22 May, 2024

When you think of the NHS, doctors and nurses probably come to mind first. But did you know there are over 350 different careers within the NHS? Our careers advisers often talk to students who may feel discouraged if a medical degree seems unattainable, but there are many different roles available which involves faster qualification and are equally rewarding.

Patient-Facing Roles

If you love the idea of helping patients, there are plenty of options beyond becoming a doctor or nurse which involve specialist degrees which you access with A Levels, Level 3 BTEC or T Level. Check out some of these allied health professions on eCLIPS.

• Dietitian
• Paramedic
• Optician
• Physiotherapist
• Diagnostic or Therapeutic Radiographer
• Speech and Language Therapist

There are also lots of patient-facing jobs in healthcare science, especially in physiological sciences, like:

• Audiologist
• Cardiac Scientist
• Hearing Aid Dispenser
• Ophthalmic and Vision Scientist
• Respiratory Physiologist and Sleep Scientist

With a science degree, you could even go for a postgraduate qualification to become a Physician Associate, a role that’s new to the UK but has been around in the US for years. Plus, pharmacy and psychological professions offer more ways to work directly with patients.

Behind-the-Scenes Roles

Not all NHS jobs involve patient care. There are thousands of technical, managerial, and scientific roles that are just as vital. Hospitals need IT pros to keep systems running smoothly and techs to service medical devices like ventilators and patient monitors.

And you don't need to be a biology whiz to work in NHS science roles. Jobs like Clinical Technologists, Radiotherapy Physicists, and Biomedical Engineers often require a background in Physics or Chemistry.

Managers are crucial too. HR Managers, Service Managers (like those overseeing A&E), and Project Managers all play key roles. 

Student Funding

There’s financial help available for students aiming to become healthcare professionals. Eligible students in nursing, midwifery, and allied health courses in England can get £5,000 a year, plus extra support for some.

All these roles are listed on NHS Jobs. For more info, the Health Careers website is a great resource, offering a tool to help match your skills and interests with potential careers. Also check out our past healthcare webinars and look out for any upcoming ones which may be relevant, and remember, volunteering and work experience is vital to get insight into these professions!

 

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