Health Education England

A career for you in health There are more than 350 roles in health, and many of them are part of a wider team which works alongside medical and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the public.

This booklet is a handy guide to the roles in health. It is by no means a full list of professions or roles, but it gives you an idea of the number and variety of opportunities available. For a more comprehensive list of roles, visit www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles.

Some roles give you direct contact with The NHS Constitution values are: patients, while in others you are part of a vast  support network vital to delivering healthcare Working together for patients and preventing ill health. Some jobs are in hospitals, others are based in the community. Respect and dignity Some require the highest academic standards, but, for many positions, employers are just Commitment to quality of care looking for enthusiasm, keenness to learn and the ability to work as part of a team. Compassion

To apply for any role, either in the NHS or in Improving lives an organisation that provides NHS services, or for a health-related course, you’ll need to Everyone counts show how you think the values of the NHS Constitution apply in your everyday work. Find out more about the NHS Constitution values at: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/nhsconstitution

2 A career for you in health A career for you in health 3 How to use this booklet Further information

REWARD CARING/COMPASSION CASE STUDY WEBSITE SCIENCE TELEPHONE DOCTOR/NURSE HOSPITAL FINANCE PEOPLE aboutOPPORTUNITIES careers in health REWARD CARING/COMPASSION CASE STUDY WEBSITE SCIENCE TELEPHONE DOCTOR/NURSE HOSPITAL FINANCE There are three ways to use this booklet, depending on what’s best forPEOPLE you. OPPORTUNITIES

REWARD CARING/COMPASSION CASE STUDY WEBSITE SCIENCE TELEPHONE DOCTOR/NURSE HOSPITAL FINANCE PEOPLE OPPORTUNITIES We hope this guide gives you a flavour of the many different jobs available in health. We have organised the roles into ten categories or areas of work, and these are 1 colour-coded. The categories are listed on page 6, with a brief description of the Health Careers publishes a set of booklets with more detail about different jobs, kinds of roles they include. Inside the booklet, you can use the colour coding to such as entry requirements, training and development. The booklets also include find a role in the category that interests you. real-life stories from people doing those jobs, and information about the route they took to get where they are now. We have also provided an alphabetical list of the roles included in the booklet, 2 organised in the same colour-coded categories: see the section Which jobs are For a more comprehensive list of roles, visit: included in this booklet? on pages 8-9. www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles You can download the booklets from: At the back of the booklet there is a single alphabetical index of all roles www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/resources 3 included, with the relevant page number to help you find it. These are not organised by category. Often there is more than one entry route As well as contacting Health Careers, you to a career in health, so contact the Health can also get in touch with your local clinic, Careers service to find out more. NHS trust/any organisation that provides NHS Working Together Improving Lives Respect Quality Training/Education/Study Compassion/sympathy Information Benefits Communication Channels The main content of the booklet is organised alphabetically and includes a www.healthcareers.nhs.uk services or health-related services, and speak to Working Together Improving Lives Respect Quality Training/Education/Study Compassion/sympathy Information Benefits Communication Channels @ snapshot of: the human resources or personnel department, 0345 60 60 655@ Working Together Improving Lives Respect Quality Training/Education/Study Compassion/sympathy Information Benefits Communication Channels @ or ask your local careers organisation. • a description of the role @[email protected] Equality/balance @ • the minimum qualifications you need to perform the role @ Equality/balance • the skills/qualities you need • contact details to find out more about the role or others like it Equality/balance

Each role is colour-coded, according to the category or area of work it belongs to. Job and apprenticeship vacancies

You can search for current health Job vacancies in health and other sectors and related job opportunities and can be found at: www.gov.uk/jobsearch apprenticeships on a number of websites: Apprenticeships in the health sector can Job vacancies in the NHS can be found at: be found at: www.jobs.nhs.uk and www.jobs.nhs.uk www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship Job vacancies in local government can be found at: www.lgjobs.com

4 A career for you in health A career for you in health 5 Areas of work

Allied health professions (AHPs), psychological therapies and Management operating department practice (ODP) Health sector managers are responsible for the people, finances and provision of equipment, Allied health professionals and staff in the psychological therapies provide treatment and help buildings and services the NHS needs to deliver healthcare effectively. rehabilitate adults and children who are ill, have disabilities or special needs to live life as fully as possible. They often manage their own caseloads. Staff in operating department practice provide care and support before, during and after operations.

Ambulance service Midwifery

Ambulance service staff work for either the non-emergency service (which is responsible Midwives work in communities and hospitals. Their role goes well beyond delivering babies; for the vast majority of patient transport) or the emergency service. they provide antenatal and postnatal care, counselling, support and education to new parents.

Health informatics Nursing

The experts on patient information that doctors, nurses and others rely on to provide the best Nurses work in hospitals and the community to treat and care for sick and injured adults and possible care. These professionals also manage the computer systems that support the whole NHS. children, support their treatment and promote good health. As well as nursing patients with physical illnesses, they support those with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Healthcare science and pharmacy Physician associate

Healthcare scientists and pharmacy staff help prevent, diagnose and treat illness using their Physician associates support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. They work in GP knowledge of science and their technical skills. They can use their expertise to help save lives and practices and hospitals. improve patient care in a supporting role or in direct contact with patients.

Medical and dental Wider healthcare team

Doctors diagnose and treat illnesses, working to prevent ill health and improve wellbeing. The dental Staff in the wider healthcare team provide the vital round-the-clock back-up operation that all team diagnoses and treats a wide range of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gums, and health organisations need to keep them running. work to promote and maintain dental health.

6 A career for you in health A career for you in health 7 Which jobs are included? Healthcare science and pharmacy (cont.) Nursing

Healthcare science assistant - Nurse The following jobs are described in this booklet, colour-coded anatomical pathology Nursing healthcare assistant according to the corresponding area of work in health. Healthcare science assistant - phlebotomy Healthcare science associate - Physician associate These jobs, and some of the associated roles and specialisms, cervical cytology are also listed alphabetically in the index on page 46. Healthcare science practitioner - Physician associate cardiac sciences For a more comprehensive list of roles, visit: Healthcare science practitioner - respiratory physiology and sleep sciences www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles Wider healthcare team Pharmacist Pharmacy technician Architect Allied health professions (AHPs), Ambulance service (cont.) Catering assistant psychological therapies and operating Catering manager department practice (ODP) Patient transport services controller Cleaner (non-emergency call handler) Medical and dental Driver Art, drama and music therapist Senior paramedic Dental hygienist Gardener Dietitian Dental nurse Health play staff High intensity therapist Dental technician Health promotion specialist Occupational therapist Health informatics Dental therapist Housekeeper Operating department practitioner Dentist Laundry assistant Orthoptist Clinical coder Doctor Maintenance staff Orthotist Health records clerk Emergency medicine doctor Medical secretary Physiotherapist ICT support technician General practitioner Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) staff Podiatrist IT trainer Psychiatrist Personal assistant Prosthetist Libraries and knowledge manager Porter Psychologist Receptionist/telephonist Psychological wellbeing practitioner Management Skilled trades staff Psychotherapist Healthcare science and pharmacy Stores staff Radiographer Finance manager Biomedical scientist Ward staff Speech and language therapist General manager Therapy assistant Clinical perfusion scientist Human resources manager Clinical photographer Sterile services/decontamination services manager Clinical scientist - audiology Ambulance service Clinical scientist - biochemistry Ambulance care assistant Clinical scientist - clinical engineering Midwifery Call handler Clinical scientist - cytogenetics Maternity support worker Emergency care assistant Clinical scientist - medical physics Midwife Emergency medical dispatcher Clinical scientist - microbiology Paramedic

8 A career for you in health A career for you in health 9 A Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Ambulance care assistant A good general education and a clean You need to be physically fit to enable you to Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. driving licence are usually required. lift, move and drive people, many of whom Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Ambulance care assistants transport patients Recruitment is managed locally by are frail, in safety and comfort. You need to www.jobs.nhs.uk to and from hospital and other care settings individual ambulance trusts, and their be responsible, patient and keep a cool head service and are part of the non-emergency requirements may vary slightly. in a crisis. Ambulance ambulance service.

Architect To become a registered architect (with Although it is not necessary to study art, you Royal Institute of British Architects the Architects Registration Board) you will should have an aptitude for drawing freehand Tel: 020 7580 5533 Architects design and oversee the need to undertake seven years of study and and making models and collages. You will Email: [email protected] construction of NHS buildings and the spaces professional practice, with a final exam. need an interest in design and construction, www.architecture.com in and around them. They also help with Almost all subjects learned at school are and have a creative outlook. the restoration and re-use of old or existing relevant to architecture, so choose the buildings, many of which are listed. subjects you are strongest in. To train, typically you will need at least two subjects at A-level or one A- and two AS-levels. Many architecture schools also accept BTEC National Wider healthcare team Diploma and other qualifications at level 3.

Art, drama and music therapist To become an arts therapist, you will You need to be accomplished in music, British Association of Art Therapists need to be a graduate in order to art or drama and be able to relate well Tel: 020 7686 4216 Arts therapists use the creative arts – art, take a postgraduate diploma/masters to patients with a range of physical, Email: [email protected] drama or music – to help patients with programme approved by the Health and psychological and emotional challenges. www.baat.org physical, mental or emotional difficulties Care Professions Council (HCPC). These British Association of Dramatherapists express themselves. Through these creative can be achieved through either full or Tel: 01242 235515 mediums, they help patients with their part-time study. Professionals, such as Email: [email protected] recovery and overall wellbeing. teachers or psychologists who have a www.badth.org.uk commitment to the visual arts, may also be considered to train as arts therapists. British Association for Music Therapy Tel: 020 7837 6100 Email: [email protected] www.bamt.org Allied health professions Health and Care Professions Council Tel: 0300 500 6184 www.hcpc-uk.org

Biomedical scientist Either an accredited integrated three-year You need to be accurate and efficient. Health and Care Professions Council full-time BSc Healthcare Science (life sciences You need to have excellent attention to Tel: 0300 500 6184 Biomedical scientists investigate samples of - where blood sciences, cellular sciences and detail, to be a clear communicator and work www.hcpc-uk.org body tissue and fluids to enable doctors to infection sciences can be taken as an option) well in a team. Institute of Biomedical Science diagnose and plan patients’ treatment. From or a biomedical science degree followed by a Tel: 020 7713 0214 cancer screening to blood transfusion and postgraduate qualification, leading to eligibility Email: [email protected] infection control, they are a vital part of the to apply for registration with the Health and www.ibms.org healthcare team. Care Professions Council. Healthcare science

10 A career for you in health A career for you in health 11 C Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Call handler In-service training, but most employers ask You will need to remain calm in pressurised Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on for a good general education. situations so you can get essential www.jobs.nhs.uk As part of the control room team, you information from a caller quickly and will answer 999 telephone calls for the accurately and help to reassure them. ambulance service. service Ambulance

Catering assistant Trusts’ requirements vary, but a foundation You will need to be able to work as part of Hospital Caterers Association course in food hygiene may be an advantage. a busy team in a fast-moving environment, www.hospitalcaterers.org Catering assistants are part of a team have excellent personal hygiene and a A good standard of literacy and numeracy is committed to making sure food and drink courteous manner when you come into usually needed. for patients is nutritious and appetising. contact with patients.

Wider Apprenticeships in catering and related roles are sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and healthcare team applying for apprenticeships.

Catering manager Relevant degree, HND/BTEC or the equivalent You will need to be an enthusiastic team Hospital Caterers Association qualification from the Institute of Hospitality. leader who can motivate staff and www.hospitalcaterers.org Catering managers run catering departments manage budgets. in NHS organisations and manage staff. They Institute of Hospitality are responsible for providing patients and Tel: 020 8661 4900

Wider staff with nutritious food. www.instituteofhospitality.org healthcare team

Cleaner On-the-job training in the safe use of You need to be hard-working, conscientious Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. cleaning products and equipment. and able to work unsupervised. Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Cleaners (often called domestic assistants) www.jobs.nhs.uk make sure patients receive care in a safe A good standard of literacy and numeracy and hygienic environment and play an is usually needed.

Wider important part in infection control. healthcare team

Clinical coder No formal requirements, but a good general You need to be accurate and able to extract Institute of Health Record Information and education is needed, including GCSE maths information quickly from medical notes. Management ­ Clinical coders create an accurate record and English or equivalent, and candidates need Tel: 01773 713 927 An enquiring mind and enjoyment of medical of a patient’s stay in hospital by recording to be reasonably familiar with computers. Email: [email protected] matters will help, and you need to be able to diagnoses and interventions as a series of www.ihrim.co.uk alpha numeric codes on a computer. On-the-job training is provided and sit at a computer and concentrate for long candidates can eventually take the Clinical periods of time. Coders Foundation Course. With experience, candidates can apply for the National Clinical

Health informatics Coding Qualification.

12 A career for you in health A career for you in health 13 C Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Clinical perfusion scientist Training is a mixture of practical experience You will need an enthusiasm for, and Society of Clinical Perfusion Scientists of Great and academic study leading to a ability in, science. You will also need to Britain and Ireland Healthcare scientists working in perfusion postgraduate qualification in perfusion be a calm and patient person, as open-heart Tel: 020 7869 6891 science are vital members of the open-heart science gained on a block-release basis. surgery is lengthy and intricate. Email: [email protected] surgery team, responsible for life-support Applicants will need a relevant degree www.scps.org.uk equipment. for entry onto this training. Healthcare science

Clinical photographer A degree in photography and a postgraduate You need an understanding of anatomy, Institute of Medical Illustrators certificate in clinical photography (usually taken as well as technical expertise and Tel: 020 7837 2846 Healthcare scientists working in clinical on a distance learning basis while working innovative artistic skills. You will be a good Email: [email protected] photography work throughout the hospital, in a post as a trainee medical illustrator) is communicator, capable of being both www.imi.org.uk on wards and in operating theatres, as needed and then register with the Committee sympathetic and professional when dealing well as in studios, providing photographic, for the Accreditation of Medical Illustration with patients and their families, and you video and graphic records of patients, their Practitioners (CAMIP). Graphic designers can will be willing to accept high levels of conditions and progress through treatment. also do a postgraduate certificate in graphic responsibility. They also contribute graphics for patient design for health.

Healthcare science information and other publications.

Clinical scientist – audiology A relevant science degree followed by You need to be good at problem solving and British Academy of Audiology a three-year post under the NHS Scientist a good communicator. You need to combine Tel: 01625 290 046 Clinical scientists working in audiology Training Programme, which includes an analytical approach with a caring and Email: [email protected] identify and assess hearing and balance studying towards an accredited Master’s understanding attitude. www.baaudiology.org disorders in patients of all ages. They qualification in clinical science. recommend and provide rehabilitation and management for patients’ conditions to improve their quality of life. Healthcare science

Clinical scientist – biochemistry A relevant science degree followed by You are expected to bring a major scientific The Association for Clinical Biochemistry a three-year post under the NHS Scientist and innovative approach to the service. You and Laboratory Medicine Clinical scientists working in clinical Training Programme, which includes must have manual dexterity to be able to Tel: 020 7403 8001 biochemistry analyse specimens of body studying towards an accredited Master’s carry out complex chemical and biochemical www.acb.org.uk fluids or tissues and interpret the results. qualification in clinical science. analyses, to plan and organise your They develop new techniques for doing this laboratory work and cooperate well with and advise clinicians on how to diagnose the clinicians you are advising. and treat disease. Healthcare science

14 A career for you in health A career for you in health 15 C Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Clinical scientist – clinical A relevant science or engineering degree As well as your engineering skills, you must Institute of Physics and Engineering in engineering followed by a three-year post under the be able to work with patients and a range Medicine (IPEM) NHS Scientist Training Programme, which of staff, including technicians, doctors and Tel: 01904 610821 Clinical scientists working in clinical includes studying towards an accredited equipment manufacturers. You will have Email: [email protected] engineering design and test the tools and Master’s qualification in clinical science. to keep up with fast-moving research and www.ipem.ac.uk equipment that medical specialists use to develop your own design, workshop and diagnose, treat and rehabilitate patients. management skills. These include the latest techniques in healthcare, such as keyhole and robotic

Healthcare science surgery, laser equipment or electronic aids.

Clinical scientist – cytogenetics A relevant science degree followed by Working in small laboratories, you need to British Society for Genetic Medicine a three-year post under the NHS Scientist be a good team member and the ability to Tel: 0121 627 2634 Clinical scientists working in cytogenetics Training Programme, which includes concentrate for microscope work. You need Email: [email protected] are experts in studying chromosomes from studying towards an accredited Master’s to work quickly with meticulous accuracy. www.bsgm.org.uk samples of human blood, tissues or bodily qualification in clinical science. fluids to diagnose genetic disease, including leukaemia and cancer. Healthcare science

Clinical scientist – medical physics A relevant science or engineering degree, You will need a strong aptitude for science Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine followed by a three-year post under the as well as the ability to communicate with Tel: 01904 610821 Clinical scientists working in medical physics NHS Scientist Training Programme, which doctors and patients alike. Email: [email protected] are closely involved in assessing and treating includes studying towards an accredited www.ipem.ac.uk illness and disability through the use of Master’s qualification in clinical science. ultrasound, x-ray, radiotherapy, light, infrared and radio frequency radiation. Healthcare science

Clinical scientist – microbiology A relevant science degree, followed by You need to combine a high-level scientific The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and a three-year post under the NHS Scientist approach with good communication skills Laboratory Medicine Microbiology Group Clinical scientists working in microbiology Training Programme, which includes and the ability to provide a fast, effective www.acb.org.uk identify bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic studying towards an accredited Master’s service to help doctors treat and manage infections to help prevent epidemics and help qualification in clinical science. patients. doctors diagnose and treat their patients. They also develop better tests to diagnose infectious diseases. Healthcare science

16 A career for you in health A career for you in health 17 D Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Dental hygienist Hygienists must register with the General You need to be manually dextrous, with British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy Dental Council (GDC) to practise and good eyesight and colour vision. You Tel: 01788 575050 Dental hygienists work to keep teeth and applicants will need a GDC-approved are in direct contact with patients, so Email: [email protected] gums healthy. They scale and polish patients’ qualification in dental hygiene. These good communication skills and a www.bsdht.org.uk teeth and educate them to prevent tooth are offered at degree and diploma level, friendly manner are essential. General Dental Council decay and gum disease. candidates need five GCSEs A-C (or Tel: 020 7167 6000 Dental equivalent qualifications) to get onto a www.gdc-uk.org course, including English and one science, and either two A-levels, or a recognised dental nursing qualification.

Dental nurse Dental nurses must register with the General You need to be able to respond quickly to British Association of Dental Nurses Dental Council. There are several routes to a dentist’s requests, and to handle intricate Tel: 01253 338 360 Dental nurses assist dentists, passing registration and candidates will usually need instruments and mix small amounts of Email: [email protected] instruments, mixing materials and taking some GCSEs for part-time courses, and may material accurately. A sympathetic www.badn.org.uk notes, and help look after patients need A-levels or other qualifications at level manner is essential. during treatment. General Dental Council 3 for some full-time courses. Tel: 020 7167 6000 Dental Apprenticeships in dental nursing are www.gdc-uk.org sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

D Dental technician Five GCSEs A-C or equivalent and either two You need to be able to work with great British Association of Clinical Dental Technology A-levels or a nationally-recognised dental precision, and have technical, manual Tel: 01159 575 370 Dental technicians make dental appliances, nursing qualification. Dental therapists must and artistic ability. You need good eyesight, www.bacdt.org.uk such as crowns, bridges and dentures, to a register with the General Dental Council to be meticulous and work well within dentist’s or doctor’s instructions. Dental Technologists Association (GDC). To do so, you need a GDC-approved a team. Tel: 01452 886 366 diploma or degree in dental therapy or dental Dental www.dta-uk.org therapy and hygiene. General Dental Council Tel: 020 7167 6000 www.gdc-uk.org

Dental therapist Five GCSEs A-C or equivalent and either two You need to be manually dextrous, British Association of Dental Therapists A-levels or a nationally-recognised dental with good eyesight and colour vision. Tel: 0161 665 5878 Dental therapists carry out simple treatments, nursing qualification. Dental therapists must A sympathetic manner is essential to www.badt.org.uk such as fillings and extractions, usually for register with the General Dental Council treat and advise patients. children, older people and those with special General Dental Council

Dental (GDC) and need a GDC-approved diploma or needs. A dental therapist also promotes oral Tel: 020 7167 6000 degree in dental therapy or dental therapy www.gdc-uk.org health, teaching people about dental hygiene. and dental hygiene to be able to do this.

Dentist Three very good A-levels (including chemistry), You need to be confident, with high British Dental Association or an equivalent level of qualification are academic standards and good manual Tel: 020 7935 0875 Dentists lead the dental care team. They needed to enter an approved dental surgery dexterity. You will need to develop excellent Email: [email protected] diagnose problems, identify treatments, carry degree. Some dental schools run a pre-dental diagnostic, clinical and social skills. www.bda.org out dental surgery and advise patients. Some year for applicants with non-science subjects

Dental are based in high street practices, others and a small number of graduate entry courses General Dental Council work in hospital or community settings. are also available. Dentists must register with Tel: 020 7167 6000 the General Dental Council. www.gdc-uk.org

18 A career for you in health A career for you in health 19 D Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Dietitian Dietitians must register with the Health You need to have an interest in science British Dietetic Association and Care Professions Council. To do so, and food and be able to communicate Tel: 0121 200 8080 Dietitians translate the science of nutrition they need an approved qualification in with people from all parts of the Email: [email protected] into advice about food. They promote dietetics at BSc level, or a first degree community. You need to be able to www.bda.uk.com good health by working with people who in a relevant subject plus an approved explain complex issues simply. Health and Care Professions Council have special dietary needs, inform the postgraduate qualification in dietetics. public and educate health professionals. Tel: 0300 500 6184 professions

Allied health www.hcpc-uk.org

Doctor High academic standards are essential to enter You’ll be part of a team in whichever British Medical Association medical school. A wide range of high grade specialty you work in. You’ll need a host of www.bma.org.uk There are more than 60 different specialties GCSEs, plus 3 A-levels or equivalent (usually skills including being good at analysing and General Medical Council that doctors can work in. These include including chemistry and another science or reasoning, time management, leadership, www.gmc-uk.org emergency medicine, general practice, maths) are typically required. Applicants with excellent communication skills, an enquiring psychiatry (see separate entries for these), non-science A-levels/equivalent can apply mind, a rational approach and the ability to radiology, obstetrics and gynaecology,

Doctor for medical degrees with a pre-medical year handle pressure. pathology, anaesthetics, paediatrics and and there are also accelerated graduate entry surgery, and medical specialties including degrees. After medical school, there are two dermatology, gastroenterology, nuclear further stages – foundation training, then medicine, rehabilitation and neurology. specialty training in their chosen specialty.

Driver An appropriate driving licence, depending You must be a responsible, safe driver, Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. on the type of vehicle applicants are required able to communicate easily with staff, patients Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Drivers are employed in a range of roles to drive. and others you come into contact with, and www.jobs.nhs.uk across healthcare, such as in the non- able to work unsupervised. emergency ambulance service and NHS

Wider Blood and Transplant. They transport patient supplies, pathology specimens or even organs for transplantation. healthcare team

A good general education and clean You need to be quick-thinking and Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. Emergency care assistant driving licence is usually required. decisive, but also provide a calm and Visit www.nhs.uk for details and search for Emergency care assistants are often the first Recruitment is managed locally by reassuring environment to patients vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk healthcare professionals on the scene of an individual ambulance services, and their and relatives. accident. They work alongside paramedics to requirements may vary slightly. service treat and stabilise patients before taking them Ambulance to hospital.

In-service training will be provided You will need a calm, efficient approach Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. Emergency medical dispatcher and most employers ask for a good in what might be life or death situations. Visit www.nhs.uk for details and search for Emergency medical dispatchers are general education. Good communication skills are required. vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk responsible for sending an emergency vehicle to an incident as quickly, and with as much service information, as possible. Ambulance

20 A career for you in health A career for you in health 21 E Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Emergency medicine doctor High academic standards are essential to enter You need to be able to make decisions Royal College of Emergency Medicine medical school. A wide range of high grade quickly and be able to stay calm in a www.rcem.ac.uk Doctors specialising in emergency medicine GCSEs, plus 3 A-levels or equivalent (usually pressured environment. You’ll need to General Medical Council carry out the immediate assessment and including chemistry and another science or pay great attention to detail, be resilient, www.gmc-uk.org treatment of patients with serious and life- maths) are typically required. Applicants with and have excellent communication and threatening illnesses and injuries. non-science A-levels/equivalent can apply teamwork skills.

Doctor for medical degrees with a pre-medical year and there are also accelerated graduate entry degrees. After medical school, there are two further stages – foundation training, then specialty training in emergency medicine.

Finance manager NHS administrative and clerical staff may You will need excellent mathematical skills, Association of Accounting Technicians have the opportunity to work towards a methodical mind and an eye for detail. Tel: 0845 863 0800 Finance managers are responsible for qualifications awarded by the Association Email: [email protected] ensuring that NHS funds are appropriately of Accounting Technicians, or those www.aat.org.uk allocated and accounted for. They work recognised by the Consultancy Committee NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme on payroll, pensions, financial reports of Accountancy Bodies. The NHS Graduate www.isthenhsforme.co.uk and auditing. Management Training Scheme also has a Management finance option, offering opportunities to Consultancy Committee of Accountancy Bodies train for very senior roles. www.ccab.org.uk

Gardener Different organisations will have different You need to enjoy working outdoors, be Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. entry requirements. If applicants don’t already enthusiastic about plants and capable of Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Gardeners look after the plants, shrubs and have a relevant vocational qualification (eg doing physical work. www.jobs.nhs.uk lawns at healthcare organisations. horticulture), they may be able to get a post on the basis of experience or proven ability. Wider Apprenticeships are sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about healthcare team searching and applying for apprenticeships.

General manager Existing healthcare staff with appropriate You will need excellent organisational, NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme experience are encouraged to apply communication and negotiating skills. You www.isthenhsforme.co.uk General managers perform a vital role, for vacancies. The NHS Graduate will be a confident public speaker and able ensuring that a hospital, service, or Management Training Scheme also has to work with people from all backgrounds department is run efficiently and that a general management option, offering including patients, clinicians and the press.

Management patients are receiving the best possible care. opportunities to train for very senior roles.

General practitioner High academic standards are essential to enter Different doctors bring different skills to Royal College of General Practitioners medical school. A wide range of high grade the team. Important skills for a GP include www.rcgp.org.uk General practitioners (GPs) are the first point GCSEs, plus 3 A-levels or equivalent (usually an enquiring mind, concern for people, a General Medical Council of contact with the healthcare system for including chemistry and another science or rational approach, the ability to work in www.gmc-uk.org most patients. GPs treat all common medical maths) are typically required. Applicants with teams, and being an expert generalist with conditions and refer patients to hospitals non-science A-levels/equivalent can apply extensive knowledge of a wide range of and other medical services for urgent and Doctor for medical degrees with a pre-medical year conditions. specialist treatment. GPs’ work is very varied. and there are also accelerated graduate entry degrees. After medical school, there are two further stages – foundation training, then specialty training in general practice.

22 A career for you in health A career for you in health 23 H Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Health play staff Health play assistants will usually need a You must be comfortable and confident with Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust professional childcare qualification at level 3. children, and be able to create a relaxed www.hpset.org.uk Play staff organise daily play and art activities and fun environment, appropriate to the A basic grade health play specialist will National Association of Health Play in the ward playroom or at the bedside to individual child’s needs. help children reach developmental milestones need to have taken the foundation degree Specialists (NAHPS) and overcome anxiety. They support families in healthcare play specialism. Relevant www.nahps.org.uk and contribute to clinical judgments through experience is often a prerequisite. their play-based observations. Senior health play staff will usually need to hold a foundation degree in healthcare play specialism, and have undertaken training in child protection. They may also be required to have relevant post-qualifying experience.

Wider healthcare team There may be additional requirements to those mentioned above – contact the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust for details and list of approved courses.

Health promotion specialist To train in this career, applicants will be You will be a caring, understanding Faculty of Public Health expected to have a degree in biological, person with excellent communication Email: [email protected] Health promotion specialists plan and behavioural or social science or a skills. You will be able to inspire others www.fph.org.uk publicise ways to stay healthy and prevent professional qualification and experience and enjoy finding new ways of promoting Royal Society for Public Health disease. They work on campaigns from in a field such as nursing or teaching. a healthy lifestyle. Tel: 020 7265 7300 stopping smoking to sexual health. For those without relevant experience, Wider www.rsph.org.uk voluntary work in health promotion could help them gain the edge that employers The Institute of Health Promotion and Education healthcare team look for. Email: [email protected] www.ihpe.org.uk

Health records clerk No formal qualifications are needed, You need to be able to stay calm under Institute of Health Record and Information although applicants are likely to need pressure, be good with people and have the Management Health records or medical records clerks computing skills and a good general education. ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Tel: 01773 713 927 organise, retrieve and store patients’ medical Apprenticeships in administration are Email: [email protected] records so they can be used by healthcare www.ihrim.co.uk Health professionals for their care, for example, often available. See page 5 for general

informatics in outpatient clinics. information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

Healthcare science assistant – Hospitals will ask for a good general You will need to be efficient, mature and Association of Anatomical Pathology anatomical pathology education of at least 5 A-C grade GCSEs in have a genuine curiosity about how the Technologists H science (ideally biology), maths and English. human body works. You need to work Tel: 020 7278 2151 Healthcare science assistants working in Some employers may ask for A-levels. well with a range of people, such as Email: [email protected] anatomical pathology assist the pathologist Applicants can apply directly for jobs and police officers and medical staff, and www.aaptuk.org to examine patients who have died and then train for a three year diploma in deal sensitively with grieving relatives. identify the cause of death. They also anatomical pathology.

Healthcare science support bereaved relatives.

24 A career for you in health A career for you in health 25 H Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Healthcare science assistant – Six months’ training on the job, leading You will need a steady hand and a calm National Association of Phlebotomists phlebotomy to a certificate of competence. There are manner. You need to be able to reassure Tel: 020 7833 8784 no formal requirements, but employers patients of all ages, many of whom may Email: [email protected] Healthcare science assistants working in usually look for a minimum of two GCSEs be nervous or distressed, and handle www.phlebotomy.org phlebotomy collect blood from patients for or equivalent. information with tact and discretion. examination in a laboratory, providing vital Search for trainee phlebotomist vacancies on Apprenticeships in healthcare science are pointers for diagnosing illness. www.jobs.nhs.uk sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying Healthcare science for apprenticeships.

Healthcare science associate No formal requirements, but a good You will need patience, concentration British Association for Cytopathology practitioner – cervical cytology range of GCSEs is an advantage. and the ability to sit at a microscope for Tel: 020 7278 6907 Other qualifications may be considered. periods of time. You will be supervised www.britishcytology.org.uk Healthcare science associate practitioners Applicants for these posts train on the by biomedical scientists, but you are Search for trainee phlebotomist vacancies on

science working in cervical cytology examine cervical job and sit for the Certificate in responsible for the accuracy of www.jobs.nhs.uk Healthcare samples under a microscope to detect early Cytology to become a qualified cervical your work. signs of cancer in women. cytology screener.

Healthcare science practitioner – An accredited three year full-time You need to be friendly and professional Society for Cardiological Science and cardiac sciences BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science in as well as being calm, confident and Technology (SCST) cardiac physiology. sympathetic. Tel: 0845 838 6037 Healthcare science practitioners working in www.scst.org.uk cardiac sciences investigate the functioning of the heart, and use a wide variety of equipment to help the heart function, such

Healthcare science as pacemakers.

Healthcare science practitioner – An accredited three year full-time You will need the confidence to handle both Association for Respiratory Technology respiratory physiology and BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science in complicated equipment and nervous patients. and Physiology sleep sciences physiological sciences and sleep sciences. Good communication skills are important. Email: [email protected] Tel: 0845 226 3062 Healthcare science practitioners working in www.artp.org.uk respiratory physiology and sleep sciences use highly-specialised equipment to test lung function in patients experiencing chest pains or breathing difficulties, as well as those Healthcare science suffering with sleep disorders or who have had abnormal chest x-rays.

High intensity therapist To train, applicants first need to secure a You need to show sensitivity and British Association of Behavioural and position as a trainee high intensity therapist. understanding and be able to explain the Cognitive Psychotherapies High intensity therapists work with clients To apply, they usually need to be a registered treatment you are providing. You’ll need www.babcp.com/Default.aspx with a range of complex problems related to nurse, social worker, clinical psychologist or excellent communication skills. anxiety and depression. They use cognitive occupational therapist. Improving Access to Psychological Therapies behavioural therapy in their work. www.iapt.nhs.uk therapies Psychological

26 A career for you in health A career for you in health 27 H Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Housekeeper There are no minimum entry requirements, You need to work well as part of a team. Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. but a good general standard of education You’ll need to supervise staff and ensure high Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Housekeepers help senior nurses run hospital and some experience of hotel and catering standards are maintained. www.jobs.nhs.uk wards by coordinating a range of ward services may help. services including: cleaning, catering, clerical,

Wider transport and linen. healthcare team

Human resources manager Many people enter HR management from You will need good communication, NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme an administrative or clerical role within time-management and organisational skills, www.isthenhsforme.co.uk HR managers are responsible for the NHS; applications from these staff be able to work under pressure and be Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development the recruitment, selection, appraisal, are particularly welcome. The NHS assertive. You must, above all, want to Tel: 020 8612 6208 development and training of staff. They Graduate Management Training Scheme work with people. www.cipd.co.uk are also responsible for implementing also has a human resources management employment legislation and for the

Management option, offering opportunities to train for welfare of employees. very senior roles.

ICT support technician A degree in a relevant subject (eg ICT) or You need enthusiasm, to be a team player Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. equivalent experience. A customer service and be able to work efficiently in a very busy Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on ICT support technicians work as part of the qualification at QCF level 3 or equivalent environment. www.jobs.nhs.uk health informatics team, diagnosing and fixing experience may also be required. To do computer faults and installing PCs. the job, candidates will usually be trained in Microsoft desktop support and operating systems. Apprenticeships in IT-related roles are sometimes available. See page 5 for general Health informatics information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

IT trainer Likely to be a role for a graduate, and You need excellent interpersonal and Learning and Performance Institute someone with formal training and ICT presenting skills, and the ability to impart Tel: 0845 006 8858 IT trainers are responsible for training a range qualifications. complex information and technologies Email: [email protected] of healthcare professionals and supporting to both new and experienced computer www.learningandperformanceinstitute.com administrative staff in computer skills so users. You need to be an expert in email, they can use a number of information and web and windows applications, to be calm communication systems effectively. and able to reassure nervous trainees. Health informatics

Laundry assistant In-house training. No formal entry You will need to be physically fit as well Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider.

requirements. as having an eye for detail. Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Laundry assistants ensure wards and theatres www.jobs.nhs.uk are supplied with clean linen, including gowns and sheets. They operate steam Wider cabinets, use steam and vacuum presses or finish items by hand. healthcare team

28 A career for you in health A career for you in health 29 L Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Libraries and knowledge manager A degree in library and information You need to be self-motivated, confident The Chartered Institute of Library and management (or similar qualification), and forward-thinking, with the ability to Information Professionals Staff in this role lead the development of a and possibly also a management operate at a strategic level in the organisation Tel: 020 7255 0500 trust’s knowledge management services – qualification. Some management and to organise knowledge resources so www.cilip.org.uk including physical libraries and online experience would also be advantage. the maximum number of people can information and journals – so that all staff and access them. others can access the information they need. Health informatics

Maintenance staff Healthcare organisations’ requirements You will need a conscientious attitude Visit www.nhs.uk for details of local trusts and vary. Applicants may need some and be able to work consistently to a high search for vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk Maintenance staff are responsible for all academic qualifications or specific craft standard. You will need to be practical, aspects of the upkeep of NHS buildings and qualifications as a carpenter, painter able to work unsupervised or as part of a grounds, and include groundsmen/women, and decorator or electrician, for example. team. painters and decorators. Contact employers for their requirements. Apprenticeships in estates and maintenance roles are sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and Wider healthcare team applying for apprenticeships.

Maternity support worker There are no minimum entry qualifications, You will need to have a caring attitude and Royal College of Midwives but candidates will need a good general an interest in mothers and newborn babies. Tel: 0300 303 0444 Maternity support workers assist midwives in education. Successful applicants may be www.rcm.org.uk caring for women and their babies through able to extend their role and qualifications Search for vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk the vital stages of pregnancy, childbirth and while earning a salary.

Midwifery the first few days after the birth.

Medical secretary There are no formal requirements, but most Secretarial and computer skills are essential. Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice healthcare organisations require a good You’ll need accuracy, organisational ability Managers and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Medical secretaries deal with consultants’ or all-round education and some may ask and good communication skills. Tel: 020 7387 6005 GPs’ correspondence and provide essential for OCR (or equivalent) qualifications. Email: [email protected] secretarial support. Applicants may also be able to work www.amspar.com towards a qualification in medical British Society of Medical Secretaries secretarial studies through the Association Tel: 0844 335 0636 of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers www.bsmsa.org.uk and Receptionists or the British Society of

Wider healthcare team Medical Secretaries.

Midwife A degree in midwifery, followed by You will need to be a good listener, Nursing and Midwifery Council registration with the Nursing and understanding and non-judgmental, as Tel: 020 7637 7181 Midwives help mothers-to-be and their Midwifery Council, or a 78-week training midwifery is as much about supporting www.nmc-uk.org families throughout pregnancy, labour and programme for registered nurses. the mother-to-be as it is helping at the birth. the first days of a newborn’s life. They work Royal College of Midwives Qualifications for entry to courses vary. You will need to be calm when all around in both hospitals and the community and are Tel: 0300 303 0444

Midwifery trained to ensure each mother gets the care you may be distressed and you must be able www.rcm.org.uk and help she wants or needs. to inspire and encourage.

30 A career for you in health A career for you in health 31 N Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Nurse An approved degree or Master’s/ You will need patience, the presence Nursing and Midwifery Council graduate-entry programme in nursing, of mind to juggle the medical needs of Tel: 020 7637 7181 Includes the four initial fields of nursing: leading to eligibility to apply for registration several patients at once, and the ability www.nmc-uk.org adult/general nursing, mental health nursing, with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. to set people at ease in sometimes Royal College of Nursing learning disability nursing and children’s Candidates will usually need to choose distressing circumstances. Tel: 020 7409 3333 nursing. the field of nursing they want to work in www.rcn.org.uk Nurses care for physically or mentally ill before they start training. A small number of

Nursing adults and children and provide support universities offer ‘dual field’ degrees. Entry for their families, in hospitals and the requirements vary between universities. community. The job can vary from helping someone learn basic daily tasks to administering life-saving drugs.

Nursing healthcare assistant There are no minimum entry qualifications, You will need to have a caring attitude, Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. but a good general education is needed. sensitivity and the ability to relate to patients Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Nursing healthcare assistants have a key role Successful candidates may be able to of all ages and backgrounds. www.jobs.nhs.uk in routine nursing care, such as taking and extend their role and qualifications while recording temperatures, helping patients earning a salary. with washing and spending time talking to

Nursing and reassuring patients. Apprenticeships in nursing care and related roles are sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

Occupational therapist A BSc in occupational therapy (for which You need patience, ingenuity and a creative, British Association/College of Occupational A-levels or equivalent are required) leading practical approach. Most of all, you will want Therapists Occupational therapists help children and to eligibility to apply for registration with to work closely with people to help them to Tel: 020 7357 6480 adults to overcome physical, psychological the Health and Care Professions Council. lead full and satisfying lives as independently www.cot.co.uk or social problems arising from illness or Graduates can qualify via a two-year as possible. Health and Care Professions Council disability, by concentrating on what they are accelerated course. professions able to achieve and enabling them to live as Tel: 0300 500 6184 Allied Health independently as possible. www.hcpc-uk.org

Operating department practitioner An approved degree or diploma in higher You will be working in a pressurised College of Operating Department Practitioners education in operating department practice, atmosphere on intricate and complex Tel: 0800 0 857 857 Operating department practitioners are an and registration with the Health and Care procedures, so you will need to be calm Email: [email protected] important part of the operating theatre Professions Council. Entry requirements vary and able to concentrate for long periods. www.codp.org.uk team, working with surgeons, theatre nurses between universities. and anaesthetists to ensure every operation Health and Care Professions Council Operating is as safe and effective as possible. Tel: 0300 500 6184 www.hcpc-uk.org department practice

Orthoptist Three or four year full-time university degree You will want to work with people and have British and Irish Orthoptic Society and registration with the Health and Care the ability to communicate with patients of Tel: 01353 665 541 Orthoptists diagnose and treat visual problems Professions Council. all ages. You will need precision and accuracy www.orthoptics.org.uk involving eye movement and alignment. They in your work. may also screen school children. Health and Care Professions Council Tel: 0300 500 6184 professions

Allied health www.hcpc-uk.org

32 A career for you in health A career for you in health 33 O Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Orthotist Three, four or five year full-time BSc in You will need patience and accuracy to take British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists prosthetics and orthotics and registration with the precise measurements that affect Tel: 0141 561 7217 Orthotists provide a range of splints, braces the Health and Care Professions Council. a patient’s comfort and mobility. Email: [email protected] and special footwear to aid movement, www.bapo.com correct deformity and relieve discomfort. Once registered as a practitioner, you can You will also have the communication skills They work with people of all ages, from choose to specialise either as an orthotist or needed to reassure patients and a talent for Health and Care Professions Council children with cerebral palsy to elderly prosthetist. technical design. Tel: 0300 500 6184 professions Allied health patients needing specialist footwear. www.hcpc-uk.org

Paramedic Paramedics must register with the Health You will need to be physically fit and Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. and Care Professions Council. For this, mentally able to deal with a highly Visit www.nhs.uk for details and search for student

Paramedics are senior members of accident candidates must take an HCPC-approved pressurised environment. You must be paramedic vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk and emergency ambulance crews, providing course, either on a full time basis (at able to communicate with both children College of Paramedics pre-hospital care and treatment to patients university) or apply for a student paramedic and adults, remaining calm even in highly www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk who are either acutely ill or injured. post with an ambulance trust and complete distressing situations. You must also be a

service the training part-time. Full-time courses confident driver. Health and Care Professions Council Ambulance will usually require GCSEs and A-levels Tel: 0300 500 6184 (or equivalent qualifications). Paramedics www.hcpc-uk.org must hold a suitable driving licence.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service Some senior PALS staff may be required You need to be supportive and reassuring Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. (PALS) staff to have a degree or a professional level to patients. You will need excellent verbal Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on qualification. PALS support staff will and written communication skills and an www.jobs.nhs.uk PALS staff are a crucial link between usually have a good general education ability to keep concise and accurate records. patients and NHS services. They provide and administrative skills. More senior staff may need interviewing, patients with accurate information about Wider presentation and people-management skills their conditions and progress of their and the ability to work with senior managers treatment, and receive comments from and clinicians. healthcare team patients about services provided.

Patient transport services controller Some employers ask for a certain number You will need a calm, efficient Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. (non-emergency call handler) of GCSEs or the equivalent. Others look approach under pressure and good Visit www.nhs.uk for details and search for vacancies for a good general education. communication skills. on www.jobs.nhs.uk Patient transport services controllers have

service a key role in ensuring that patients, many

Ambulance of whom are frail and elderly, get to their health appointments safely and on time.

Personal assistant Employers’ requirements may vary, You need to be well-organised, efficient and Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice but PAs need good verbal and written motivated. You need to have Managers and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Personal assistants provide comprehensive English, as well as typing skills and a pleasant manner, with excellent Tel: 020 7387 6005 administration and secretarial support to computer literacy. communication skills. You will also Email: [email protected] senior staff. need to be discreet. www.amspar.com Apprenticeships in administration are Wider often available. See page 5 for general British Society of Medical Secretaries information about searching and applying Tel: 0844 335 0636 healthcare team for apprenticeships. www.bsmsa.org.uk

34 A career for you in health A career for you in health 35 P Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Pharmacist A four-year Master’s degree in pharmacy, You need to be good at science General Pharmaceutical Council followed by a year in a pharmacy and and be able to communicate with people Tel: 020 3713 8000 Pharmacists are experts in drugs and a professional registration exam. at all levels of seniority. You must have www.pharmacyregulation.org medicine, and manage hospital or Pharmacists must register with the excellent concentration and hand-to-eye Royal Pharmaceutical Society community pharmacies. They advise medical General Pharmaceutical Council. coordination. You will need to work well on Tel: 0845 257 2570 staff and patients on the choice and use your own and as part of a team.

Pharmacy of drugs and can also train to prescribe Email: [email protected] medicines for some conditions. www.rpharms.com

Pharmacy technician Pharmacy technicians must register with the You will need good colour vision, General Pharmaceutical Council General Pharmaceutical Council, gaining excellent scientific and numerical skills, a Tel: 020 3713 8000 Pharmacy technicians prepare and supply approved qualifications through on-the-job methodical and accurate approach and be www.pharmacyregulation.org medicines, which includes weighing out training, leading to an NVQ qualification able to concentrate. You will also need tact, The Association of Pharmacy Technicians ingredients, counting tablets and at level 3 in pharmacy services or National discretion and the ability to explain complex Tel: 0121 632 2025 measuring liquids. Pharmacy Association qualification at level 3. instructions to patients clearly. Email: [email protected] Apprenticeships for pharmacy technicians are www.aptuk.org Pharmacy sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

Physician associate A science-related degree is usually required You need to show your academic potential for Faculty of Physician Associates to get onto the postgraduate training course the training, experience of working with the www.fparcp.co.uk Physician associates support doctors in the offered by a number of universities. Registered public, an interest in health or social care and diagnosis and management of patients. healthcare professionals such as nurses and excellent communication skills. They work in GP practices and hospitals. allied health professionals can also apply. associate Physician Physician

Physiotherapist BSc in physiotherapy leading to eligibility to You will need tolerance, patience and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy apply for professional registration with the compassion. You must also be able to Tel: 020 7306 6666 Physiotherapists help patients regain Health and Care Professions Council. There build up a rapport with patients of all www.csp.org.uk movement lost through illness, accident are also postgraduate courses for graduates ages, their families or carers and other Health and Care Professions Council or ageing. with an appropriate degree. medical and social services staff. Tel: 0300 500 6184

professions www.hcpc-uk.org Allied health

Podiatrist BSc in podiatry leading to eligibility to apply You will need the ability to communicate Health and Care Professions Council for professional registration with the Health with patients of all ages from infants to Tel: 0300 500 6184 Podiatrists (or chiropodists) see patients of all and Care Professions Council. the elderly. You will be patient, www.hcpc-uk.org ages to diagnose and treat problems of the understanding and have a steady hand. lower limb. These include verrucas, sports Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and dance injuries and circulation problems Tel: 0845 450 3729

professions in patients at risk from amputation, such as www.scpod.org Allied health those with diabetes.

36 A career for you in health A career for you in health 37 P Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Porter Training is given on the job. There are You need to be physically fit and able Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. no formal entry requirements, although to walk long distances. Communication skills Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Porters play a vital role, moving frail and some larger hospitals may require their and a friendly manner are also useful, as you www.jobs.nhs.uk often very ill patients between departments porters to have a driving licence. will be helping patients of all ages around and wards in safety and comfort. They also the hospital. transport complex and valuable equipment Wider that may need expert handling. healthcare team

Prosthetist Four year full-time BSc in prosthetics You will need creative and technical British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists and orthotics followed by registration skills to measure and create limbs that look Tel: 0141 561 7217 Prosthetists provide the best possible with the Health and Care Professions Council. and feel as natural as possible. You will also Email: [email protected] replacement for patients who were born need patience and understanding to work www.bapo.com Once registered as a practitioner, you can without a limb or who have lost one. They closely with patients who may be traumatised. work with patients and technicians at every choose to specialise either as a prosthetist Health and Care Professions Council stage from designing the prosthesis to helping or an orthotist. Tel: 0300 500 6184 patients adjust to life with a new limb. www.hcpc-uk.org Allied health professions

Psychiatrist High academic standards are essential to You’ll need empathy, compassion and Royal College of Psychiatrists enter medical school. A wide range of high emotional resilience. You’ll need to be able www.rcpsych.ac.uk Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise grade GCSEs, plus 3 A-levels or equivalent to work under pressure, take initiative in in mental illness, and the interaction (usually including chemistry and another challenging situations, be good at team General Medical Council between physical and mental conditions. science or maths) are typically required. working and have an analytical and www.gmc-uk.org They can specialise to work with children Applicants with non-science A-levels/ scientific approach. and adolescents, adults or the elderly and equivalent can apply for medical degrees in areas including forensic or intellectual with a pre-medical year and there are also Doctor disability psychiatry. accelerated graduate entry degrees. After medical school, there are two further stages – foundation training, then specialty training in psychiatry.

Psychological wellbeing To train, applicants first need to secure You need to have an interest in people’s British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive practitioner a post as a trainee PWP. To apply, they behaviour and excellent communication Psychotherapies need a degree (eg in psychology) and take skills. Voluntary, paid or personal experience www.babcp.com Psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) a postgraduate certificate. Non-graduate of working with people with mental health provide help and support to clients with mild applicants from local communities with a problems is essential. Improving Access to Psychological Therapies to moderate depression, using a cognitive range of experience can also apply and will www.iapt.nhs.uk behavioural model. be trained to graduate level. Psychological therapies

38 A career for you in health A career for you in health 39 P Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Psychologist Psychologists must be registered with You will need to be numerate and British Psychological Society the Health and Care Professions Council. have good written skills. Although not Tel: 0116 254 9568 Psychologists look at the way people think, Eligibility to apply for registration can be all psychologists work with patients, Email: [email protected] act, react and interact. The NHS employs gained through either a British Psychological good communication skills are useful. www.bps.org.uk psychologists in four main specialisms: Society (BPS) accredited degree (or Master’s An interest in how people think and Health and Care Professions Council clinical, forensic, counselling and degree), or a psychology degree plus BPS behave is important. Tel: 0300 500 6184 health psychology. qualifying exam, or a conversion course. This www.hcpc-uk.org must be followed by an HCPC-approved postgraduate training programme in the relevant specialism. Psychological therapies

Psychotherapist Training in various approaches to Your own personality will play an Association of Child Psychotherapists psychotherapy (combining study with important role in both training and Tel: 020 7281 8479 Psychotherapists use a psychological clinical training) is provided by a range later work. You will also need excellent www.childpsychotherapy.org.uk approach to treat adults and children for a of organisations and typically lasts for a communication skills and a desire to work British Psychoanalytic Council wide range of mental and physical difficulties minimum of four years. Candidates closely with people, as well as an interest Tel: 020 7561 9240 including stress, relationship problems and usually need a good honours degree in people’s behaviour. Email: [email protected] troublesome behaviour or habits. (or equivalent) to enter training and are www.psychoanalytic-council.org usually required to be registered psychiatrists or psychologists or other The Royal College of Psychiatrists mental health professionals. Tel: 020 7235 2351 www.rcpsych.ac.uk United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy Psychological therapies Tel: 020 7014 9955 Email: [email protected] www.psychotherapy.org.uk

Radiographer A degree in radiography and registration You need the confidence to work with Health and Care Professions Council with the Health and Care Professions leading-edge technology, and the ability Tel: 0300 500 6184 There are two types of radiographer. Council. There are also postgraduate courses to learn new skills and adapt. You need www.hcpc-uk.org Diagnostic radiographers carry out the for graduates with an appropriate degree. to be able to communicate well with Society and College of Radiographers imaging techniques, such as x-rays, used other members of the team. Therapeutic Tel: 020 7740 7200 to help diagnose a range of conditions. radiographers see patients over many www.sor.org Therapeutic radiographers are responsible for weeks and need to be able to build a professions

Allied health or www.radiographycareers.co.uk radiation treatment for cancer patients, and rapport with them. for their wellbeing during treatment.

Receptionist and telephonist On-the-job training is usually provided. As the first point of contact within the NHS, Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice There are no formal entry requirements but you need to be able to communicate well, Managers and Receptionists (AMSPAR) Receptionists and telephonists deal with some experience and computer skills may remaining calm and clear when dealing with Tel: 020 7387 6005 telephone and face-to-face enquiries across be needed. Employers may look for a good patients and relatives who may be distressed. Email: [email protected] a range of healthcare organisations, using general education. www.amspar.com telephone and computer equipment. Wider healthcare team

40 A career for you in health A career for you in health 41 S Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Senior paramedics are qualified paramedics You will need to be confident in highly- Contact your nearest ambulance service trust. Senior paramedic who have had extended training leading to pressurised situations, able to calm confused Visit www.nhs.uk for details. Senior paramedics treat patients at the scene a higher education qualification. See page 34 and distressed patients and their families, and College of Paramedics of an accident, in their homes, at out-of- for paramedic entry and information on the build up a rapport with those suffering long- www.collegeofparamedics.co.uk hours GP surgeries or at minor injuries units. qualifications required. term conditions. service They also help patients manage long-term Ambulance conditions.

Skilled trades staff Employers usually require a specific skill You need the appropriate skills to work in Visit www.nhs.uk for details of local trusts and or vocational qualification, but applicants your chosen field, and be able to work to search for vacancies on www.jobs.nhs.uk Skilled trades staff include carpenters, can also get posts based on their previous consistently high standards. electricians, plumbers, tilers and bricklayers. experience or proven ability. Wider healthcare team

Speech and language therapist A three or four-year degree through an You will need excellent language, Health and Care Professions Council accredited university course or a two-year communication and listening skills, patience, Tel: 0300 500 6184 Speech and language therapists work with postgraduate course for graduates in a calm manner and the tact to deal with www.hcpc-uk.org people of all ages who have problems with an appropriate discipline and registration with patients who are often embarrassed by their Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists speech, from childhood lisps to elderly patients the Health and Care Professions Council. condition. You will also need good hearing. who have difficulties following a stroke. Tel: 020 7378 1200 Email: [email protected]

professions www.rcslt.org Allied health

Sterile services/decontamination Senior managers will typically need a You need meticulous attention to detail, and Institute of Decontamination Sciences services manager postgraduate degree or equivalent level of to be able to instil this in others. Tel: 01506 811077 knowledge and several years experience of Email: [email protected] Sterile services managers (sometimes known working in decontamination services at more www.idsc-uk.co.uk as decontamination service managers) are junior levels. responsible for the sterile supplies needed for patient care and for ensuring that re-usable medical equipment is properly disinfected

Management or decontaminated. Senior managers will be responsible for staff and budgets within the decontamination service they manage.

Stores staff On-the-job-training is provided and You will need to be literate, good with Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. there may be a chance to work towards numbers and have a methodical approach, Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Stores staff order, maintain and deliver a professional qualification. There as you will be handling expensive stock. www.jobs.nhs.uk medical and other supplies, often are no formal entry requirements. Computer skills are an advantage. keeping track of orders and stock on Apprenticeships in stores work are Wider computer systems. sometimes available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying healthcare team for apprenticeships.

42 A career for you in health A career for you in health 43 T Description of work Minimum qualifications Skills/Qualities Contact details

Therapy assistant There are no formal entry requirements. You will need to be able to work as part of Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. Training is in-service and there may be a team, while being able to follow Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Therapy assistants work alongside allied opportunities to progress to an allied health instructions efficiently. Above all, you should www.jobs.nhs.uk health professionals such as physiotherapists, profession, depending on the profession want to work closely with patients and be radiographers, podiatrists and speech and and whether the employer is prepared to able to communicate with them in a friendly language therapists. They play an essential support progression. and reassuring way. role, preparing patients for therapy,

professions Apprenticeships in clinical support related

Allied health setting up equipment and helping during therapy sessions. roles are often available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying for apprenticeships.

Ward clerk There are no formal entry requirements, Good communication skills and an ability Contact your nearest NHS healthcare provider. but employers may require some GCSEs to maintain confidentiality are essential. Visit www.nhs.uk and search for vacancies on Ward clerks maintain paperwork and including English and maths (or equivalent). You will also need to be well organised, www.jobs.nhs.uk computer records, and deal with telephone On-the-job training will be provided. and have a high standard of literacy and enquiries on a hospital ward. numeracy. Administration and computer Apprenticeships in administration are skills would be useful.

Wider often available. See page 5 for general information about searching and applying

healthcare team for apprenticeships.

44 A career for you in health A career for you in health 45 Index G M Gardener 22 Maternity support worker 30 Gastroenterologist (Doctor) 20 Medical secretary 30 A D General manager 22 Medical physics (Clinical scientist) 16 General practitioner/GP 22 Microbiology (Clinical scientist) 16 Ambulance care assistant 10 Dental hygienist 18 Gynaecologist (Doctor) 20 Midwife 30 Anaesthetist (Doctor) 20 Dental nurse 18 Anatomical pathology (Healthcare 24 Dental technician 18 H science assistant) Dental therapist 18 N Architect 10 Dentist 18 Health play staff 24 Neurologist (Doctor) 20 Art, drama and music therapist 10 Dermatologist (Doctor) 20 Health promotion specialist 24 Nuclear medicine (Doctor) 20 Audiology (Clinical scientist) 14 Dietitian 20 Health records clerk 24 Nurse 32 Doctor 20 Healthcare assistant 32 Nursing healthcare assistant 32 Doctor - 20 (Nursing healthcare assistant) B anaesthetist Healthcare science assistant - 24 Biochemistry (Clinical scientist) 14 dermatologist anatomical pathology 24 O Bricklayer (Skilled trades staff) 42 emergency medicine phlebotomy 26 gastroenterologist Healthcare science associate 24 Obstetrician (Doctor) 20 gynaecologist practitioner - Occupational therapist 32 C neurologist cervical cytology 26 Operating department practitioner 32 Orthoptist 32 Call handler 12 nuclear medicine Healthcare science practitioner - 26 Orthotist 34 Cardiac sciences (Healthcare 26 obstetrician cardiac sciences 26 science practitioner) paediatrician respiratory physiology and sleep 26 Carpenter (Skilled trades staff) 42 pathologist sciences P Catering assistant 12 radiologist High intensity therapist 28 Catering manager 12 rehabilitation Housekeeper 28 Paediatrician (Doctor) 20 Cervical cytology (Healthcare 26 surgeon Human resources manager 28 Paramedic 34 science associate) Driver 20 Paramedic - Senior 42 Cleaner (domestic assistant) 12 I Patient Advice and Liaison Service 34 Clinical biochemistry (Healthcare 14 E (PALS) staff science associate) ICT support technician 28 Pathologist (Doctor) 20 Clinical coder 12 Electrician (Skilled trades staff) 42 IT trainer 28 Patient transport services controller 34 Clinical engineering (Clinical scientist) 16 Emergency care assistant 20 (non-emergency call handler) Clinical perfusion scientist 14 Emergency medical dispatcher 20 L Personal assistant 34 22 Pharmacist 36 Clinical photographer 14 Emergency medicine doctor Laundry assistant 28 Pharmacy technician 36 Clinical scientist - 14 Libraries and knowledge manager 30 audiology 14 Phlebotomy (Healthcare science 26 biochemistry 14 F assistant) clinical engineering 16 M Physician associate 36 Finance manager 22 Physiotherapist 36 cytogenetics 16 Maintenance staff 30 Plumber (Skilled trades staff) 42 medical physics 16 Manager - Podiatrist 36 microbiology 16 General 22 Porter 38 Cytogenetics (Clinical scientist) 16 Human resources 28

46 A career for you in health A career for you in health 47 P continued Prosthetist 38 Psychiatrist 38 Psychological wellbeing practitioner 38 Psychologist 40 Psychotherapist 40

R Radiographer 40 Radiologist (Doctor) 20 Receptionist and telephonist 40 Rehabilitation (Doctor) 20 Respiratory physiology and sleep 26 sciences (Healthcare science practitioner)

S Senior paramedic 42 Skilled trades staff 42 Skilled trades staff - 42 bricklayer carpenter electrician plumber tiler Speech and language therapist 42 Sterile services/decontamination 42 services manager Stores staff 42 Surgeon (Doctor) 20

T Therapy assistant 44 Tiler (Skilled trades staff) 42

W Ward clerk 44

48 A career for you in health A career for you in health 49 Notes

50 A career for you in health A career for you in health 51 Health Education England

For further copies of this booklet please contact:

Health Careers PO Box 27079 Glasgow G3 9EJ Tel: 0345 60 60 655 Email: [email protected] www.healthcareers.nhs.uk

NHSCB02 Jan 2016

@HealthCareersUK Health Careers UK

52 A career for you in health