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. Clinical radiology

    Clinical radiologists use images to diagnose, treat and manage medical conditions and diseases. 

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine, two year foundation doctor training. five-six year specialist training (ST1-6). This period of training will include 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 including 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 clinical radiologist 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.
    There are approximately 3,377 clinical radiologists working in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were 1308 applications for 311 specialty training places. You could specialise in interventional radiology or develop an interest in breast, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, oncology, paediatric or vascular radiology.
  2. Clinical engineering

    Clinical engineering staff check and maintain medical equipment to make sure it is safe to use and operating correctly. 

    A-levels (or an equivalent level-3 qualification) are required for entry onto the BSc (Hons) healthcare science (NHS Practitioner Training Programme); 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. 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.; experience as a registered clinical scientist for Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST).
    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. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. 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.
    An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, meticulous attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of 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.
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