How to get into the healthcare industry

Are you considering a career within healthcare? Guest blogger Alice Greedus from CV Library discusses the different ways you can get into the healthcare industry. 

“Working in the healthcare sector can be a rewarding career path, giving you the opportunity to help others and make a real difference. The good news is that whatever stage you’re at in your career or education, there are a number of routes you can take to land a healthcare role.
While some jobs provide an entry-level route to working in the sector, other roles may require a degree or specific qualifications. In this article, we discuss the different routes you can take to get a job in the healthcare industry.
Entry-level roles
A degree or formal qualification isn’t necessary to make your first step in this industry. There are many roles that can provide an entry-level route to working in healthcare. This is perfect if you don’t have experience in the sector or you don’t want to pursue a classroom education.
Through entry-level roles, you will have the opportunity to learn on the job and work your way up the ladder. Depending on the role you apply for, you may need GCSE’s, A-Levels, or a B-TEC (or equivalent) qualification in certain subjects.
As every role can differ, it’s best you check out the requirements for the role you’re interested in. Search for your desired role to find out more about the skills and qualifications that employers are looking for.

Examples of entry-level roles include:

• Healthcare assistant
• Carer
• Medical secretary
• Pharmacy technician
• Dental support worker

Apprenticeships

If you want on-the-job training while working towards a qualification, an apprenticeship could be for you. An advantage of apprenticeships is that they run in different levels depending on your existing qualification.

For instance, level two is intermediate and equivalent to GCSE level, level 3 is advanced and equivalent to A-Levels. Higher and degree level apprenticeships are also available at levels 4 to 7. The requirements for you to do an apprenticeship are that you have to be 16 or over to apply and not in full-time education.

These different levels mean that apprenticeships are accessible to almost anyone. Plus they are great for those who don’t want to go to university but still want to learn and gain qualifications.

Examples of specific roles you can train for during an apprenticeship include:

• Ambulance practitioner
• Nurse
• Dental Nurse
• Pharmacy services/support

However, if you’re unsure what role you want to do in healthcare, you could do a more general apprenticeship, such as:

• Health and social care
• Clinical support
• Healthcare science
• Care, leadership and management
• Emergency care and assistance

Jobs medical has a range of apprenticeships in these areas that you can apply for.

Degree

If you want the university experience, there are planet of degrees to choose from in the healthcare sector. Moreover, some careers in this industry will require a degree as an absolute must! This is true for doctors, dentists and pharmacists.

The entry requirements for most degree courses include A-Levels or an equivalent (such as a B-Tec). However, you may be able to do a foundation degree instead. This largely depends on what course you’re applying for and the university you choose to go to. Bear in mind that some courses may ask for specific subjects as well.

The length of the course will depend on the university and type of degree you’re studying. For example, becoming a doctor requires a medical degree, which is usually five years. But if you want to become a nurse or physiotherapist, the degree is normally a three year course.

Other healthcare careers that have degree programmes:

• Occupational therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Midwife
• Radiographer
• Speech and language therapist
• Dental hygienist

Taking your first step in the healthcare industry

To sum up, you need to find the path that works best for you. This will depend on your experience, qualifications and personal preference. The good news is that this industry is full of opportunities and progression, no matter what path you choose.”

Not sure where to start?

Zenopa is a recruitment agency that specialises in commercial roles within the healthcare sector.

If you’re looking to start your career, are looking for new opportunities, or are looking to take the next step and progress, our team of specialist consultants are here to help. With over 25 year’s recruitment experience in the animal health, consumer healthcare, dental, engineering, scientific, medical and pharmaceutical sectors, you will be in safe hands.

If you would like to find out more about the current opportunities we have available with leading healthcare companies all over the UK, call the team on 01494 818 000, register your details, send us a message along with a CV or email us, enquiries@zenopa.com.