Compare roles in health

Not sure where to start with the hundreds of NHS careers? Use our compare roles section to get bite-size information on the entry requirements and training, pay and conditions, prospects and skills needed of up to three roles. If there is something that you think you could do, then get more in-depth information on the role.

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  1. Facilities management

    Facilities managers ensure that the services that patients need during their stay in hospital are available, such as meals, linen and a clean environemnt. 

    You can enter facilities management through an apprenticeship or with level 3 qualifications and working your way up through supervisory roles into more senior positions. Relevant qualifications are available through The British Institute of Facilities Management, City and Guilds, Institute of Leadership and Management and Pearson qualifications. Some postgraduate qualifications incorporate facilities management.
    Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists, and the most senior managers (where very senior managers pay apply). You could work your way through supervisory level roles in hospitality/domestic services at AfC bands 3 and 4 to managerial roles in facilities management at bands 5-8. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    To work in facilities management, as a guide you’ll need an up to date awareness of Health and Safety issues and appropriate legislation, good organisational skills, good communication skills, the ability to manage and motivate a team, be able to work under pressure, solve problems as they arise, an understanding of finance and being able to manage a budget, the ability to create and maintain effective working relationships, be able to sustain housekeeping supplies, to maintain information systems, maintain a safe and secure working environment and a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.
    With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further into more senior managerial roles – often combined with other areas of responsibility - typically within operational management.
  2. Cardiothoracic surgeon

    Cardiothoracic surgeons specialise in operating on the heart, lungs and other thoracic (chest) organs.

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. Then there are two routes available. You can either complete two years of core training (CT1–2) and five years of specialty training (ST3-7), or seven years of specialty training (run through training at ST1–7).
    Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day including early mornings, evenings and on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a cardiothoracic surgeon employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.
    You'll need excellent communication skills and be emotionally resilient, have a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure. You'll have the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams and have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, you'll have: a high degree of manual dexterity; superb hand-eye co-ordination; excellent vision; visuospatial awareness and the physical stamina to cope with the demands of surgery.
    There are currently approximately 400 cardiothoracic surgeons working in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were between 5.86 and 9.92 applications for every specialty training place. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in cardiac, thoracic or congenital surgery. You could teach medical or postgraduate students or get involved in research.
  3. Cytopathology

    Cytopathology is a branch of pathology involving the study and diagnosis of diseases at the cellular level using a light microscope.

    With GCSEs or other level-2 qualifications, you can apply for a post as a cervical cytology screener and study for a Cervical Screening Programme Certificate in Cervical Cytology. There are sometimes opportunities to enter at associate level through an apprenticeship and work towards a QCF level-3 qualification in healthcare science.
    NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS. Salaries for healthcare science staff working in cytopathology will range typically range from AfC bands 2 to 4, depending on the role and level of responsibility.
    An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, able to follow clear instruction and procedures, pay great attention to detail and be able to work as part of a team.
    Once in post as a healthcare science associate or assistant you’ll work towards relevant healthcare science qualifications (QCF, NVQs, foundation degrees (or equivalent)) while you’re working. These are underpinned by an awards and qualifications framework.
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