Compare roles in health

You’ll usually need a bioscience-related first degree or be a registered healthcare professional such as a nurse, allied health professional or midwife to get onto one of the training programmes available. Training usually two years, including many aspects of an undergraduate or postgraduate medical degree. A four-year undergraduate Masters programme is offered by one university and a level 7 apprenticeship standard for physician associates has been approved for delivery. .

Staff in the NHS 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 which covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Physician associates will usually start on AfC band 7. Many posts are internships which can be AfC band 6. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

As well as academic achievement, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate experience of working with the public, an interest in health or social care, the right values to work for the NHS and excellent communication skills.

With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.

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.

Child 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. Many child 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.

You’ll need to be able to reassure distressed children, their family and carers. Verbal and non-verbal communication skills are important as well as the ability to play sensitively with a child. It's likely that you'll need to advise or teach the child's parents/carers what they’ll need to do to treat a child at home. Respect, sensitivity and empathy are also important characteristics for a child nurse.

Some nurses decide to do into management, teaching or clinical academic research. With additional education and training, you could also specialise in roles such as health visiting, neo-natal nursing or school nursing. There are also opportunities to become nurse consultants.