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A career in the healthcare industry is fast paced yet incredibly rewarding. It requires dedication, empathy and patience to ensure that individuals receive the required level of medical support and care.
There are nine main areas typically associated with working within healthcare:
Private Acute Surgical Hospitals
Private Surgical hospitals specialise in planned surgery for NHS, private and insured patients. They are designed to deliver elective surgery and typically focus on Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Gynaecology, Urology, Cardiology, ENT, Minor Operations.
Primary Care
As one of the of the fastest evolving settings within healthcare, primary care offers first contact services through several services such as General Practice, Urgent Care, OOH, CAS, Healthcare in Justice and 111 services.
Healthcare at Home
Healthcare at Home (HaH) is in the market of providing choice for patients about where they can receive their treatment for cancer. In the majority of cases, HaH will treat the patient with chemotherapy and supportive medicines at home, but on occasions specialist nurses are supplied to hospital.
Dental Care
Dental care services encompass a wide range of procedures and treatments aimed at maintaining and improving oral health. These services typically include preventative care, diagnostic services, restorative services, cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, periodontal services, oral surgery, emergency dental care and paediatric dentistry.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary care applies to any type of animal care including exotics, equine, domesticated and wild animals. This sector focuses on preventing, managing, diagnosing, and treating various diseases, disorders, and injuries.
Cosmetics
Cosmetic procedures can reduce the effects of aging or alter an individual’s appearance for medical reasons, such as burns and birth defects, or to address self-consciousness, thereby enhancing their quality of life. These procedures range from rhinoplasty, liposuction, and tummy tucks to skin treatments like chemical peels, anti-wrinkle injections, and cancer removals.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy aids in restoring movement and functionality following injury, illness, or disability. Physiotherapists practice in various healthcare environments such as primary, secondary, tertiary care, occupational/corporate health, private MSK/sporting clinics, and community settings.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics support identifying what disease or condition a person has based on their signs and symptoms; these can vary from radiology, cardiology, pathology and gastroscopy. The expansion of diagnostic centres to aid healthcare trusts is rapidly transforming them into a significantly growing service within community health.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy operates across all healthcare sectors offering medicines management support as well as clinical advice and is quickly becoming the first line of support in both community and primary care.
Are medical qualifications required for a career in healthcare?
Working in healthcare does not necessarily need medical qualifications but the commitment to making a difference to everyday people’s lives. Healthcare workers are part of an industry that is always in high demand throughout the world. The healthcare industry presents many career opportunities that cater to various interests.
How can you progress your career in healthcare?
Career progression in healthcare can be highly fulfilling, offering a range of roles from clinical, non-clinical to high-level management. With a commitment to continuous learning and development, professionals in this sector can advance their careers while making a significant impact on the lives of healthcare patients.
Here’s an overview of typical career progression in healthcare:
Entry-Level Roles in Healthcare
Healthcare Assistant / Care Assistant
A Healthcare Assistant (HCA) or Care Assistant in the UK provides basic care and support to patients in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, care homes, or patients’ homes. Their duties often include helping with personal care (bathing, dressing), assisting with meals, taking vital signs, and supporting nurses and other healthcare professionals with day-to-day tasks.
Pay rates for Health Care Assistants can also vary depending on whether the position is in the NHS, private sector, or through agency work.
Typical UK Salary:
Dental Assistant
A Dental Assistant supports dentists in providing dental care to patients. Their responsibilities include preparing the treatment room, sterilising instruments, assisting the dentist during procedures, maintaining patient records, and providing patient care and education.
Dental Assistant salaries can vary depending on the location, the type of dental practice (NHS or private), and the level of experience and qualifications.
Typical UK Salary:
Pharmacy Assistant
A Pharmacy Assistant supports pharmacists in the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy. Their duties include dispensing medications, managing stock, providing customer service, handling prescriptions, and offering basic advice on over-the-counter medications.
Salaries for Pharmacy Assistants can be slightly higher in London or in specialised settings such as hospital pharmacies.
Typical UK Salary:
Radiography Assistant
A Radiography Assistant, also known as a Radiography Support Worker or Imaging Support Worker, assists radiographers in diagnostic imaging departments. Their duties include preparing patients for imaging procedures, maintaining and setting up equipment, helping with administrative tasks, and ensuring patient comfort and safety during scans.
Radiography Assistant salaries can be higher in certain regions or specialised settings, such as large hospitals or private clinics.
Typical UK Salary:
Veterinary Assistant
A Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary nurses in the care of animals. Their duties include feeding and exercising animals, cleaning and sterilising equipment, assisting during examinations and surgeries and providing basic care for hospitalised animals. They may also help with administrative tasks and client communication.
Salaries for Veterinary Assistants can vary based on location, the type of practice, and experience level, with some specialised roles or positions in larger cities earning more.
Typical UK Salary:
Optical Assistant
An Optical Assistant works in opticians’ practices, supporting optometrists and dispensing opticians. Their duties include helping customers choose and fit glasses, conducting basic eye tests, adjusting and repairing eyewear, managing appointments, and handling sales and administrative tasks.
Salaries for Optical Assistants can be higher in larger cities or in more specialised roles within optical practices.
Typical UK Salary:
Maternity Support Worker
A maternity support worker will work under the supervision of a registered midwife. They are sometimes also known as maternity healthcare support workers or midwifery assistants. Their duties include helping with antenatal and postnatal care, assisting during childbirth, supporting mothers with breastfeeding, and providing emotional support to families.
Salaries for Maternity Support Workers may vary depending on the location and specific healthcare setting, with potential for higher earnings in London or specialised maternity units.
Typical UK Salary:
Intermediate Roles in Healthcare
Physician Associate
A Physician Associate (PA) is a healthcare professional who works alongside doctors to provide medical care. They perform tasks such as taking patient histories, conducting physical exams, diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and performing certain procedures. While PAs operate with a high degree of autonomy, they always work under the supervision of a doctor.
Physician Associate salaries can be higher in specialised roles, with some experienced PAs earning up to £50,000 or more, particularly in London or within specialised medical fields.
Typical UK Salary:
Pharmacy Technician
A Pharmacy Technician is a registered healthcare professional who works alongside pharmacists to prepare and dispense medications, manage pharmacy operations, and provide patient advice on the use of medications. They also play a key role in managing medication supplies, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.
Higher salaries for Pharmacy Technicians can be found in specialised settings, such as hospital pharmacies or in managerial roles, with potential earnings exceeding £35,000.
Typical UK Salary:
Dental Nurse
A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care. Becoming a dental nurse is an exciting and fulfilling career path within the healthcare sector, with dental nurses playing a vital role in assisting dentists and ensuring smooth operations in dental practices.
Salaries for Dental Nurses may be higher in specialised roles or in locations like London, with some Dental Nurses earning up to £30,000 or more.
Typical UK Salary:
Junior Physiotherapist
A Junior Physiotherapist tends to be a newly qualified physiotherapist and may not have the level of experience required compared to an experienced physiotherapist. Whilst junior physiotherapists are committed to patient care, they are still developing the ability to identify all patients’ needs. With appropriate support, they can develop the necessary communication and clinical skills required to work effectively with patients.
A newly qualified Junior Physiotherapist can potentially earn higher in various locations or within specialised settings.
Typical UK Salary:
Nurse Associate
A Nurse Associate is a clinical support role that bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. This particular role supports with delivering hands-on, person-centred care as part of nursing teams.
Salaries for Nursing Associates can vary depending on whether the position is in the NHS, private sector, or through agency work.
Typical UK Salary:
Advanced Roles in Healthcare
Physiotherapist
A Physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who helps patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or surgeries by improving their physical function and mobility. They use techniques like exercise, manual therapy, and education to manage pain, improve movement, and prevent further injuries. Physiotherapists work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Physiotherapist salaries can vary depending on whether the position is in the NHS, private sector, or through agency work.
Typical UK Salary:
Vet Surgeon
A Veterinary Surgeon (Vet) is a medical professional who diagnoses, treats, and performs surgery on animals. Their duties include conducting examinations, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, performing surgeries, and providing advice on animal care and preventive measures. Vets work in various settings, including veterinary clinics, hospitals, and animal shelters.
Salaries for Veterinary Surgeons can vary based on location, the type of practice, and experience level, with some specialized roles or positions in larger cities earning more.
Typical UK Salary:
Nurse
A Nurse is a healthcare professional responsible for providing patient care, administering medications, monitoring patient health, and supporting recovery. Nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, care homes, and community health centres. They play a critical role in patient education, care planning, and emotional support.
Pay rates for Nurses can also vary depending on whether the position is in the NHS, private sector, or through agency work.
Typical UK Salary:
Radiographer
A Radiographer is a healthcare professional who specializes in using imaging technology, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, to diagnose and monitor patients’ medical conditions. They ensure accurate imaging, maintain patient safety, and work closely with doctors to interpret the results.
Typical UK Salary:
Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist is a dental professional who focuses on preventing and treating oral diseases. They perform tasks such as cleaning teeth, removing plaque and tartar, applying sealants and fluoride treatments, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices. Dental Hygienists play a key role in maintaining patients’ oral health and preventing gum disease.
Dental Hygienist salaries can be higher in private practices or in London, with some earning up to £50,000 or more, depending on experience and the setting.
Typical UK Salary:
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist is responsible for dispensing medications, providing advice on their safe use, and ensuring patients understand their treatment. Pharmacists also conduct health checks, manage pharmacy operations, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to optimise patient care. They work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare clinics.
Particularly within hospital settings or in specialised roles, large cities or managerial positions, salaries can be higher for Pharmacists.
Typical UK Salary:
Midwife
A Midwife specialises in caring for people during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They assist with prenatal care, support women during labor and delivery, and provide postnatal care for both mother and baby. Midwives also offer advice on newborn care, breastfeeding, and family planning.
Salaries for Midwives may vary based on location and specialisation, or particularly in advanced roles such as consultant midwife or midwifery manager.
Typical UK Salary:
Specialist Roles in Healthcare
Echocardiographer
An Echocardiographer, also known as a Cardiac Sonographer, specialises in using ultrasound technology to create images of the heart. These images, known as echocardiograms, help diagnose and monitor heart conditions. Echocardiographers work closely with cardiologists to assess heart function, structure, and blood flow.
Typical UK Salary:
Dentist
A Dentist diagnoses, treats, and prevents oral health issues. Their duties include examining teeth and gums, performing dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and root canals, and advising patients on oral hygiene and preventive care. Dentists work in various settings, including private practices, NHS clinics, and hospitals.
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