The NHS is the envy of the world, and although it has undergone many challenges, it endures and provides care to people regardless of their economic or social situation. Within the NHS exist 350 different careers, and the UK’s primary healthcare provider’s recruitment drive never ends, presenting opportunities for long and successful careers.
To start an NHS career, you may need to undergo training, which will lead to professional registration with a relevant body. Alternatively, you can enroll on an NHS apprenticeship and learn and earn with a combination of classroom learning and on-the-job training.
If the prospect of a healthcare career inspires you, we reveal the ten most searched for jobs in the NHS.
1. Nutritionist
A Nutritionist leverages their knowledge of food science to provide advice to patients and the public on healthy eating. Your responsibilities will include preventing disease by promoting good health to the community. Your duties will consist of working with dietitians, nurses, schools, and voluntary organisations.
You usually need a degree or Masters in dietetics or nutrition and registration with the Association for Nutrition. You can start your Nutritionist Job Search here and discover the average Nutritionist Salary.
Read our Nutritionist Career Advice and view a Nutritionist CV Template.
2. Care Coordinator
Care Coordinators help patients identify their personal care and support requirements and bring these together in a care plan. Training is available through the Personalised Care Institute. You can start your Care Coordinator Job Search here and discover the average Care Coordinator Salary.
Read our Care Coordinator Career Advice and view a Care Coordinator CV Template.
3. Maternity Support Worker
Maternity Support Workers guide families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the days following birth. Your duties will include caring for mothers and babies, making health observations, and updating patient records.
To find work, you will need five GCSEs and possibly an NVQ in health and social care. You can start your Maternity Support Worker Job Search here and discover the average Maternity Support Worker Salary.
Read our Maternity Support Worker Career Advice and view a Maternity Support Worker CV Template.
4. Practice Manager
Practice Managers oversee the business operations of a GP surgery. You will be responsible for planning, finances, staff training, the appointment system, and record keeping.
Training courses to help you become a Practice Manager are offered by the IHM and AMSPAR. You can start your Practice Manager Job Search here and discover the average Practice Manager Salary.
Read our Practice Manager Career Advice and view a Practice Manager CV Template.
5. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Occupational Therapy Assistants are assistant practitioners who provide support for qualified healthcare professionals. Occupational Therapy is centred on helping patients recover from accidents, illness, or disease. A BTEC or equivalent qualification in health and social care will prepare you for your career. You can start your Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Search here and discover the average Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary.
Read our Occupational Therapy Assistant Career Advice and view a Occupational Therapy Assistant CV Template.
6. Podiatrist
Podiatrists care for and treat patients whose legs or feet have been affected by illness or injury. You may help children with walking problems, older adults with mobility issues, people living with diabetes, or sportspeople in rehabilitation.
A degree or Master's degree is the typical route into a career as a Podiatrist. You will also need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council. You can start your Podiatrist Job Search here and discover the average Podiatrist Salary.
Read our Podiatrist Career Advice and view a Podiatrist CV Template.
7. Health Visitor
Health Visitor is a term that covers several professionals, including nurses, midwives, and specialist community public health nurses (SCPHN). Duties include visiting families with children aged up to five to promote wellbeing and spot the early signs of health issues or disease.
You must complete a one-year program run by the Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - Health Visiting, which is open to registered midwives, health, and learning disability nurses. You can start your Health Visitor Job Search here and discover the average Health Visitor Salary.
Read our Health Visitor Career Advice and view a Health Visitor CV Template.
8. Pharmacologist
Pharmacologists are doctors trained in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CPT). You will work in a hospital and improve patient care through economic, safe, and effective medicine use. You will need a medical degree and two-year foundation programme completion to begin pharmacology training. You can start your Pharmacologist Job Search here and discover the average Pharmacologist Salary.
Read our Pharmacologist Career Advice and view a Pharmacologist CV Template.
9. Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists map the spread of diseases and help medical teams build analysis and interpretation capacities. You will be responsible for disease outbreak planning, vaccinations programmes, surveillance, and community surveys. A degree or Master's in Epidemiology is a prerequisite of an Epidemiology career. You can start your Epidemiologist Job Search here and discover the average Epidemiologist Salary.
Read our Epidemiologist Career Advice and view an Epidemiologist CV Template.
10. Counselling Psychologist
Counselling Psychologists treat mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and psychosis. You could work in a GP surgery, hospital, or mental health services.
Your career should start with a British Psychological Society accredited degree and a counselling psychology training programme. You can start your Counselling Psychologist Job Search here and discover the average Counselling Psychologist Salary.
Read our Counselling Psychologist Career Advice and view a Counselling Psychologist CV Template.
Haven't you seen your prospective career? Check out our two bonus NHS jobs:
11. Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist treats GP referrals providing mental health assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. You may help people with anxiety, phobias, depression, addictions, OCD, or PTSD. You will need a degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council to begin psychiatry training. You can start your Psychiatrist Job Search here and discover the average Psychiatrist Salary.
Read our Psychiatrist Career Advice and view a Psychiatrist CV Template.
12. Hospital Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacists provide advice to healthcare professionals and may focus on the manufacturing, development, supply, monitoring, or testing of medicines. You will need a Master’s degree in pharmacy to start your career. You can start your Hospital Pharmacist Job Search here and discover the average Hospital Pharmacist Salary.
Read our Hospital Pharmacist Career Advice and view a Hospital Pharmacist CV Template.
