as possible for nurses from overseas

NMC director of registration and revalidation Emma Broadbent said: 'We want to make sure those who meet our requirements are able to join our register as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are hopeful that by simplifying the application process, we will continue to make the UK an attractive option for those coming from abroad.'

Last month, the government dropped its language test requirement for overseas' nurses, meaning applicants now only need to meet NMC language requirements. 

• RELATED: Rules eased on overseas nurses retaking exam

As the prospect of Brexit approaches, the number of nurses and midwives joining the register from outside of the European Union rose from 2,720 last year to 6,157 in March this year.

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