Whatever your skills, qualifications or interests, there is a career for you in the NHS. You could work directly with patients, in an office, in hospitals, a care home, a GP practice, an ambulance trust, or in the community.
Every day is different and rewarding, and everyone plays a vital role in looking after people’s health and well-being. Once you are part of the NHS team the opportunities in health and social care are endless.
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Find out more about what it’s like to work in health and care with these real-life stories from a range of staff. These interviews give you an insight into working in a particular role and what they love most about their job.
ODPs (Operating Department Practitioners)
ODPs are Allied Health Professionals who are based in operating theatres. Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs) work in three key areas; anaesthetics, surgery and recovery. An ODP will participate as part of the team, meeting a variety of patients from very small children to older adults and everything between and perform a number of roles
Healthcare Science
Healthcare scientists use a range of science, engineering and technology skills to prevent, diagnose and treat a range of medical conditions. Together they provide the scientific backbone of the NHS and their work underpins 80% of all diagnoses. Their role stretches across the whole innovation pathway from academic and translational research, to patient-centred service transformation.
Midwifery
Midwives provide care and support to women and their families while pregnant, throughout labour and during the period after a baby’s birth. You’ll mainly deal with pregnant women requiring professional support and advice.
You are likely to be the lead health professional and contact for a woman, providing evidence-based information and helping her make informed choices about the options and services available throughout her pregnancy.
Radiographers are allied health professionals who take x-rays and other medical images to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases and injuries. They are also known as medical imaging technologists.
A radiographer does your scan. Radiography is one of the most innovative aspects of healthcare – you’ll use advanced technology to look inside patients’ bodies and understand the root causes of their illness, and consult with colleagues on diagnosis and treatment plans.
For more information and to view other career videos click here
Following government's announcement on the 2022/23 pay award, the annual salary have been updated and can be accessed below inclusive of Higher Cost Area Supplements (HCAS) rates.
Band | Entry step point | Years until eligible for pay progression | Intermediate step point | Years until eligible for pay progression | Top step point |
Band 2 | £20,270 | 2 | £21,318 |
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Band 3 | £21,730 | 2 | £23,177 |
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Band 4 | £23,949 | 3 | £26,282 | ||
Band 5 | £27,055 | 2 | £29,180 | 2 | £32,934 |
Band 6 | £33,706 | 2 | £35,572 | 3 | £40,588 |
Band 7 | £41,659 | 2 | £43,806 | 3 | £47,672 |
Band 8a | £48,526 | 5 | £54,619 |
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Band 8b | £56,164 | 5 | £65,262 |
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Band 8c | £67,064 | 5 | £77,274 |
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Band 8d | £79,592 | 5 | £91,787 |
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Band 9 | £95,135 | 5 | £109,475 |
Agenda for change: published 4 August 2022
Have you thought about completing an apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are for any age and are the opportunity to 'earn while you learn' whether you are just starting out or looking to progress in your career.
NHS apprenticeships are available at four levels:
level 2 - equivalent to GCSEs
level 3 - equivalent to A-levels
levels 4 and 5 - equivalent to a foundation degree and above
levels 6 and 7 - equivalent to a full bachelor’s or Master’s degree
Entry requirements will depend on the employer and the type and level of apprenticeship.
For example, you may need four or five GCSEs at grades 9-4/A-C or equivalent to do an Advanced Level Apprenticeship. To start a higher apprenticeship you're likely to need A-levels, equivalent level 3 qualifications or relevant and sufficient experience.
you get paid and train at the same time, with at least 20% of your time spent in off the job training, often at a college, university or with a training provider
you train to be fully competent in your chosen occupation
you’re on a career path - with lots of future potential for you
Working in social care means supporting people with their non-clinical needs, although there is an important crossover between working in health and working in social care. Your work could range from anything to providing medication and personal care to helping someone with their shopping or making their lunch for them
Whatever your skills, age or qualifications there is a role for you in social care. Click here to see why some of the Adult Social Care workforce chose a career in care.
If you are interested in being a Team Leader, Key Support Worker, Care Assistant or a Manager visit the Herts Good care website to apply today.
Not quite ready? Click here to read why and how current staff got into their careers.
Careers support
As always the Academy is happy to offer health and care careers support to schools, colleges and students, so please get in touch with us via email academy.hwe@nhs.net if you have any queries or need help supporting careers events virtually or face to face
Interested in working for the NHS or social care? Find out about current vacancies and how to apply.
Nursing associate is a new role within the nursing team. Find out more about the role here.
You could help make a real difference to people’s lives by choosing a career in health or social care.
Interested in working for the NHS or social care? Find out about current vacancies and how to apply.
Nursing associate is a new role within the nursing team. Find out more about the role here.
You could help make a real difference to people’s lives by choosing a career in health or social care.
The Academy is part of the Hertfordshire and west Essex Integrated Care System where NHS organisations, in partnership with local councils and others, take collective responsibility for managing resources, delivering NHS standards, and improving the health of the population they serve.
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