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. Rehabilitation engineering

    Rehabilitation engineering encompasses a team of people assessing and responding to the needs of people with disabilities.

    You’ll typically need appropriate level-3 qualifications to apply for a place on a BSc (Hons) healthcare science in rehabilitation engineering NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) or through the NHS Scientist Training Programme specialising in clinical engineering, for which 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.
    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, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
    Effective communication skills, practically minded, and confident with technology, systems and processes, an interest in science and technology, meticulous 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. Radiography assistants and imaging support workers

    Radiography assistants and imaging support workers are crucial cogs in the diagnosis and treatment of NHS patients. 

    There are no set entry requirements for radiography assistants and imaging support workers. Employers expect good numeracy, literacy and IT skills and may ask for GCSEs or equivalent. They may ask for a healthcare qualification, such as BTEC or NVQ and for relevant work experience. You will receive the training you need to work as a radiography assistant or imaging support worker. This includes an introduction to the department and its systems and procedures, using the equipment and health and safety. You may be able to study for the Certificate in Clinical Imaging Support (at level 2 or 3).
    Radiography assistants and imaging support workers working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for positions as an assistant practitioner at band 4. Radiography assistants and imaging support workers in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. You may have to work shifts, including evenings, nights and weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for radiography assistants and imaging support workers working outside of the NHS.
    Radiography assistants and imaging support workers need to be very safety conscious, interested in technology, calm and reassuring, able to understand and follow instructions exactly and physically fit as the job involves a lot of standing and lifting. You'll also need good communication skills, good observation skills and the ability to keep up to date and learn new skills.
    You could apply to train as an assistant practitioner or as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer.
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