Continuing with our feature to profile different careers to help children and young make important decisions about their future career, this week we are featuring some of the various roles healthcare.
There are a wide range of careers available in healthcare, some require lengthy degrees and others have alternative routes available. In this feature, we are going to take a look at roles that offer alternative routes over university.
We’ve highlighted some of the careers you could get into if you’re interested in development below. You can find out even more via the National Careers Service www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Healthcare assistant
Healthcare assistants support with the care of patients in hospitals or sometimes at a patient's home. Day to day duties include:
- help patients with general life tasks including, getting showered and dressed, prepare food and eat, tidy homes, help patients use the toilet
- support with general medical tasks and treatment including using equipment to lift and move patients, take patients' temperature or pulse and attend meetings with other healthcare professionals
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Work
You could work as a trainee care assistant in a residential home or care home while you complete a qualification.
Ambulance Care Assistant
Ambulance care assistants take patients to and from hospital for appointments. You would need a full driving licence for this role. Day to day you would:
- lift and help patients in and out of the ambulance
- settle patients back at home after their appointments
- use a radio to keep in touch with the ambulance control room
- check and maintain the ambulance and its equipment
- keep accurate records of journeys
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Applying directly
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll need to:
- have driving experience
- use a sat nav, map or know the local area
- have experience working with disabled or elderly people
Some ambulance services may ask you for 4 GCSEs, including English, maths and a science at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.
You might need an extra driving qualification for larger vehicles and carrying passengers if you passed your test after 1996.
Dental Nurse
A Dental Nurse supports the dentist on a day-to-day basis. They are usually in the room during dental appointments, supporting to:
- sterilise instruments and pass them to the dentist
- prepare materials to make fillings
- remove water and saliva from the patient's mouth during treatment
- make sure the patient is comfortable
- tidy the surgery and keep records about each patient
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
Apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Working towards the role
You could start as a trainee at a dental practice. You could then study for a dental nurse qualification on the job. This is a common route to take to become a dental nurse.
Pharmacy Assistant
Pharmacy assistants serve customers and patients in chemists and hospital dispensaries. As a pharmacy assistant you could:
- serve customers and give advice about non-prescription items
- label products, stock shelves and put orders together
- take calls from GP surgeries, nursing homes and clinics
- deliver medicines to wards
- enter medicine data on computer systems
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- a trainee position
College
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
Apprenticeship
Some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship.
Work
You might be able to get a trainee pharmacy assistant job in a pharmacy.
You could work and do a part time qualification like the Level 2 Certificate in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff.