Effective health provision relies enormously on the availability of suitably trained and qualified staff. Many posts, of course, involve working closely with patients,  so it must be taken as read that the ability to listen, understand and empathise is of huge importance.

Skills for healthcare and medicine

It is almost impossible to work in a clinical setting without demonstrating the practical skills needed to use specialist equipment.

As well as these attributes, the ability to analyse and solve problems and make effective judgements is also an essential requirement.

Good interpersonal skills and communication skills are also vital.

Training in healthcare and medicine

If you are about to graduate from a non-relevant degree, you will have to take on further training should you wish to work directly with patients. Three years’ study is the norm, although there are some accelerated schemes for graduates.

Financial assistance is available for several health-related occupations, which clearly eases the passage towards qualification. Before embarking on a course, arrange to spend some time with someone who practises the career you’re interested in. They will be able to tell you what they enjoy about their work and help you weigh up the pros and cons.

Working for the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS), while not the only employer of health professionals, will be keen to use your services. It is the world’s largest health service and the third largest employer (after the Chinese army and Indian Railways).

Full details on working for the NHS can be found at www.nhscareers.nhs.uk.

Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dieticians are all in short supply. An increased demand for health education officers is also expected.

Working healthcare employers

Outside of the public-service NHS, you could consider working for private providers of healthcare, such as BUPA and Nuffield Hospitals.

The armed services, and schools and colleges also offer opportunities. The pharmaceutical industry recruits doctors and nurses for work on the clinical evaluation of drugs.

What is a graduate career in healthcare like?

The extensive nature of health provision means you are likely to be able to work anywhere in the UK. Career breaks are common and most health-service professionals have opportunities to climb to managerial levels and better-paid positions.

The relatively recent introduction of a consultant grade in professions other than medicine emphasises the importance the NHS places on recognising the contribution made by a wider range of staff than was perhaps previously the case.

Laboratory and non-clinical graduate careers

Although clinical posts spring to mind, don’t forget that there is also a wide range graduate laboratory and non-clinical positions.

The NHS runs a graduate management training scheme, which combines training, postgraduate study for professional qualifications and work placements. Trainees enter streams including finance, human resources or general management, and on completion they generally progress quickly into senior management positions.