University of Dundee Introduces UK-Preparation Course

The School of Health Sciences campus at the University of Dundee in Kirkcaldy, Fife, is actively receiving monthly cohorts of international healthcare workers as part of a specialized course facilitating their readiness for employment in the UK.

This intensive week-long program caters to learners hailing from diverse countries such as India, Mali, the Philippines, and Zimbabwe.

Primarily designed for nurses, the course focuses on preparing them for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a prerequisite for working in health and social care settings. Additionally, the course supports nurses returning to the profession after an absence.

Suzanne Bell, Programme Lead, emphasized the University’s commitment to providing top-notch training for learners from various backgrounds, stating: “This course has the opportunity to empower international healthcare workers to fulfill their aspirations for working here in the UK.

“Welcoming these learners to our campus here in Kirkcaldy is a great privilege, and those we host here speak in glowing terms about the town and the University.”

The initiative was initially piloted by Dr. Kevin Stirling, a lecturer in clinical skills and simulation coordinator. The positive impact on candidates taking the Nursing and Midwifery Council exam became evident quickly, as the course offers rigorous training to enhance competency.

For nursing staff not trained within the EU to be eligible to work in the UK, passing the Nursing and Midwifery Council exam is mandatory.

The Kirkcaldy campus leverages advanced teaching techniques and technology to provide comprehensive training, aiming to equip learners with the knowledge and clinical skills essential for healthcare settings.

Participants, numbering up to 120 per year, reside in Kirkcaldy for the entire study period. Recognizing the challenges they face, including being away from home for extended periods, the University allocates part of the course to address their mental wellbeing.

Paul Smith, Lecturer in Mental Health at the University, emphasized the transformative potential of the course, stating: “This course has the potential to transform the lives of these candidates. Ensuring they are prepared both practically and psychologically is important and a responsibility that we take seriously as part of the programme.”

To provide additional information about the course, an online event is scheduled for December 13, requiring advance registration via Eventbrite.