Healthcare... in detail

What does it involve?

Most jobs in healthcare involve working directly with people - either with patients, their family or other members of staff. Unless you have a job 'behind the scenes' you may have to work shifts (nights and weekends) as people need care around the clock. The work can be pretty tiring so you need to be physically fit. It's also good if you're not squeamish!

You don't need qualifications for every job in healthcare - porters, maintenance and security are very important roles and hospitals would come to a grinding halt without them - but you do need to study for several years at university to become a nurse, doctor, radiotherapist or for other professional roles.

Step Into the NHS

Find out more about the 350 careers in the NHS

How much will I get paid?

What's happening in the industry?

The government is making changes to the NHS (National Health Service) at the moment and these changes, which include how the money is spent, will affect the industry. There have been a lot of stories in the news of nurses being made redundant but with a lot of nurses due to retire over the next few years there are always going to be people needed to replace them.

It's not just nurses we need to replace, there is also a shortage of pharmacists, radiographers, biomedical scientists, midwives and technology workers. Around three quarters of NHS workers are female but men still hold most of the senior positions.

Over the past few years there’s been a growth in alternative therapies such as acupuncture, reflexology and homeopathy.

There are big changes in terms of new technologies to help deliver a better service. Many health workers will be using electronic systems more and more.

What's happening locally?

Nottinghamshire information

How to get into this type of work

Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.

School or college - study for GCSEs, a diploma, AS / A levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree.

e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.

Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.

Work or work with training

Which skills?

Communication
Customer care
Team work
Organisation and planning

What else can I do?

Get some work experience in a nursing home or your local hospital.
Do some voluntary work.
Brush up on some of your skills such as communication or customer care.
Read the CODES leaflets Health and medical careers (J 01) or Careers in mental health (J 02). You can find these in your school Connexions library or nearest Connexions centre.
Research some of the less obvious jobs.
Talk to your Personal Adviser.

For courses go to MyChoiceNotts

For job and training vacancies go to Vacancies Online

For more job info go to Jobs4U

For useful online info links go to Fetch!