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. Nursing associate

    Nursing associates work with healthcare support workers and registered nurses to deliver care for patients and the public.

    To become a registered nursing associate, you will undertake a combination of academic learning and work-based learning. You will need to demonstrate your ability to study to level 5 foundation degree level, and commit to completing the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship programme.
    During the two-year training programme, you’ll work in a range of settings to gain as much experience as possible. This will mean travelling to placements and working a mix of shifts.
    Your skills and responsibilities will vary, depending on the care setting you work in. You’ll need to demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution and a knowledge of physical health, mental health and illness prevention.
    Registered nursing associates can go on to train as a registered nurse by putting their training towards a shortened nursing degree or completing a degree-level nurse apprenticeship.
  2. Gastroenterology

    Gastroenterologists diagnose, treat and work to prevent gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) and hepatological (liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas) diseases. 

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine, MBBS. 2 years foundation doctor training, 2 years core training (CT1-2), followed by 4 years specialists training (ST3-6). This period of training will include your royal college exams . Most trainees dual accredit in general internal medicine and it that case specialty training is five years. 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, weekends and on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a gastroenterologist 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 2020, there were 373 applications for 79 specialty training places. Your career will mainly focus on hepatology (diseases of the liver) but you’ll also be able to specialise in pancreaticobiliary diseases of the pancreas and biliary system, inflammatory bowel disease, tropical diseases, gastrointestinal cancer and its prevention, transplantation, clinical pharmacology and clinical nutrition.
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