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. Arts manager/arts co-ordinator

    The role of arts managers/arts coordinators vary. Some have public arts and design briefs for new builds or renovations, others involve participatory arts activities and public health agenda and community consultation. 

    There are no set entry requirements. The precise nature of the work and job title will vary between health organisations and so when searching for vacancies, it's important to check each job description and person specification carefully. Employers usually expect arts managers and coordinators to have a relevant qualification at degree or postgraduate level and may expect candidates to have experience in delivering and coordinating arts projects. This could be from the NHS or elsewhere and could be voluntary or paid. When joining the NHS, arts managers are given the training they need including an introduction to the organisation and its systems and procedures. They're expected to keep their skills and knowledge of the arts world up to date.
    Most staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. Pay rates for arts managers and coordinators will vary, depending on the precise role. Check individual vacancies for details. Most staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. They may have to attend meetings or events in the evening or at weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for clinical support staff working outside of the NHS.
    As an arts manager/coordinator, you need to be interested in the arts and how they are related to health, creative, flexible, resourceful, willing to work with people from all walks of life and all ages. You also need artistic and creative skills, good organisational and project management skills.
    Arts coordinators and arts managers can progress by working in larger departments with more staff and a bigger budget. They go on to become the head of arts for a trust.
  2. Mammography associate

    Mammography associates are members of the breast imaging team and play a vital role in finding signs of breast cancer early.  

    You’ll need such as GCCEs in English and maths at 9-4 or A-C or an equivalent level 3 qualifications such as functional skills to apply for a mammography apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is a twelve-month (minimum) training programme where you’ll combine academic learning with on-the-job training. You can apply for the apprenticeship via the NHS Jobs website or you can find live vacancies in your area below.
    If you’re employed by the NHS, you’ll be on a national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC). As a mammography associate you’ll usually be paid at band 4 with opportunities to progress with experience. Terms and conditions can vary if you are employed outside the NHS.
    You'll need a good understanding of breast anatomy, physiology and pathology, including clinical signs and symptoms of breast cancer, excellent interpersonal skills and be able to effectively delegate and supervise
    There are a range of career opportunities for mammography associates. You may decide to train as a diagnostic or therapeutic radiographer either through a degree apprenticeship or undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
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