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.

Don't forget, you can also save your role comparisons by registering with us.  

  1. Environmental health professional

    Environmental health professionals are at the forefront of public health, as every aspect of environmental health is designed to improve the public’s health and wellbeing. 

    You can apply to become a local enforcement officer with GCSEs or equivalent qualifications and experience of working in environmental health. For more senior roles you’ll need to undertake professional training, such as a Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) qualification in Food Premises Inspection, Food Control, Food Safety, or Food and Health. To become an environmental health practitioner or officer, you will need a degree or higher degree level that is accredited by the CIEH or the REHIS before passing professional exams. A BSc Environmental Health Practitioner degree apprenticeship has been approved for delivery. To get onto a degree apprenticeship, you will need to apply for an apprentice position with an employer.
    Working hours are likely to vary depending on the nature of the role and may involve some evening and weekend working (for example in responding to an environmental incident). An environmental health officer may earn up to £32,000; a senior environmental health officer up to £35,000. A team leader might earn up to £41,000.
    You'll need to be tactful and diplomatic, have an awareness of and commitment to customer care principles, and be effective at analysing problems, evaluating and recommending options. More senior roles will require knowledge and demonstrable experience across a number of environmental health disciplines.
    You might choose to specialise and take postgraduate qualifications, or move into a management role. Opportunities to become a chief executive also exist. Roles in the private sector may be available for senior staff.
  2. Public health nurse

    Public health nurses are qualified and registered nurses or midwives who have then chosen to gain experience or undertake training to specialise in areas such as health protection or sexual health. 

    Only trained and registered nurses can apply for a role as a public health nurse. Entry criteria vary between employers and specific positions, but experience or further qualifications in community nursing, health visiting, occupational health, infection prevention and control or practice nursing may be an advantage.
    Public health nurses working for the NHS will usually work at around bands 6-7 of Agenda for Change (AfC) or equivalent local authority pay scales and work standard hours of 37.5 per week. There may be exceptions to this depending on the nature of the role, for example evening and weekend work to increase access to services.
    As a public health nurse, you'll be passionate about public health. You'll have excellent communication skills, project management and analytical skills. You'll be able to work across multi-agency or multi-disciplinary settings to engage, develop and sustain networks and partnerships. You'll be a good problem solver and have an ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
    You might decide to follow an academic career pathway, working in higher education or research, or you might decide to take up a senior practitioner or managerial role. You may also choose to qualify as a specialist community public health nurse (SCPHN).
Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.