Health & Social Care

Health services

Health services
Healthcare Science

Environmental Health
Health and Safety

There are many different types of career available in the Health Services, ranging from Ambulance Technician to Doctor to Biomedical Scientist (see Healthcare Sciences section).  Each particular job requires different qualifications and training and brings different rewards.  Here is a summary of the various types of job:

Allied Health Professionals: they provide treatment and help to rehabilitate people who are ill, have disabilities or special needs to live life as fully as possible.  Jobs include Dietician, Art, Drama and Music Therapist, Physiotherapist and Psychologist. Entry into this area is dependant on the role you wish to work but most routes of entry will require a related first degree coupled with postgraduate study in the area you wish to specialise. Postgraduate courses can be competitive in this area so some good work experience or involvement with local voluntary programs confirming your interest is likely to be essential. Your University careers service will be able to advise you on the best path into the sector and don't forget to check out what programs your Student Union runs, such as societies or voluntary groups, to make sure you have some relevant experience on  your CV.

Ambulance Service: includes both the non-emergency and emergency service.  The non-emergency service is responsible mainly for patient transport, whilst the emergency service are usually the first on the scene of accidents and treat and stabilise patients before taking them to hospital.  Jobs include: Ambulance Technician, Ambulance Care Assistant, Paramedic and Call Handler. Entry into jobs in this area do not normally require a degree but studying a relevant subject could increase your employment chances.

Health Informatics: experts on patient information that doctors, nurses and others rely on in order to provide the best possible care.  These people also manage the computer systems that support the NHS.  Jobs include: Health Records Clerk, Clinical Coder, IT Trainer, Libraries and Knowledge Transfer Manager. Entry into jobs in this area do not normally require a degree although it can improve your chances of gaining a role in this area. Skills you will need include great organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work load and work within a fast paced, demanding environment.

Medical and Dental: Doctors diagnose and treat illness and work to improve people's knowledge in order to prevent ill health and improve well-being.  The dental team diagnose and treat a wide range of problems affecting the mouth, teeth and gums, and promote awareness of good mouth care.  Jobs include: Doctor - in hospitals and General Practice; Dentist; Dental therapist; Dental Technician; Dental Nurse. Graduates entering this area should have a related clinical degree. Further information about entry requirements and jobs in this area can be found at the NHS Careers website.

Management: The professionals who manage people, finance and provision of equipment, buildings and services in the NHS in order to deliver healthcare effectively.  Jobs include: Human Resources Manager; Finance Manager; General Manager. Graduates entering this area are not often required to have studied a specific degree subject but are often expected to be good all rounders with excellent written and verbal skills, good organisational and leadership skills and be able to work in a fast paced highly demanding environment.

Nursing and Midwifery: Nurses can work in hospitals and the community to nurse sick and injured people back to health.  They promote good health and support people's treatment.  As well as physical illnesses they support people with mental health problems or learning disabilities.  Midwives also work in both the community and hospitals to provide antenatal and postnatal care, counselling, support and education to new parents. Graduates entering this area should have a related clinical degree. Further information about entry requirements and jobs in this area can be found at the NHS Careers website.

Useful links:

NHS Careers

Comprehensive guide to health-related careers. Also includes lists of personnel offices in NHS organisations.