The recent announcement of the Shortage Occupation List[1] in April 2023 highlights the pressing shortage of healthcare workers in Singapore. With an ageing population and the increased departure of healthcare workers since the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortage is expected to reach 24,000 by 2030[2].
This is good news for foreigners looking for healthcare jobs in Singapore. However, the challenge now is getting the work permit. In order to work in Singapore, foreigners are required to obtain an Employment Pass (EP) through the Ministry of Manpower. Part of the requirement is that candidates must earn at least SGD $5,000 per month. Employers must also demonstrate that they have fairly considered all jobseekers.
With the gradual change in work pass quota and requirement over the past years, it is getting increasingly hard to get the approval. Even if the jobseeker fulfils all the criteria for the EP application process, there is no guarantee that it will be approved.
However, there are some healthcare jobs that have been highlighted to get bonus points in the total Complementarity Assessment Framework (Compass)[3] score for EP applications from 1st September 2023. Check out the 5 roles below:
1. Clinical Psychologist
Nature of the role: Clinical psychologists provide assessment and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Typical Requirement:
- Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology or Counselling Psychology (Applied)
- Eligible for registration or registered with the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS)
- Minimally 2 years of relevant work experience
Clinical Psychologist Singapore Salary: SGD $4,000 - $10,000 per month*
2. Diagnostic Radiographer
Nature of the role: Diagnostic Radiographers use sophisticated equipment and technique for the imaging of human body to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They work in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers.
Typical Requirement:
- Bachelor in Applied Science (Radiography) or Diploma in Radiography from recognized institutions.
- Member of professional institutions, local or overseas.
- Minimum 2 years of relevant experience as a Radiographer in diagnostic imaging facility.
- Pass the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registration examination.
Salary for Diagnostic Radiographer: SGD $3,500 - $8,000 per month*
3. Occupational Therapist
Nature of the role: Occupational therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to live independently and participate in activities of daily living. They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Typical Requirement:
- Bachelor in Occupational Therapy
- Minimally 2 years of relevant work experience
- Pass the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registration examination.
Singapore Occupational Therapist Salary: SGD S$3,000 - $7,000 per month*
4. Physiotherapist
Nature of the role: Physiotherapists help people recover from injuries or illnesses by restoring movement and function. They work in hospitals, clinics, sports medicine centers, and rehabilitation centers.
Typical Requirement:
- Degree in Physiotherapy (Full registration with AHPC)
- Minimally 2 years of relevant experience in community care or physiotherapy out-patient musculoskeletal (MSK) clinics or equivalent
- Pass the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) registration examination.
Physiotherapist Salary: SGD $4,000 - $9,000 per month*
5. Registered Nurse
Nature of the role: Registered nurses provide direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Typical Requirement:
- Degree or Diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution as approved by Singapore Nursing Board
- Able to take on shift work
- Minimally 3 years of working experience
- Pass the Singapore Nursing Board (SNB) registration examination.
Singapore Nurse Salary: SGD $2,500 - $6,000 per month*
Conclusion
These are just a few of the high demand healthcare jobs in Singapore. If you are interested to pursue a healthcare career, check out our healthcare job site in Singapore. With the high demand for qualified professionals and projected growth in the coming years, the healthcare industry is a great place to start a career. For job seekers planning a mid career switch, there are several career conversion programme offered by various healthcare organizations.
*Pay scale would depends on level of working experience, and if the employer is in the public or private sector. For the healthcare worker working in Singapore public sector, they are entitled to Annual Wage Supplement (AWS) or better known as 13th month bonus. This is in addition to their regular salary, and is typically pay out in December. Moreover they are eligible for performance bonus as well.
Read next article: Understanding Singapore Healthcare System
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