5 Key Steps for Foreign-Trained Physiotherapists Seeking Work in Norway [UPDATED]

Are you a foreign-trained physiotherapist with dreams of practicing in the picturesque landscapes of Norway? While the journey may seem challenging, breaking it down into five key steps can make the process more manageable. In this guide, we’ll navigate the path together, helping you embark on a successful career in Norwegian healthcare.

To work as an overseas-trained physiotherapist in Norway, you would generally need to follow a series of steps, which include having your qualifications recognized, learning the language, and obtaining the necessary work permits or residency status. Here is a structured breakdown of the process:

1. Recognition of Qualifications

Direct Application to Helsedirektoratet (The Norwegian Directorate of Health): As a physiotherapist, you need to have your education recognized as equivalent to Norwegian standards. Applications can be made through the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Documents to be submitted:

  1. Diploma
  2. Transcript/Diploma Supplement
  3. A detailed overview of the curriculum showing the specific subject content (not only the name of the subject) and the duration of the education.

    a) The theoretical content must be stated in the learning objectives for each individual subject, and the scope of each subject must be expressed in either ECTS or the number of hours for each subject. The number of work placements or clinical practice studies, each period’s length, objective, venue, and evaluation results must be stated. 

    b) Practice must be expressed as the number of weeks, hours, or ECTS within each field of practice or department, which includes areas or institutions where your practical training experience is conducted. It must also be described in what form the practice was conducted (skill training, observation, patient-oriented practice, or patient simulation).

    c) The curriculum must be valid for the years the applicant studied, e.g., if you studied from 2010–2015, the curriculum has to cover those years. The curriculum also needs to provide detailed contact information for the educational institution.
     
  4. List of required texts and syllabi
    An overview of required texts and syllabi and, if applicable, digital education resources with a list of references. The overview must be valid for the years you studied and issued by your educational institution.

Other required documents:

  1. Confirmation of a completed licensing exam or state exam if this is required in your country of education
  2. Right to practice in your country of education and/or another country.
  3. Certificate showing relevant work experience after graduating. The certificate must contain information about the type of position and work. The certificate must:
    be issued with the workplace’s letterhead and/or stamp. 
    be signed by the relevant manager or leader at the workplace. The manager’s or leader’s name and position must be typed in addition to the signature. 
    contain the workplace’s contact information.

Documents should be scanned and sent as pdfs. All original documents that are not in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, or English must be translated into one of these languages by an authorized translator.

Apply in Altinn

PROCESSING FEE: NOK 3.500 ($335)

PROCESSING TIME: 11 MONTHS

NOTE:

If you got your qualification in any of these countries, you need to ask your educational institution to send your transcript directly to the Norwegian Directorate of Health:

The Norwegian Directorate of Health,
Department of Authorization,
PB 220 Skøyen,
0213 Oslo,
Norway.

1. Afghanistan
2. The Democratic Republic of Congo
3. Eritrea
4. Ethiopia
5. Hong Kong
6. Iraq
7. Yemen
8. Cameroon
9. Liberia
10. Libya
11. Nigeria
12. Sierra Leone
13. Somalia
14. Taiwan
15. United States

2. Master the language:

Norwegian proficiency is crucial for effective communication with patients and colleagues. While English is widely spoken, you must pass an approved Norwegian test at level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference of Languages (CEFR) to be granted authorization in Norway.

Enroll in language courses either in your home country, online, or in Norway.

3. Registration and Certification (After Authorization):

Once your qualifications are considered equivalent or you have otherwise proven to possess the necessary skills, you will receive confirmation that you can proceed with your application.

You should also have passed your language proficiency test.

If your qualification wasn’t considered equivalent, you have 3 years to pass the recommended courses and your language proficiency test.

You will be required to submit the following documents by email to [email protected] :

  • Documentation of completed language requirements
  • Documentation of the completed course in Norwegian health services, health legislation, and society (Kurs i nasjonale fag)

4. Legal Requirements for Working in Norway

Non-European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens typically need a residence permit to work in Norway. The application process for a work-related residence permit is often coordinated with your employer.

5. Applying for Jobs

Research the job market and explore potential employment opportunities in Norway. Connect with healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, or private practices to understand their hiring processes. Engage with professional networks and associations for physiotherapists in Norway, such as the Norwegian Physiotherapist Association (NFF).

Finally, careful preparation and commitment are needed as a foreign-trained physiotherapist seeking to move to Norway. It is important that you understand the registration process, learn the language, obtain the necessary licenses, look into work options, and get ready for cultural integration.

Just keep in mind that every step you take will get you one step closer to fulfilling your dream of migrating to Norway.

I wish you the best!


More information:

How to fill the Authorization online application

Physiotherapy clinics in Norway

Apply to visit or live in Norway

Working in Norway

This post was first published January 15, 2017.

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