National Careers Service
Health learning and skills advice line
The Health Learning and Skills Advice Line provides careers information and advice to support people who work in, or are considering a career in healthcare. Advice is free, independent and confidential.
While many people think of healthcare as doctors and nurses, the healthcare sector also offers a range of jobs for receptionists, IT professionals, scientists, porters, accountants and caterers, to name but a few.
If you want to develop new skills, improve your job prospects, change jobs completely or if you want to study but are not sure what course is right for you, call 08000 150 850 to speak to an adviser.
There is also a range of tools available on this site to help you:
Health sector careers
More than two million people work in healthcare in the UK, and with more than 300 different careers needed to provide first-class care to patients, there is bound to be a job to suit you.
The health sector is made up of the publicly-funded NHS, an independent sector of private healthcare providers, and voluntary organisations. While the NHS is the largest employer, private and voluntary healthcare providers play a growing role.
Working in the NHS
The NHS employs more than 1.3 million people in England. It is committed to offering development and learning opportunities for all staff, so no matter where you start your career you’ll have access to training and be given every chance to progress.
You will receive an annual personal review and development plan and will be encouraged to extend your skills and knowledge to take on new responsibilities. Through the personal development review process you will be able to progress within the NHS, either in one particular profession or across different areas.
Download the useful workbook Me and My PDR which is designed to support you through your appraisal process.
More information on working in the NHS can be found on the NHS Careers website.
Working in the independent sector
Independent healthcare providers play a vital role, employing almost half a million people in England. Companies and charities offer hospital and specialist services, usually after referral from a doctor. Operations and other work are carried out in private hospitals, independent treatment centres, mental health units and hospices. Some staff will travel to patients’ homes.
The sector is constantly changing as new services are registered. It can include acute services, hospices, family planning services, dialysis and fertility clinics, as well as a range of mental health services.
Working in the voluntary sector
The voluntary sector, which includes charities, is growing and providing more high quality health services. There are 33,000 people in paid work in the voluntary sector in England alone, providing a broad range of opportunities for those interested in working in healthcare.
Charities often focus on particular health topics such as dealing with cancer, people with disabilities or young people's sexual health.
For information on the charities and job opportunities in the voluntary sector visit the Working For A Charity website.
Volunteering is a great way to give something back to society or gain new skills and experience. The health and social care field offers a wide range of opportunities for those considering volunteering. For more information visit the Volunteering England website.
