There are many different careers in Health and Social Care. Many have direct involvement with patients but there are other jobs behind the scenes to support practitioners.

There are Healthcare opportunities at all skill levels. Most healthcare workers are employed by the National Health Service but other employers include the Armed Forces, the Prison Service, charities, and the private sector.

There are many different careers within the Allied Health Professions (AHP). These include Chiropodists, Dietitians, Occupational Therapists, Orthoptists, Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Psychotherapists, Radiographers and Speech and Language Therapists

Healthcare professionals need a genuine concern for the well-being of their patients. Strong communication and team working skills, IT skills, attention to detail and initiative are all important.

Social and community care involves supporting families, young people, the elderly, homeless people or people with disabilities or mental health difficulties. Many social care staff work in peoples’ homes (domiciliary care), or in residential settings. Listening and relating to people without being judgemental are important skills.

Voluntary work is a common entry route for social care. Although you may not need formal qualifications when you start, there you will be required to have appropriate qualifications. There is a recognised pathway of training opportunities. Some social care workers train to become social workers, with responsibility for assessing and planning the levels of support people need.
(Source: : jobs4u/NHS Careers/Carepoint)

This area looks at just four different job areas in Health and Social Care, with three possible career routes for each:

You can get your qualifications by taking vocational courses or studying while in employment as well as by the more traditional academic route. The important thing is to choose a route that suits you. Some of the health professions have supported training places for staff already working in the service.

Remember these are career pathways, and you can get on or off the pathway at any point!

Mature students without formal qualifications are advised to talk to their local nextstep provider www.nextstep.org.uk One year Access to Higher Education courses give adults without formal qualifications the chance to study at degree level. Contact individual colleges and universities to discuss their entry requirements.

There’s a lot you can do to help your career in Health and Social Care outside formal learning: