Applications for the Credential in Rural and Remote Health Recognition Route now open
Doctors across Scotland, who provide unscheduled and urgent care in remote and rural areas, are invited to apply for the next cohort of the General Medical Council (GMC)-approved Rural and Remote Health Credential (Unscheduled and Urgent Care).
The next recognition route cohort is due to begin in August 2026, and applications are now open until Friday 17 July 2026.
Supportive educational framework
Developed in partnership with the GMC, this credential sets out an educational framework that equips doctors with enhanced skills to deliver and coordinate unscheduled and urgent care closer to home.
It assures doctors’ learning against a clearly defined set of capabilities, giving clinicians and employers confidence in delivering high-quality care. Ultimately, it strengthens services for rural, remote and island communities and helps reduce geographic inequalities in access to urgent and unscheduled healthcare.
Eligibility
The recognition route enables doctors to have their knowledge, skills, and experience assessed against the credential-specific capabilities in practice (CiPs) and procedural skills.
Doctors who demonstrate that they meet the outcomes of the GMC Rural and Remote Health Credential can be awarded the credential by submitting evidence, rather than completing the learning programme.
The credential is open to doctors from a wide range of experience levels and medical backgrounds.
Before you apply
Check out the Credential in Rural and Remote Health Information Hub
Find out more about the Credential in Rural and Remote Health curriculum and Credential Specific Guidance.
2026 05 21 Credential Rural And Remote Health
2026 05 21 Credential Rural And Remote Health (Unscheduled And Urgent Care) Credential Specific Guidance
Start your application
Apply through Turas Learn, or explore the programme before you apply. If you have questions about eligibility, timings or how the programme works, you can contact the team for support.
