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. 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.
  2. Decontamination services management

    By making sure that medical devices are sterilised, our decontamination services managers are making sure that our patients are protected from infection and contracting viruses. 

    Experience to level 3 vocational training through decontamination training and qualified to IDSc Technical Certificate for entry as a decontamination technician supervisor (training includes working towards the Foundation Degree in Decontamination Sciences); postgraduate degree or equivalent level of knowledge through academic courses to postgraduate level required for decontamination managers (training includes working towards the BSc (Hons) Decontamination Sciences for junior managerial roles)
    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. As a supervisor in decontamination sciences, you would typically start on AfC band 3, with opportunities to progress with appropriate training, qualifications and experience to bands AfC 5 - 8. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    Ability to work to high standards of quality and safety under pressure, flexibility, professional manner, initiative , logical thinking to help troubleshooting , ability to motivate others, enthusiasm, excellent communication skills, report writing and interpretation, positive outlook, able to deal with complaints from staff and patients.
    With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.
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