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. Clinical or medical technology in medical physics

    Healthcare increasingly uses sophisticated equipment and instruments to diagnose illness and to treat patients.

    Appropriate A-levels including at least one science (or equivalent level-3 qualifications) are required to enter the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP); a relevant degree (at a minimum of a 2:1 classification or a 2:2 with appropriate postgraduate qualifications), is required for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP).
    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. Healthcare science staff in clinical or medical technology can earn between AfC bands 5 and 9, depending on the role and level of responsibility. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a team.
    With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.
  2. Stores and distribution staff

    Stores and distribution staff make sure that a range of essential supplies are delivered to the right wards, clinics and health centres.

    There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Employers expect a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL. Employers may ask for experience eg from retail or warehousing work. There may be opportunities to gain relevant experience through an apprenticeship. You can enter the NHS as a stores and distribution manager with relevant qualifications and experience. Employers usually ask for a degree level qualification. When you join the NHS in stores and distribution, you will get the training you need but whatever level you are working at, you will be encouraged to take further qualifications.
    Staff working in stores and distribution in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 2. With further training and experience, you could apply for posts at bands 3 and above. Stores and distribution staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. Some may work shifts which can include early starts, evenings, nights and weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for stores and distribution staff working outside of the NHS.
    Stores and distribution staff need to be physically fit for lifting, carrying and pushing trolleys, part of a team but responsible for their own work and methodical and accurate. You'll also need good communication, organisational, customer service and (often) driving skills.
    With experience, stores and distribution assistants can become team leaders, supervising a team of staff. With further experience and qualifications, you could become a manager, responsible for a department or area. There are opportunities outside the NHS.
  3. Community sexual and reproductive health

    Doctors working in community sexual and reproductive health care for people’s sexual health by treating sexually transmitted diseases and consulting on contraception, menopause and unplanned pregnancies. 

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine, two years foundation doctor training, six years specialist training (ST1-6) leading to Fellowship of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FFSRH). Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
    Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. You’ll first earn a salary when you start your foundation training after medical school. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a community sexual and reproductive health doctor 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 to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families. You'll be emotionally resilient, have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills and work well in teams and under pressure. You'll also be very organised for the benefit of patients.
    In 2021, there were 124 consultants in community sexual and reproductive health in the NHS in England. You could specialise or conduct research in areas such as improving choice, access and uptake of contraception, teach medical students or postgraduate students in training or get involved in research at universities, the NHS or private sector.
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