If you’re a healthcare professional looking to practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), obtaining a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH) is an essential step. The MOH license allows professionals to work in the Northern Emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. This blog will guide you through the specific requirements and steps needed to obtain an MOH licence UAE.
Educational Qualifications
The first requirement for obtaining an MOH license is to have the appropriate educational qualifications. The MOH has set specific educational standards that healthcare professionals must meet to ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice. Depending on your profession, these qualifications may include:
Doctors: A recognized medical degree (MBBS, MD) from a reputable institution.
Dentists: A degree in dentistry (BDS, DDS) from an accredited university.
Nurses: A diploma or degree in nursing (BSc Nursing, GNM) from a recognized institution.
Pharmacists: A degree in pharmacy (BPharm, MPharm, PharmD) from an accredited university.
The degree must be from a recognized institution and accredited by the relevant authorities in the country where it was obtained. Additionally, it is important to have completed any necessary internship or residency programs as required by your specific field.
Professional Experience
Professional experience is another critical requirement for obtaining an MOH license. The MOH requires healthcare professionals to have a minimum amount of experience in their respective fields. The specific requirements vary depending on the profession:
Doctors: Typically, at least two years of post-graduate experience are required.
Dentists: A minimum of one to two years of clinical experience is generally necessary.
Nurses: Nurses usually need at least two years of experience, although this may vary depending on the specialty.
Pharmacists: One to two years of professional experience in a pharmacy setting is generally required.
The experience must be relevant to your field and should be obtained in a clinical setting that meets the standards set by the MOH.
Current License
To apply for an MOH licence uae, you must hold a valid and current license from the country where you most recently practiced. This license serves as proof that you are legally permitted to practice in your home country or any other country where you have worked. The MOH will require you to submit a copy of your current license as part of your application.
It’s important to note that if your license has expired, you may need to renew it before applying for the MOH license or provide an explanation for the gap in licensure.
Credential Verification (DataFlow Institution)
Credential verification is a crucial part of the MOH licensing process. The UAE’s MOH requires all applicants to have their credentials verified by the DataFlow Group, a leading primary source verification service. This process ensures that the educational qualifications, professional experience, and licenses submitted by the applicant are genuine and issued by recognized institutions.
To begin the verification process, you will need to create an account with the DataFlow Group and submit your documents for verification. This typically includes your educational certificates, professional licenses, and experience certificates. The verification process can take several weeks, so it’s advisable to start early.
MOH Examination
After your credentials have been verified, the next step is to pass the MOH examination relevant to your profession. The MOH exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in your respective field, ensuring that you meet the standards required to practice in the UAE.
Doctors and Dentists: The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering a broad range of topics related to your field.
Nurses and Pharmacists: Similar to doctors, nurses and pharmacists will also need to pass an MCQ-based exam tailored to their specific profession.
The MOH exam is conducted in several testing centers across the UAE and other locations worldwide. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the exam, as passing it is a mandatory requirement for obtaining your license.