Entry requirements and training (clinical management)

Entry requirements and training

You'll usually need to be a qualified and registered healthcare professional (such as a nurse, allied health professional, midwife or doctor) to enter a career in clinical management. There may be a requirement for you to have training or experience in relevant areas such as clinical audit or clinical governance.

You should always see what the requirements are in the person specification of the vacancy for any role you're considering.

• Skills, qualities and interests needed

  For a career in clinical management, you'll need:

  • the ability to challenge the way things are and find better alternatives
  • a commitment to the ideals of quality and fairness in delivering healthcare.
  • a willingness to work with others and respect their views
  • good communication skills
  • organisational skills
  • confidence with numbers
  • confidence with computers and IT
  • negotiating skills
  • honesty and fairness in dealing with other people
  • leadership skills

  If you're applying for a healthcare science role or training position either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work. The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution.

  Find out more about the NHS Constitution.

• Training and development

  Depending on the role you're considering, you may need training and/or experience of areas such as cinical audit, clinical governance or risk management.

  If you are a qualified and registered healthcare professional, your professional body and/or trade union may provide training in management that you can tap into.

  The NHS Leadership Academy has a variety of programmes for staff wanting to develop their leadership potential. Find out more about programmes available from the NHS Leadership Academy.

  The Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership provides education and training in clinical audit. Visit the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership website

  Professional development

  Depending on your background and role, you may be required to maintain your professional clinical registration, through continuing professional development (CPD).

  Find out more about professional development.