Starting a Career in Healthcare: Exploring Your Options
Starting a career in healthcare offers a range of rewarding paths. Whether you’re interested in clinical roles, support services, or administration, here’s an overview of the key routes to get started:
- University Degrees for Clinical Roles
For those aiming to become doctors, nurses, midwives, or allied health professionals, a university degree is essential. Courses like medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, and pharmacy provide the foundation and qualifications required to practice. After completing a degree, you’ll need to register with the relevant professional body (e.g., General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council). - Apprenticeships
Healthcare apprenticeships offer hands-on experience while earning a qualification. Apprenticeships range from entry-level (such as healthcare assistant) to more advanced roles like nursing associate or even degree apprenticeships in nursing. These apprenticeships combine work with part-time study and are ideal if you want to avoid traditional university routes. - Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Roles
If you’re looking to start quickly, becoming a healthcare assistant (HCA) is a great entry point. HCAs provide essential support to nurses and doctors in hospitals, care homes, and clinics. No specific qualifications are required, but employers look for GCSEs and a caring, compassionate nature. HCAs often have opportunities to pursue further training and develop their careers into nursing or other healthcare roles. - Volunteering and Work Experience
Volunteering in a hospital, care home, or with healthcare charities can help you gain valuable experience and insight into different roles. It’s a great way to explore different areas of healthcare while building relevant skills. Many healthcare employers value volunteer work, especially when you’re starting out. - Non-Clinical Careers
Healthcare isn’t just about direct patient care. There are numerous non-clinical roles in administration etc… that keep the NHS and private healthcare services running smoothly. For these roles, you’ll need qualifications or experience in areas like business administration or healthcare management, which can be pursued via degrees, diplomas, or even apprenticeships.
Starting a career in healthcare offers many paths, from academic degrees to apprenticeships and volunteering. Whether you're drawn to clinical care, support roles, or management, there are opportunities for everyone to make a difference in this dynamic and essential field.
We are on hand to support you in your career whether you’re starting out or looking to progress, get in touch to find out how we can help.