The healthcare sector in Turkey is one of the most vital and dynamic industries in the country. With a growing population, a robust public health infrastructure, and a rising number of private hospitals, the demand for qualified healthcare professionals is at an all-time high in 2025. Recruiting doctors, nurses, and allied health staff in Turkey today involves navigating complex licensing procedures, regional workforce disparities, and increasing competition from both public and private institutions. In this article, we explore the healthcare recruitment process in Turkey, including sourcing strategies, legal considerations, sector-specific trends, and best practices for hospitals and clinics.
Overview of Turkey’s Healthcare System
Turkey’s healthcare system is a mixed model comprising:
- Public healthcare under the Ministry of Health (Sağlık Bakanlığı)
- Private hospitals and clinics, particularly in major cities
- University hospitals affiliated with medical faculties
- City hospitals (şehir hastaneleri) – large integrated healthcare complexes launched under public-private partnership (PPP) projects
Over the past decade, Turkey has made significant investments in hospital infrastructure, medical technology, and digital health systems, increasing the demand for skilled medical personnel.
Who Is Being Recruited?
The most sought-after healthcare professionals in 2025 include:
1. Doctors
- General practitioners
- Emergency physicians
- Internal medicine specialists
- Cardiologists, oncologists, neurologists
- Radiologists and anesthesiologists
- Surgeons (orthopedic, cardiovascular, pediatric)
2. Nurses
- General ward nurses
- ICU and ER nurses
- Pediatric and neonatal nurses
- Operating room nurses
- Home care nurses
3. Allied Health Professionals
- Physiotherapists
- Radiology and lab technicians
- Pharmacists
- Dieticians
- Medical secretaries
Licensing and Qualification Requirements
For Turkish Nationals:
- Medical professionals must hold a degree from an accredited university in Turkey.
- Doctors must complete TUS (Medical Specialty Exam) for specialization.
- Nurses are required to have a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing.
- All professionals must be registered with the Ministry of Health.
For Foreigners:
- A work permit and recognition of foreign medical degree (denklik) are mandatory.
- Doctors must pass the STS Exam (Seviye Tespit Sınavı) and speak advanced Turkish (B2 or higher).
- Residency status and a valid equivalency certificate are essential for practicing legally.
These steps can make it challenging but not impossible for international professionals to work in Turkey.
Where and How to Recruit Healthcare Talent
1. Public Sector Recruitment
- Public hospitals and family health centers hire through centralized exams (KPSS) and Ministry of Health job postings.
- Appointments are made based on test scores and interviews.
- Recruitment announcements are published on https://yhgm.saglik.gov.tr/
2. Private Sector Recruitment
- Hospitals post vacancies on platforms like:
- Kariyer.net
- Secretcv.com
- Hospital-specific career portals
- Larger hospital groups like Acıbadem, Memorial, and Medipol also conduct recruitment fairs and partner with universities.
3. Recruitment Agencies
Specialized healthcare recruiters and staffing agencies assist with:
- Sourcing experienced specialists or rare profiles
- Screening and credential verification
- Contracting temporary or locum staff
- International talent acquisition
The Recruitment Process: Step by Step
1. Needs Assessment
Hospitals identify staffing gaps based on:
- Patient volume and bed occupancy
- Upcoming rotations or retirements
- Expansion of facilities or departments
2. Job Posting and Outreach
Job ads should include:
- Role and department
- Required certifications and experience
- Shift schedule (especially for nurses)
- Salary and benefits
- Location and accommodation details (if applicable)
3. Application Screening
HR or medical directors shortlist candidates by reviewing:
- Educational background and licenses
- Specialization and years of experience
- Language proficiency
- References from previous hospitals or clinics
4. Interviews and Assessments
- Doctors are interviewed by senior physicians or board committees
- Nurses and technicians undergo practical assessments and oral interviews
- Communication skills, empathy, crisis response, and teamwork are key criteria
5. Offer and Contract
Contracts should comply with Labor Law No. 4857, and clearly mention:
- Salary, bonuses, and overtime rules
- Shift and leave schedules
- Insurance and pension coverage
- Housing or travel allowances (if applicable)
Onboarding includes orientation, ethical training, infection control, and technology system access.
Legal Considerations and Compliance
Healthcare employers must ensure:
- SGK registration for all employees
- Compliance with Law No. 1219 on medical practice
- Regular health and safety audits
- Employment of a required number of nurses per bed ratio
- Proper documentation of foreign doctor qualifications
Violation of regulations may result in administrative penalties or license suspension.
Challenges in Healthcare Recruitment in Turkey
- Urban vs. Rural Disparities
Most medical professionals prefer major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, leaving rural areas understaffed. - Workload and Burnout
Nurses in Turkey often face understaffing, night shifts, and burnout, leading to high turnover. - Aging Workforce
Senior doctors are nearing retirement age, creating urgency to train the next generation. - Language Barrier for Foreign Talent
Advanced Turkish is mandatory to interact with patients and write reports. - Limited Specialization Quotas
TUS exam restrictions mean not all medical graduates can become specialists.
Salary Ranges for Healthcare Professionals in 2025 (Net Monthly Averages)
| Position | Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 40,000 – 55,000 TRY | 50,000 – 70,000 TRY |
| Specialist Doctor | 60,000 – 90,000 TRY | 90,000 – 150,000 TRY |
| Nurse (general ward) | 28,000 – 35,000 TRY | 30,000 – 45,000 TRY |
| ICU or Operating Room Nurse | 35,000 – 45,000 TRY | 40,000 – 55,000 TRY |
| Physiotherapist | 30,000 – 45,000 TRY | 35,000 – 50,000 TRY |
| Radiology Technician | 28,000 – 38,000 TRY | 30,000 – 42,000 TRY |
Note: Salaries may vary based on city, experience, and working hours.
Best Practices for Effective Healthcare Hiring
To attract and retain medical talent in Turkey, employers should:
- Invest in Work Conditions: Modern equipment, manageable workloads, and mental health support
- Offer Continuous Education: CPD programs, conferences, and e-learning opportunities
- Build Employer Branding: Emphasize patient care quality, research, and medical ethics
- Provide Incentives: Performance bonuses, housing support, meal and transport benefits
- Focus on Diversity: Encourage hiring across genders, regions, and cultural backgrounds
Future Outlook: Trends in Healthcare Recruitment
- Telemedicine Growth: Need for tech-savvy physicians and support staff
- International Collaboration: Hospitals seeking doctors with global credentials
- AI and Health Tech: Data analysts and digital health experts integrated into care teams
- Public Sector Reforms: Streamlining KPSS and TUS processes to attract younger doctors
- Medical Tourism: Hiring multilingual staff and patient coordinators for foreign patients
Recruiting healthcare professionals in Turkey in 2025 is a strategic necessity, especially in an era of evolving medical standards and patient expectations. With structured hiring processes, legal compliance, and attractive working conditions, hospitals and clinics can secure the skilled doctors, nurses, and specialists they need to deliver high-quality care. As healthcare challenges increase, so does the importance of hiring the right people—at the right time, and in the right place.
