<p>The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is investing heavily in its medical sector, recruiting qualified doctors for its healthcare facilities. Working in the KSA healthcare sector is rewarding in terms of professional development opportunities, remuneration, and working with innovative technology. In this blog, we discuss how you can find a job as a doctor in Saudi Arabia. </p>
<h2>A Budding Opportunity</h2>
<p>The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched its <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/healthcare-challenges-achieving-ksas-vision-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vision 2030</a> program five years ago with a vision of developing a comprehensive, integrated, and effective healthcare system that prioritizes the health of all members of society. </p>
<p>As part of this initiative to transform the healthcare industry, the country needs more national and international healthcare professionals. This demand has also been fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an increase in the need for additional healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals. </p>
<p>Doctors working in KSA have the opportunity to work with modern, state-of-the-art medical equipment in public and private healthcare facilities of different capacities. Doctors work on a contractual basis for one to two years for about 40-60 hours a week, not to mention lucrative benefits such as bonuses, travel opportunities, and in some cases, free return tickets upon successful completion of your contract. </p>
<h2>Find a Job as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia</h2>
<p>Most people find a job as a doctor in Saudi Arabia by working with recruiters. <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueProfile Jobs</a> connects job-seeking doctors and physicians with trusted employers around the world.</p>
<p>If you have a TrueProfile.io account, you can easily browse and apply for healthcare jobs through <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/resources/trueprofile-io-jobs-a-world-of-healthcare-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueProfile.io Jobs</a>. The platform contains healthcare job listings that you can browse and filter by location or job title. The listings also include the requirements for the position, such as the experience level or documents you need. </p>
<p><strong>Here’s how to position yourself using TrueProfile.io:</strong></p>
<ul><li>Create a <a href="https://sso.trueprofile.io/login">TrueProfile.io</a> account</li><li>Fill out your Digital CV based on your experience and background (keep all sections updated to match your professional skills, education, experience, and contact information.) </li><li>Choose where you would like to work </li><li>Set your Profile Visibility preferences to <strong>Recommended</strong> so recruiters can reach out to you with relevant job opportunities</li></ul>
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<p>One of the biggest advantages of having your documents verified and accessible independently is the ability to send your verified documents to recruiters how and when you choose.</p>
<p>In addition, your network can be a great source of job opportunities or referrals. Thanks to social media, you can build your ‘brand’ and interact with professionals in your field who can point you towards job opportunities. Some of your contacts may refer you for a job opening before it is advertised. </p>
<h2>Education and Licensing </h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="535" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_244062976-1024x535.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12713" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_244062976-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_244062976-300x157.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_244062976-768x401.jpg 768w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/10/shutterstock_244062976.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>Doctors who want to work in Saudi Arabia must have at least 2 years of experience unless they graduated from a university in KSA</figcaption></figure>
<p>If you want to get a healthcare job in Saudi Arabia, you must meet the country’s requirements for working as a doctor. The first step is to receive proper education and training to prepare you for a career as a doctor. You need a bachelor’s degree from a university in KSA or an equivalent international degree from a recognized institution as a minimum requirement. </p>
<p>Once you have the proper education, the next step is to get licensed to work as a medical doctor. You will need to pass the licensing exam offered in your country and keep your license updated. Doctors who want to work in Saudi Arabia must have at least two years of experience unless they graduated from a university in KSA. </p>
<p>In addition to your education, you must prepare certain documents to evaluate and determine your suitability to work in KSA. Some of these documents include:</p>
<ul><li>Your <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/how-to-verify-your-degree-with-trueprofile-io/">academic degree</a> and additional certifications</li><li>Official transcripts or mark sheets</li><li>Your training completion certificate </li><li>Your certificate of employment (issued within the three months before you applied for KSA licensing)</li><li>Your license to practice or a certification from the country’s ministry of health </li><li>A certificate of good standing not older than six months </li></ul>
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<p>Having these documents ready and verified helps you avoid unnecessary delays during the application process. The <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/scfhs-licensing/">Saudi Arabia Commission for Health Specialists (SCFHS)</a> requires you to get your documents verified through <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/how-to-transfer-your-dataflow-report-to-trueprofile-io/">DataFlow</a>. </p>
<p>Once your account is up and running, you should upload all the documents that need to undergo <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/using-primary-source-verification-psv-as-industry-best-practice/">Primary Source Verification</a> (PSV). You should start this process early before you leave for KSA, as the process takes several weeks to complete. You can log in to your account to check your verification status. Once you pass the verification, save your verified documents on TrueProfile.io so you can access them in the future and eliminate the need for verifying your documents each time you apply for a new job. </p>
<p>You must have your credentials classified before you can work as a healthcare professional in Saudi Arabia. Your credentials will be classified by registering on <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/mumaris-plus-the-scfhs-portal-explained/">Mumaris Plus</a>. Once your qualification is approved, you will receive an eligibility number, which allows you to proceed to the next step. At this step, you can upload your DataFlow verification report. </p>
<p>The SCFHS will review your documents and issue a licensing exam if you need one. You will then receive a Professional Classification certificate after passing the licensing exam. The Saudi Medical Licensing Exam is a 300 multiple-choice exam that takes about 6 hours to complete. You need a score of at least 60% to pass the exam if you want to work as a medical officer. For specialists and consultants, the minimum score is 70% and 80%, respectively. </p>
<p>You have three attempts per year for the examination if you are outside KSA and three attempts in six months if you are in KSA. </p>
<p>Specialist doctors must complete the <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/prometric-exam-dha-license/">Prometric Test</a> in addition to the licensing exam. The results of the <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/3-steps-getting-prometric-scfhs/">Prometric Test</a> are available in 7 to 10 days. </p>
<p>The SCFHS has made it mandatory for all healthcare professionals to apply for classification whether they work in the public or private sector. Your classification will depend on your qualifications and experience. </p>
<p>Finally, after arriving in Saudi Arabia, you will need to complete your professional registration. You will apply for professional registration through the Mumaris Plus platform. Some of the documents you will need include:</p>
<ul><li>Your employment certificate</li><li>Your <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/mytrueprofile-digital-cv-highlight-your-education/">educational</a> credentials (note: all documents must be translated to English for them to be evaluated)</li><li>Completed application for SCFHS Form (from your employer or recruiting agency)</li><li>Your <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/build-a-digital-resume/">resume</a>, <a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/mytrueprofile-digital-cv-highlights-identity/">passport</a>, iqama, and the required application fees</li></ul>
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<h2>Over to You</h2>
<p>Working as a healthcare professional in KSA can be a rewarding experience. You get to work on a contract basis, subject to renewal and interact with people of diverse cultures and nationalities. You also have numerous travel opportunities, not to mention the chance to work with highly regarded and skilled medical professionals from around the world. Take our advice on board and you’ll be sure to find a job as a doctor in Saudi Arabia.</p>
<h4>Browse and apply for healthcare positions on TrueProfile.io Jobs:</h4>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member/jobs" style="border-radius:50px;background-color:#00497a;color:#f5f5f5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Find a healthcare job</a></div>
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Reading time: 5 min
4 Nov 2021 - Career
How to Find a Job as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia
Last updated on 13 Jun 2022