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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.