How to Get a Nursing License in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)?
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) has emerged as a prominent healthcare hub in the United Arab Emirates, attracting healthcare professionals worldwide. All Healthcare Professionals at Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) are required to obtain a license from the Dubai Healthcare City Authority Regulatory (DHCR), a self-reliant regulatory authority accountable for licensing healthcare providers and professionals, as well as setting and keeping global most promising practices in healthcare delivery and patient care within the free trade zone. In this blog, Dhanguard will guide you through securing your nursing license in DHCC, emphasizing the importance of company formation within this healthcare city.
Dubai Healthcare City Authority
The Dubai Healthcare City Authority, which was founded in 2011, is the governing organization that oversees the Dubai Healthcare City Freezone. Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a free zone to meet the growing need for high-quality, patient-centered healthcare. DHCC brings together a wide range of services in healthcare, medical education and research, medicines, medical equipment, wellness, and allied support through strategic partnerships.
Licenses for Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
In healthcare, the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone is a shining example of excellence. DHCC, tucked away in the energetic metropolis of Dubai, provides a distinctive venue for medical experts from various specializations to come together and deliver excellent healthcare services. Professionals in particular categories must obtain a DHCC Healthcare Licensing to join this prestigious healthcare community. This license is essential for practicing in this vibrant healthcare center. Physicians, dentists, nurses, allied health professionals, and practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) must hold this license. Healthcare professionals can access a varied patient base and multiple prospects for success in their medical disciplines by earning the Medical License Dubai Healthcare City.
The Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory (DHCR)
The regulatory body in charge of monitoring and granting permits to healthcare professionals and providers who want to work within the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone is the Dubai Healthcare City Authority - Regulatory (DHCR). DHCC Licensing, a dedicated healthcare-free zone in Dubai, has established stringent rules and guidelines to guarantee patient safety and uphold the best medical care.
Since it carefully examines and validates the credentials and qualifications of healthcare professionals hoping to work at DHCC, the DHCR is essential to the licensing process. Primary Source Verification (PSV) entails verifying the legitimacy of an applicant's employment history, educational background, and other pertinent documentation. The DHCR guarantees that licenses to practice inside the DHCC are only issued to qualified and competent healthcare professionals by carrying out this stringent verification process. This improves the legitimacy of the medical staff and raises the general standard and reputation of the healthcare services offered inside the free zone.
Types of Nursing Professionals
Some major types of Nursing Professionals are :
Company Formation in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)
Before you can even think about obtaining your nursing license, you must be associated with a registered healthcare provider in DHCC. This involves company formation and setup, and here are the crucial steps:
Partner with a DHCC-Registered Company:
Your first step is to collaborate with a DHCC-registered healthcare company or set up your healthcare entity. Partnering with an existing healthcare provider can expedite the process. Alternatively, if you wish to form your own company, you can follow these steps:
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Choose Your Business Structure: DHCC offers various business structures for healthcare companies, including free zone establishments (FZE), free zone companies (FZCO), and branch offices. Select the one that suits your needs.
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Business Licensing: Ensure that your business activity aligns with DHCC's scope, which should cover healthcare services. Acquire the necessary permits and licenses.
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Office Space: Secure a physical office space within DHCC. This is a mandatory requirement for company formation.
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Submit Documentation: Prepare and submit all the required documents, such as the business plan, license application, and supporting documents, to the DHCC authorities for approval.
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License Issuance: Once your application is approved, DHCC will issue your company's trade license.
Regulatory Compliance:
Adherence to DHCC's regulatory guidelines is imperative. This ensures your healthcare company operates within the legal framework and maintains the high standards of healthcare services DHCC is known for.
Obtaining Your Nursing License in DHCC
Once you've established your presence in DHCC by either partnering with an existing healthcare provider or forming your own company, you can move on to the process of securing your nursing license.
Qualification and Education Requirements:
Before applying for a nursing license, ensure you meet the following criteria:
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Possess a recognized nursing degree from a reputable institution in Dubai or an internationally recognized program.
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Prove your competence through relevant certifications and training.
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Fulfil the English language proficiency requirements, usually demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores.
DHCC Exam:
To assess your nursing skills, DHCC mandates that all nurses, regardless of their prior experience and qualifications, must pass the DHCC nursing exam. Here's what you need to know:
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Exam Preparation: Prepare rigorously for the DHCC nursing exam. There are several review courses and resources available to help you succeed.
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Exam Application: Apply for the exam through DHCC's online portal, ensuring you meet all the necessary prerequisites.
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Exam Duration and Format: The DHCC nursing exam is a computer-based test assessing your nursing knowledge, skills, and competencies.
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Exam Results: You will receive your exam results within a specific timeframe. Passing this exam is a critical step toward obtaining your nursing license.
Licensing Application:
Once you have successfully passed the DHCC nursing exam, you can proceed to apply for your nursing license:
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Online Application: Submit your nursing license application through DHCC's online portal. Make sure to attach all required documents and pay the necessary fees.
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Document Verification: DHCC authorities will review your application and verify your qualifications.
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Licensing Issuance: Upon approval, DHCC will issue your nursing license, allowing you to practice in Dubai Healthcare City legally.
Qualification Required for Nurses
The Minimum Requirements to qualify as a Nurse is mentioned below:
Registered Nurse
Minimum Requirements
Professional Qualification
A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing of at least three (3) years duration from an accredited institute/college/university.
Clinical Work Experience
A minimum of 1 year of working experience as a Registered Nurse.
Professional License
A current license/registration to practice as a Registered Nurse.
Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)
Issued in the last six (6) months from jurisdictions (licensing authority/professional membership body) in which the Applicant holds current license/registration to practice.
English Proficiency
Test
Required if the graduate’s education was not taught in English. TOEFL – a minimum score of 550; or IELTS – a minimum band of 6.0 or equivalent.
DHCA Licensing Exam
Required
Mental Health Nurse
Minimum Requirements
Professional Qualification
Option 1 - A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing of at least three (3) years duration from an accredited institute/college/university.
Option 2 - A Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Nursing from an accredited institute/college/university.
Option 3 - A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing of at least three (3) years duration from an accredited institute/college/university; and Post Graduate Training qualification in Mental Health Nursing of at least one (1) year duration.
Clinical Work Experience
As per professional qualification above:
Option 1 - A minimum of three (3) years of working experience as a Mental Health Nurse in a clinical setting. Option 2 - A minimum of two (2) years of working experience as a Mental Health Nurse in a clinical setting Option 3 - A minimum of one (1) year of working experience as a Mental Health Nurse in a clinical setting
Professional License
A current license/registration to practice as a Mental Health Nurse. or; Registered Nurse license; and A letter from the issuing authority stating that there are no license title for Mental Health Nursing
Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)
Issued in the last six (6) months from jurisdictions (licensing authority/professional membership body) in which the Applicant holds current license/registration to practice.
English Proficiency Test
Required if the graduate’s education was not taught in English. TOEFL – a minimum score of 550; or IELTS – a minimum band of 6.0 or equivalent.
DHCA Licensing Exam
Not Required
Police Clearance Certificate
Issued from the country of last practice
Practical Nurse
Minimum Requirements
Professional Qualification
Certification from a Practical Nursing program from an accredited institute/college/university.
Clinical Work Experience
A minimum of one (1) year of work experience as a Practical Nurse.
Professional License
A current license/registration to practice as a Practical Nurse.
Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)
Issued in the last six (6) months from jurisdictions (licensing authority/professional membership body) in which the Applicant holds current license/registration to practice.
English Proficiency
Test
Required if the graduate’s education was not taught in English. TOEFL – a minimum score of 550; or IELTS – a minimum band of 6.0 or equivalent.
DHCA Licensing Exam
Not required
DHCA Exam Guideline
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After the application evaluation process is completed, applicants can register for the exam. The candidate will then be given an Eligibility ID, allowing them to register for the exam.
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Please follow the link to write a profile and submit an application to begin the application evaluation process. You must get a license to practice in DHCC to pass the DHCA Exam.
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The license issue process will be subject to the candidate's qualifications being verified and all applicable paperwork being submitted. The DHCA Exam Eligibility ID is only valid for three months from the issue date.
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A candidate may take the DHCA exam a maximum of three times. When the exam is finished, the results are immediately available.
How to Renew Your License
The steps for license renewal are as follows -
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Apply online
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Application Fee Payment
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Submit Requested Information (If applicable)
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PLD Team review/approval
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Issue License
To obtain a nursing license, you must first meet the prerequisites and apply for the permit.
Required Document for License Renewal
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Proof of Continuity of Practice/ Certificate of Employment from all facilities within DHCC at which the applicant is currently practicing.
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Valid UAE medical malpractice insurance (MMI).
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Proper Lifesaver course (BLS/ACLS/ATLS/PALS etc), as applicable
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The CPD activities and the CPD points earned during the two-year licensure period
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Proof of registration completion with Al Maktoum Medical Library (AMML).
Cost of Nursing License
The fees that must be paid are as follows:
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AED 1000 for the initial application
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Fees for Application Processing
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AED 1000 - When accompanied by a previous PSV 1300 AED - Without Prior PSV
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AED 520 for license card fees
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a nursing license in Dubai Healthcare City is a multi-step process that begins with company formation and involves rigorous education and examination. By partnering with a DHCC-registered healthcare company or forming your entity and diligently following the regulatory conditions, you can achieve your goal of becoming a licensed nurse in this esteemed healthcare hub. Dhanguard assists businesses with company establishment in Dubai. We handle everything from business incorporation to office space. Our consultants have years of experience in this industry and can help make the procedure as simple as possible. Please contact us right away!
