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. Learning disability nurse

    Learning disability nurses work to provide specialist healthcare and support to people with a learning disability, as well as their families and staff teams, to help them live a fulfilling life. 

    Entry requirements for adult nursing degrees and nursing degree apprenticeships are set by the individual universities and employers respectively, but typically you will usually need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above plus two A-levels or equivalent qualifications, such as a T level or BTEC at level 3. Some universities may ask for three A-levels or equivalent.
    Learning disability nurses in the NHS will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week and will start at band 5 of Agenda for Change with opportunities to progress. Some learning disability nurses will work shifts, especially within in-patient departments. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS.
    Learning disability nurses focus on managing their clients’ needs over a longer time, often having to be creative to achieve results. You’ll need patience and have highly-developed, flexible communication skills. The job can be stressful and demanding so self-awareness helps. You’ll sometimes need to be assertive to ensure people with a learning disability do not suffer discrimination. Sensitive human interaction is also a core skill.
    Some nurses decide to do into service management or clinical academic research. You could specialise in a sensory disability, such as autism or a specific setting such as education. You may also want to consider areas outside of nursing such as a psychological well-being practitioner or high-intensity therapist.
  2. Dental nurse

    A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care.

    To work as a dental nurse, you have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) or be enrolled on a GDC-approved certificate, diploma or degree course. You do not necessarily need academic qualifications to work as a trainee dental nurse but you will need to study for qualifications to progress.
    Most dental nurses in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings. Your starting salary will usually be between band 3 and band 4 of the Agenda for Change pay rates but some senior dental nurses will start at band 5 or higher. Terms and conditions may vary for those dental nurses not directly employed by the NHS.
    Being a dental nurse requires a friendly, responsible attitude, a positive approach to people and a willingness to study. You must be happy to work as part of a team and willing to learn and understand the science behind dentistry.
    Experience as a dental nurse is usually a requirement for those wishing to become a dental hygienist or dental therapist. With experience and further training, dental nurses can also work as orthodontic therapists.
  3. Liaison psychiatry

    Liaison psychiatrists work at the interface between physical and psychological health, providing psychiatric care to medical patients.

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine and two years of foundation training. You'll then do three years of core training (CT1–3), followed by three years of specialist training (ST4-6). This period of training will include completing your royal college exams. 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. Once you start your specialty training as a liaison psychiatrist 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 empathy and compassion, excellent listening skills and a calm personality. Emotional resilience and initiative to work in challenging situations are also important. You'll also need excellent communication and team working skills along with good problem-solving and decision-making skills using logical/lateral thinking.
    You could specialise or conduct research in areas such as cures for dementia, teach medical students or postgraduate students in training or get involved in research at universities, the NHS or private sector.
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.