Choose up to three roles.
You need to remove one of the compared roles before adding a new one, maximum number of roles is 3
-
You’ll help improve the quality of people’s lives by treating eye disorders and spotting serious neurological conditions.
You need to study for an approved degree (BSc) in orthoptics which take three or four years. To get onto an orthoptics degree course you'll need two or three A levels (or equivalent), including a science, along with five GCSEs (grades A-C), including English language, maths and science. However, each institution sets its own entry requirements so it’s important to check carefully.Orthoptists in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. You will usually start on band 5 of the Agenda for Change pay rates. In a private clinic, your hours of work depend on client needs and may include evenings and weekends. Some orthoptists have to travel to clinics, health centres or schools.You'll need to be caring and understanding, able to work with adults or children, interested in science and caring and dedicated. They also need good communication skills, an ability to explain treatment to patients, good observation skills and an attention to detail.In the NHS, with experience, you could become specialist orthoptist. You could also progress to senior or head orthoptist. As head of an orthoptics service, you would be responsible both for a team of staff and for managing a budget. You might also choose to move into teaching orthoptics or into research. There may be opportunities to work in a private clinic. Some orthoptists set up their own clinics, often with other eye professionals. -
Psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWPs) are trained to assess and support people with common mental health problems – mainly anxiety disorders and depression – to manage their recovery.
All PWPs will complete an accredited IAPT training course. The courses typically consist of 45 days of academic work (one day per week) and four days supervised practice, usually distributed over an academic year. A level 6 apprenticeship standard for psychological wellbeing practitioners has also been approved for delivery. Whilst in training PWPs are employed by a local NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression service. The PWP training is open to people with a range of experience. Those with a degree will typically undertake a postgraduate certificate and those without a degree will normally undertake an equivalent graduate-level qualification. The training courses are accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).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. Trainees are appointed at band 4 and will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week. Once qualified as a PWP, you would usually progress to a band 5 position. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.Experience of working with people with mental health problems is desirable, excellent interpersonal skills are essential. If you're applying for a role either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services, you'll be asked to show how you think the values of the NHS Constitution apply in your everyday work. The same will be true if you are applying for a university course funded by the NHS.As a qualified and experienced PWP you can apply for more senior posts at band 6, with additional management and specialist responsibilities. You could further your career by undertaking CBT training.