Post-MBBS Career Options in Pakistan After Studying in China
After MBBS in China – What Comes Next?
Studying MBBS in China is a smart and affordable option for many Pakistani students. But after completing your degree, the real journey begins. To work as a doctor in Pakistan, you must pass the National Licensing Exam (NLE) conducted by PMDC.
Once you pass the NLE, you can apply for a one-year house job in a hospital. This is an important part of your training. After your house job, you can choose to work as a general doctor, apply for a government job, or start preparing for specialization like FCPS or MD/MS.
Some students also plan to go abroad for work by taking exams like PLAB (for the UK) or USMLE (for the USA). Each path needs planning, but the good news is that many MBBS graduates from China have successfully built their careers in Pakistan and overseas.
This simple guide is made to help you and your parents understand what to expect after MBBS in China — and how to move forward step by step.
PMDC Recognition & Licensing Process
For Pakistani students pursuing an MBBS in China, it is mandatory to qualify to meet the eligibility criteria set by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC).
The recognition of a foreign medical graduate's MBBS degrees is strictly based on the PMDC policy that was in effect at the time of their admission.
Students have ensured that they enroll in a PMDC-recognized Chinese institution so they do not face problems in the future. Unfortunately, some students mistakenly apply for Non-PMDC recognized universities and later discover they cannot register for the mandatory medical licensing exam in Pakistan.
As a result, their only option is to move abroad to countries for a medical career and pass their licensing exam.
PMDC Licensing Process
To secure a career in Pakistan as a doctor, all foreign MBBS graduates must pass the NLE (National Licensing exam) conducted by PMDC.
The good news is that China has a higher licensing success ratio compared to graduates from other countries. Because many Chinese universities include preparing students for licensing exams in their curriculum.
To appear in NLE, students need to complete an internship first at university-affiliated hospitals. Below are the processes to become a licensed doctor in Pakistan after studying MBBS in China:
Step-by-Step Process After MBBS in China
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Choose a PMDC-listed University at the Time of Admission by checking the PMDC official website. |
| 2 | Complete your 5-year academic year + 1 year of internship for university-affiliated hospitals in China. |
| 3 | After completing your MBBS in China, make sure an essential institution attests your degree |
| 4 | Apply for the PMDC National Licensing Examination (NLE) conducted in Pakistan. |
| 5 | After completing NLE, you will receive provincial licenses allowing you to house jobs in Pakistan. |
| 6 | Receive full PMDC licenses and start practicing |
National Licensing Exam (NLE) – Structure and Passing Tips
PMDC conducts the NRE in a structure that allows Pakistani studnts to pass NLE divided into two categories:
Part 1: Theory-Based MCQs
- The theory component consists of 200 MCQS.
- The core subject cover weightage includes Medicine & applied, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Public Health, and Surgery.
- The period given is 4 hours
- Candidates need to score at least 140 marks out of 200 to pass the exam.
- Students who qualified in theory will be eligible for NRE Part II.
Part II: Clinical Skills Examination (CSE)
- CSE is the station-based pratical team that involves clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills.
- For students who want to appear in the exam required to pass part I.
- The passing score is 70% overall, including all stations.
Tips for NLE Preparation
- Start preparation early in the final year or internship.
- Join NLE academies or online coaching (with mock exams).
- Study past papers, PMDC syllabus, and common clinical cases.
- Practice clinical skills during house job.
Common Reasons for Failure
- Weak clinical exposure (especially from foreign universities).
- Poor time management in MCQs.
- Memorizing without understanding.
- Not practicing stations.
Solution: Study with groups, focus on hands-on skills, and revise daily.
House Job Options in Pakistan
After passing the NLE, every MBBS graduate must complete a one-year medical internship known as a house job. This house job is essential to activate your PMDC license and begin your official medical career in Pakistan.
You can choose between government and private hospitals for your house job:
If you want more clinical experience and a higher stipend, government hospitals (like Mayo, Jinnah, and Services) are a good choice. They are busy, so you learn more.
If you want an easier start, private hospitals like National or Shifa are a good choice. There are fewer patients, it's easier to get in, and the work is less stressful.
Here is a general comparison of monthly stipends:
| Hospital Type | Average Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Government | PKR 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Private | PKR 25,000 – 40,000 |
To secure a house job after NLE, apply early, ideally before receiving your NLE result. Reach out to hospitals with your CV, degree, and PMDC application. Ask seniors, friends, or alumni for referrals. MBBS house job opportunities in Pakistan are easier to get if you plan ahead and stay active in your network.
FCPS, MD, MS – Specialization Routes
After a house job, most graduates choose a specialization in Pakistan. The main options are:
1. FCPS (Fellowship of the College of Physicians & Surgeons)
Controlled by CPSP (www.cpsp.edu.pk)
- Popular among MBBS China graduates.
- Requires passing FCPS Part 1 exam.
- Followed by 4–5 years of clinical training in a teaching hospital.
- Fields: Medicine, Surgery, Gynae, Paeds, Radiology, etc.
2. MD/MS (University-Based Master Programs)
Offered by public sector universities like KEMU, DUHS, UHS.
- Entry test + interview required.
- Duration: 4–5 years.
- Degrees awarded by the university: MD (Internal Medicine), MS (Surgery).
Popular Fields Chosen by MBBS China Graduates:
- General Surgery
- Internal Medicine
- Radiology
- Gynecology
- Anesthesia
Government Jobs & CSS Pathway
After getting your PMDC license, you can apply for a government medical job. Each province has its own public service commission, such as:
- PPSC (Punjab)
- SPSC (Sindh)
- KPPSC (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
- BPSC (Balochistan)
You can be posted as a Medical Officer in Basic Health Units (BHUs), Rural Health Centers, or District Hospitals.
If you are interested in administration and policy work, you can prepare for CSS. Through CSS, you can work in federal or provincial health departments in planning, research, or management roles.
Government jobs offer job security, a fixed salary, bonuses, medical benefits, and a pension after retirement.
Teaching & Research Opportunities
After MBBS in China, students who are more interested in academics than hospital work can start teaching or enter medical research. You’ll first need to pass the NLE and complete your house job.
You can apply for teaching jobs in private medical colleges. Many colleges hire young doctors as lecturers or demonstrators in subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry.
Many students also do an M.Phil alongside teaching, which adds more value to their qualifications. On the research side, your child can work with universities, NGOs, or drug companies. Research jobs often involve disease studies, clinical trials, and public health surveys.
If you continue in this field, you can aim for a PhD and become a senior academic or researcher in the future.
Many MBBS graduates from China who do not want to enter hospital practice choose this path for a more stable and educational career.
Alternative Career Options
Not interested in hospital jobs? You still have many options:
- Medical writing for websites or publishers
- Health blogging or YouTube for education
- Telemedicine – Consult patients online
- Medical tourism – Guide patients for treatments abroad
These are great careers that use your medical knowledge in new ways.
Should you consider PLAB/USMLE after MBBS in China?
If you want to practice abroad, consider these exams:
1. PLAB (UK):
- Take IELTS + PLAB 1 & 2
- Then apply for jobs in the NHS (UK)
2. USMLE (USA):
- Three steps: Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS
- Needed to work in US hospitals
3. AMC (Australia):
- AMC CAT + English test
- Then apply for hospital training jobs
Why take them early?
It’s easier right after MBBS because your knowledge is fresh.
Career Abroad Options Table:
| Exam | Country | Requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAB | UK | IELTS + PLAB 1 & 2 | PKR 700,000+ |
| USMLE | USA | Step 1, 2 CK, 2 CS | PKR 1,000,000+ |
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Many MBBS graduates from China face specific challenges when returning to Pakistan. These issues are real but can be managed with the right approach.
Common Challenges
- Lower NLE pass rates among foreign graduates
- Limited clinical exposure during MBBS abroad
- Language barriers (studying in Mandarin or limited English practice)
- Recognition delays from PMDC or university issues
How to Overcome
- Join NLE-focused academies for structured preparation
- Practice with past MCQs and mock exams
- Focus on clinical skills during your house job
- Stay updated with PMDC policies and recognition status
- Use trusted agents or seniors to guide your document process
Apply Now
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