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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.

Adult nurses in the NHS will usually work standard hours of 37.5 per week and will start at Agenda for Change band 5 with opportunities to progress. Many adult nurses will work shifts, especially within in-patient departments. Terms and conditions can vary for employers outside of the NHS, such as the police force or prison service.

As you will be responsible for a number of patients, each with different needs, you have to be highly organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively. On top of this, a good adult nurse is also highly observant, able to assess patients and take responsibility for determining the best course of action for them.

You could specialise in areas such as operating theatres, care for the elderly or intensive care. You may want to work in public health, management, teaching or clinical research.

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 or 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 and experienced clinical scientist.

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.

Good verbal and written communication skills, an aptitude for science, an interest in physiology and medicine, confidence with technology, systems and processes, effective people skills, a willingness to take on a high level of responsibility and the ability to work in 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. You could be involved in the further development of non-invasive procedures to assess blood flow, and in the development of advanced wound healing techniques and products.

To practise as a paramedic, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you need to study for an approved qualification in paramedic science which could be a diploma, a foundation degree or a degree. You might study for this full-time or while working as a student paramedic or a degree level apprenticeship.

Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales and paramedics start at band 6. Although paramedics work standard hours of around 37.5 a week, these are on a shift pattern. Shifts cover 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the year. So a paramedic’s work pattern includes, evenings, nights, early starts, weekends and bank holidays.

A paramedic needs to be calm in stressful situations, resilient in dealing with other people’s strong emotions, able to work quickly and carefully, have good communication skills, excellent driving skills and be able to use equipment and machinery.

With experience, you could become a team leader, supervising the work of paramedics and emergency care assistants. With further experience, you could become a manager, responsible for several teams. Teaching or research are other options. Some paramedics choose to join a specialist team such as caring for stroke patients or working on an air ambulance. You could take extra training and qualifications for one of the roles for experienced paramedics, taking on more responsibility for treatment and decision-making in emergencies.