If you have ever heard of Denmark, you probably know it is among the richest and happiest countries in the world. Even though its standing is the result of various factors, two are crucial – medicine and education. Namely, Denmark’s success has been attributed to its contemporary approaches to both education and medical practice. As a result, more and more individuals are opting to pursue or rather continue their medical careers in Denmark. To help out, this article walks you through the steps to become medical doctors in Denmark.
Steps to Become a Medical Doctor in Denmark
1. The first requirement for medical doctors in Denmark is language proficiency.
This is a crucial step to become a medical doctor in Denmark. Therefore, before setting your sights on a Danish medical program or position, consider how well you speak the language. Danish is the only official language of the country and is thus the focal point of any successful medical career.
For those who have yet to learn it, there are two options. The first involves obtaining a language certificate before moving to Denmark, while the other is more immersive. Namely, Denmark has an abundance of immersion programs that help you acquire the language while living in the country. However, before applying to a medical program or a medical position, you will need to submit proof of language proficiency.
2. Once you have met the language requirements, your next step is medical education.
As a fairly open and welcoming country, Denmark accepts medical experts from around the world. Thus, you do not need a Danish medical degree to work in a Danish hospital later on. However, because of the country’s economic and academic acclaim, studying medicine in Denmark is still highly recommended. Namely, Danish medical programs are among the best in the world and have a fairly low acceptance rate. Therefore, if given the chance, do not pass on the opportunity to study medicine in Denmark.
To apply, you will need to have completed secondary education with a GPA equaling a Danish 6.0. Furthermore, Danish medical programs require certain prerequisite subjects as well. Therefore, you will need to have completed subjects such as science and mathematics with the highest grades. In addition to this, foreign students must also provide proof of language proficiency. Luckily, the Danish government recognizes an abundance of language qualifications.
Those lucky enough to be accepted will study medicine for six years. The first three years constitute the bachelor’s program, while the second three function as a master’s degree. Upon graduation, you will receive the title of Cand. Med., which allows you to complete the required residency period.
Check Out: The Best Medical Schools in Denmark
3. After receiving your medical degree, you are required to complete a residency period in Denmark.
As in most countries, a medical degree does not equal a medical license in Denmark. Rather, medical graduates are required to complete a mandatory one-year residency period before becoming a medical doctor in Denmark. This rule holds for all medical doctors except general practitioners, who are awarded a medical license without a residency requirement.
Nevertheless, both specialist and generalist practitioners must register with the Danish Patient Safety Authority to receive their medical license. This process is also necessary for foreign-trained medical doctors coming from both inside and outside of the EU/EEA.
4. Once you obtain a medical license, all that is left is securing a position at a Danish medical institution.
As many Danish hospitals post vacancy positions on their websites, most medical practitioners opt to complete this step online. However, language fluency is crucial for navigating hospital websites and completing your application. Therefore, make sure to achieve adequate language proficiency before applying for a position in Denmark.
5. Foreign-trained medical professionals must complete a few additional steps before obtaining their Danish medical license.
Therefore, although the process may be complete for Danish-trained practitioners, those coming from inside and outside of the EU/EEA must provide further documentation. For one, all foreign medical doctors must provide proof of language proficiency before starting to work in Denmark.
Furthermore, there is the question of a work visa. Firstly, medical practitioners coming from the EU/EEA do not need a work visa to practice medicine in Denmark. Nevertheless, they still need to have their diploma recognized and obtain a Danish medical license. This requires submitting documents such as a CV, an EU medical diploma, its official translation, and a certificate of current professional standing. In addition, those who have completed their medical training must also submit adequate proof that their medical proficiency meets the standards of the Danish system.
On the other hand, medical doctors coming from outside of the EU/EEA will need to apply for a work visa in addition to all the aforementioned. All the necessary steps may be found on the Danish Patient Safety Authority website. Lastly, non-EU-trained doctors may also be asked to complete several tests designed to test their medical competencies. These additional steps are essential to become a doctor in Denmark.
Also Learn About: How to Study in Denmark for Free
We hope that you found this article on the steps to becoming a doctor in Denmark informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
