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. Surveyor

    Surveyors make sure that buildings are safe and well-maintained so care can be delivered effectively.

    Surveyors in the NHS have to be fully-qualified and chartered through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. To become a surveyor, you need either a degree in surveying, or a related subject, accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or a degree in any subject followed by a Masters accredited by the RICS. To get onto a degree course, you need appropriate level 3 qualifications. For a Master's, you need a good honours degree. After university, to become fully qualified as a surveyor, you have to work under supervision for two or three years and pass an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
    Most staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. As a surveyor, your salary will depend on your precise role and level of responsibility. You're likely to start on AfC band 6. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at band 7 and above. Surveyors in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. They may have some evening meetings. Terms and conditions will be different for surveyors working outside of the NHS.
    To work as a surveyor, you need to have an interest in buildings and property, be willing to travel, spend time working outdoors, work on several different projects at once, be able to meet deadlines work with contractors and others from the construction industry. You also need negotiating, organisational, project management and business skills.
    You can gain experience by working on a range of projects and by taking on bigger projects. You could progress to become a manager, responsible for the work of a team of surveyors. You could then progress further to manage a geographical area or be responsible for particular part of the business.
  2. Gastrointestinal physiology

    Gastrointestinal physiology concerns any part of the digestive tract from the oesophagus to the anus and also of the liver, biliary tract and the pancreas.

    For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject, such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology, sports science (if there is significant scientific content). If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable. To apply for Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) you’ll need to be a registered clinical scientist with some relevant experience.
    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. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    You’ll need a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach; confidence with technology, systems and processes; an interest in science and technology; meticulous attention to detail 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.
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