As you begin your journey in the field of medicine and surgery, understanding the various entry-level job opportunities available in Nigeria is essential for setting yourself up for success.
This guide is here to help you navigate the landscape by detailing seven promising positions you can pursue, along with their roles, responsibilities, and salary expectations.
Explore these options and gain valuable insights into the types of roles that align with your interests and career goals, helping you make informed decisions as you embark on your professional path.
With this information, you are going to be better equipped to launch your career and make impactful contributions to the healthcare field.
Requirements for Medical Doctor Entry Level Jobs
The following are the list of requirements to secure an entry-level job in medicine and surgery:
- Graduate with Good Grades: Achieve high academic performance throughout your medical education. Strong grades in your coursework and clinical rotations reflect your knowledge and commitment, making you a competitive candidate for entry-level positions.
- Complete an Internship: Engage in internships or residency programmes during or after your medical training. Hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills, gaining exposure to different specialties, and building a professional network.
- Build Professional Connections: Network with healthcare professionals, mentors, and colleagues. Attend medical conferences, join professional organizations, and participate in workshops to create relationships that can lead to job opportunities and valuable recommendations.
- Obtain Relevant Certifications: Acquire necessary certifications and licenses required for practice in Nigeria. This includes passing relevant examinations and fulfilling registration requirements with medical regulatory bodies e.g, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Medical Rehabilitation Therapist Board (MRTB) and so on.
- Develop a Strong Resume: Craft a comprehensive resume that highlights your education, clinical experience, internships, and any relevant skills. Tailor your resume to showcase your strengths and make a strong impression on potential employers.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice for job interviews by reviewing common questions and scenarios in the medical field. Demonstrate your clinical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills to make a positive impression.
Best 7 Medicine and Surgery Entry Level Jobs
Pursuing a degree in Medicine and Surgery can lead to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. If you’re considering a career in this field, take a good look at the 7 best entry level jobs for someone with a degree in Medicine and Surgery:
- General practitioner (GP): Provide primary care to patients, diagnose and treat various illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and offer preventive care. GPs often work in clinics or private practices and can also refer patients to specialists when needed.
- Medical officer: Work in hospitals or healthcare facilities, handling a range of medical cases, including emergencies and routine care. Medical officers are responsible for patient assessments, developing treatment plans, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals.
- Resident doctor: Participate in a structured training programme within a hospital, focusing on a specific medical specialty. Residents gain hands-on experience, perform procedures, and assist in patient care under the supervision of senior doctors.
- Intern: Undertake a year of clinical practice in various medical departments as part of your postgraduate training. Interns work closely with experienced doctors, gaining practical experience and exposure to different aspects of medical care.
- Clinical research associate: Conduct research studies to investigate new treatments, drugs, or medical procedures. This role involves designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Public health officer: Work on initiatives aimed at improving community health, such as disease prevention programmes, health education, and policy development. Public health officers often collaborate with government agencies and organizations.
- Medical consultant: Offer expert advice and recommendations on medical issues to individuals, organizations, or healthcare providers. Consultants specialize in some particular areas, such as surgery or internal medicine, and provide guidance on complex cases or medical practices.
Companies that Employ for these Roles and their Salary Range
The following are companies and institutions that can employ you in these roles within Nigeria, along with their estimated salary ranges:
| Medical Roles | Companies/ Institutions | Salary Range |
| General Practitioner (GP) | Private Clinics: E.g., The Greenfield Clinic, St. Nicholas Hospital Government Hospitals: E.g., Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) | ₦250,000 – ₦500,000 per month |
| Medical Officer | Public Hospitals: E.g., National Hospital Abuja, University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan Private Hospitals: E.g., Reddington Hospital, Lifeline Children’s Hospital | ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 per month |
| Resident Doctor | Teaching Hospitals: E.g., University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTH) Specialized Clinics: E.g., The Nigerian Red Cross Society Medical Unit. | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 per month (varies by hospital and level of residency). |
| Intern | Hospitals: E.g., Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Lokoja, Babcock University Teaching Hospital Health Organizations: E.g., WHO Nigeria Office, UNICEF Nigeria. | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 per month (stipend or allowance). |
| Clinical Research Associate | Pharmaceutical Companies: E.g., GlaxoSmithKline Nigeria, Novartis Nigeria Research Institutes: E.g., Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) | ₦400,000 – ₦800,000 per month |
| Public Health Officer | Government Agencies: E.g., Federal Ministry of Health, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) NGOs: E.g., Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET). | ₦300,000 – ₦700,000 per month. |
| Medical Consultant | Consulting Firms: E.g., Deloitte Nigeria (Healthcare Consulting), PwC Nigeria (Healthcare Advisory) Specialized Clinics: E.g., Medical Specialists Centre, Diagnostic Centres | ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000 per month (varies significantly with experience and specialization). |
What Are the 10 Things to Watch Out for;
- Job requirements: Ensure you meet the qualifications and experience required for the position.
- Certification and licensing: Verify that you have the necessary medical certifications and licenses for the job.
- Work environment: Research the work environment and culture of the organization to ensure it aligns with your preferences.
- Job responsibilities: Review the job description carefully to understand the duties and responsibilities of the role.
- Salary and benefits: Evaluate the salary, benefits, and any additional compensation offered.
- Career development opportunities: Look for opportunities for professional growth and further training.
- Reputation of employer: Investigate the reputation of the employer and their standing in the medical community.
- Location and commute: Consider the job location and the potential impact on your daily commute or relocation needs.
- Work hours and schedule: Check the expected work hours, on-call requirements, and overall work-life balance.
- Application process: Follow the application instructions carefully and ensure that all required documents and information are submitted accurately.
Protips
- Network actively: Build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals to uncover job opportunities.
- Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each application, highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements specific to the job.
- Gain relevant experience: Seek out internships, residencies, or volunteer opportunities to build hands-on experience and make your application stand out.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the medical field, including new treatments, technologies, and industry trends.
- Prepare for interviews: Practice common medical interview questions and scenarios, and be ready to discuss your clinical experiences and decision-making processes.
- Consider multiple job boards: Explore various medical job boards, hospital websites, and professional organizations to find a wide range of job listings.
Recap
Explore some of the most promising career opportunities for graduates in the medical field.
This article highlights key roles such as General Practitioner, Medical Officer, Resident Doctor, Intern, Clinical Research Associate, Public Health Officer, and Medical Consultant.
For each role, the responsibilities, work environments, and estimated salary ranges are explained, providing a comprehensive guide for you as a graduate seeking to launch your careers in medicine and surgery. Additionally, the article touched the important factors to consider when applying for these positions, such as meeting job requirements, obtaining necessary certifications, and evaluating career development opportunities.
This guide serves as a valuable resource for navigating the early stages of a medical career in Nigeria.
