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. Ophthalmic and vision science

    Ophthalmic and vision science is the study of disorders of vision, plus diseases of the eye and the visual pathway.

    You’ll need two or three A2 or A-levels including science subjects or equivalent level-3 qualifications for the BSc (Hons) healthcare science NHS Practitioner Training Programme, a relevant degree (at a minimum of a 2:1 classification. 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 enter Higher Specialist Scientist Training you'll need to be a registered clinical scientist and have considerable relevant experience.
    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 typically start of AfC band 5 and band 6 on the STP. With further experience and qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9, depending on the role and level of responsibility. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    Able to show understanding, tolerance and give reassurance to patients, an interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, pay attention to detail 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.
  2. Respiratory medicine

    Doctors working in respiratory medicine diagnose and treat conditions affecting the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, larynx, windpipe, lungs and the diaphragm.

    Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. 2 year foundation doctor training, 2 year core medical training and 4 year specialist training (ST3-6). 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 per week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. You will also need to be on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a doctor working in respiratory medicine 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 1240 consultants working in respiratory medicine in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were 407 applications for 74 specialty training places. You will be able to practise general respiratory medicine or choose a sub-specialist interest such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, lung transplantation, lung cancer, sleep disordered breathing and non-invasive ventilatory support. You’ll also have opportunities to conduct research and teach.
  3. Critical care science

    Critical care science is about caring for patients who are critically ill.

    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, 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.
    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, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    You’ll need a mature and calm manner, with the ability to work well under pressure and concentrate for long periods; a confident but sympathetic approach; to be especially confident with technology, systems and processes; comfortable speaking in front of people and demonstrating things, able to stand or sit for long periods, be adept at using a range of tools and work well 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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