IPVZ Career Centre

The IPVZ Career Centre is a specialist support unit established at the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education (IPVZ) in response to the growing need for structured assistance for international healthcare professionals coming to the Czech Republic. Its mission is to provide comprehensive guidance, educational preparation and integration support for healthcare workers who obtained their qualifications outside the European Union and are seeking professional opportunities in Czech healthcare. The Centre is intended primarily for those facing a range of challenges—not only language barriers, but also differences in legal procedures, professional standards and cultural context.
The establishment of the Career Centre was made possible through financial support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and cooperation with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. It builds on IPVZ’s previous projects, particularly language courses and preparation for the licensing (approbation) exam, which since 2022 have helped dozens of professionals begin their careers in the Czech Republic.

International healthcare professionals can contact the Centre at any stage of their adaptation process—from initial interest in working in Czech healthcare to specific employment opportunities. The Centre provides information on the licensing (approbation) procedure, recognition of qualifications (nostrification), language training options, and practical guidance on how the Czech healthcare system operates. It also helps clients navigate the legal and administrative steps required for lawful professional practice.
A key part of the Career Centre’s work is Czech language courses for foreigners, focused from the outset on medical terminology and real-life communication in practice. Graduates of these courses significantly increase their chances of passing the licensing (approbation) exam and successfully joining healthcare teams. The Centre also organizes meetings, information days and themed workshops across different regions of the Czech Republic, where international healthcare professionals can meet the Centre’s staff in person, learn about available services and connect with potential employers. In the past, these events have taken place in Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Hradec Králové, Olomouc and other cities, and have been attended by hundreds of people interested in working in healthcare.

The Career Centre operates online as well as through an in-person contact point for those who prefer face-to-face consultations. Even in today’s digital era, we understand that personal contact and human interaction remain irreplaceable in many cases—especially for individuals navigating sensitive professional and life transitions in a new country. The Centre therefore emphasizes empathy, clarity and a professional approach. It works with hospitals, professional societies, educational institutions and public authorities, and its role is to connect all stakeholders involved in the successful integration of healthcare professionals from other countries.
The IPVZ Career Centre aims to become a stable and trustworthy source of support for all international healthcare professionals who want to develop their careers in the Czech Republic. Our long-term goal is to strengthen the resilience of Czech healthcare by enabling qualified professionals from other countries to join the system in a meaningful and effective way. We believe that successful adaptation benefits not only individuals, but also society as a whole, which can greatly draw on their experience, skills and perspectives.