These days, you don’t have to have extensive medical knowledge, an expensive degree, or a scientific mind to make a huge different to patients’ lives. The healthcare sector has a range of challenging, exciting, and life-changing positions for those who simply want to look after people. Take the roles of medical administrator, secretary, and PA, for example; integral to the working of a hospital, as well as a huge support to the medical staff, these types of roles ensure a hospital or clinic runs efficiently, as well as making the lives of patients far more comfortable and convenient. Clinical support staff members, meanwhile, are the lifeblood of many wards and medical facilities, tending to patients, assisting doctors and nurses and, in some cases, providing various therapies to patients once the doctors’ work is done. These types of roles are ideal entry-level positions into more specialised careers, and can be a fantastic starting point if you’d like to work within healthcare but aren’t sure to what degree, or in what field.

Research is important. What are your skills? Where do you see yourself making a difference? What types of things do you want to be doing? If you have a passion for helping people and want to set yourself up for the challenges of healthcare, research the types of roles that would be suited to you, explore local facilities, and look at recruitment websites, particularly the NHS job site and any local authority literature. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, use your skills and qualifications to your advantage, and push yourself. If you feel that you’ve fallen short on any aspect of your education, revisit it.

Management and leadership within the health sector

If you have ambitions of becoming a director, manager or senior member of a healthcare team, it’s going to take hard work. The healthcare world relies upon its leaders to make tough decisions, manage everything from ICT and property to finance and human resources, dedicate long hours to their job, and be there to support each member of staff.

The healthcare industry’s leaders are often in the line of fire when things go wrong; you don’t need to be news-savvy to know that senior NHS officials are frequently under attack. Despite many of the challenges, and the negativity surrounding such senior positions, it is a very rewarding career, and the sector is desperate for forward-thinking, dedicated and compassionate leaders to take it forward.  If you feel as though you could make such a difference, like the London Ambulance Service’s non-executive director, Murziline Parchment, it’s time to think big. Ms. Parchment sits on the Board of the Trust with eleven colleagues but has no input into the day-to-day running of the Service. They do, however, have accountability for its safe operation, performance and strategic direction. Ms. Parchment comes from a legal background but is now playing an important role in a vital healthcare related role.

You won’t necessarily require a medical qualification to enter the UK healthcare sector, but a degree or similar qualification in a relevant subject is always an advantage. Similarly, be prepared to complete numerous training courses, prove yourself on the job and, if needs be, start at the bottom.

While many people may dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, consultant, or surgeon, there are also a wealth of medical positions that don’t directly relate to treating patients or making diagnoses. The world of healthcare is a vast and varied one filled with opportunity, personal development, and career progression. You simply have to find the role that best suits you.