Who works for the NHS?
There are over 300 different types of job in the NHS from architect to bricklayer, cleaner to consultant doctor, electrician to finance manager.
Broadly, jobs in the NHS can be divided into clinical and non-clinical roles. However, they all share the same focus: quality of service for patients and other users.
Clinical roles include nursing, medicine, pharmacy, midwifery, healthcare sciences, as well as a range of allied health professions such as physiotherapy, radiography and counselling.
Non-clinical roles include engineers, human resources / personnel, IT specialists, domestic service staff, finance and building services amongst many others.
A range of entry routes
There are a range of entry routes into the NHS. Opportunities for school leavers include jobs in administration, domestic services, portering, clinical support work and many others. Some of these require few or no GCSEs, others will need high grade GCSEs or A-levels. Anyone joining in these roles will be supported to extend their role and gain further qualifications. You can help someone search for job vacancies by visiting NHS Jobs.
Many NHS careers require a higher education qualification, in an area such as health, science or social care. For clinical roles, a specific degree or diploma course provides the usual entry route. Universities and colleges offering these courses will provide advice on the qualifications they look for.
However, there is also a wide variety of careers in the NHS open to graduates and others with no specific health or science-related degree.
"Step into the NHS" gives you and your students an introduction to over 60 careers which require a variety of qualifications to begin a career. It also gives you and your students information on what their next steps should be at GCSE and A-level stage (or equivalent).
However, if you can't see a career out of those featured on "Step into the NHS" or the NHS Careers website, the helpline will be able to help you on 0345 60 60 655.
