What are the common Healthcare career paths?

Entry into the profession is possible at all levels. That said most, but by no means all, routes into the health and social care sector will require a degree. Here we look at some of the most popular career paths.

Acupuncturists, chiropractors, naturopaths and osteopaths will typically start their careers working as an associate of someone already experienced in the role they want to do. With some experience and an increased client base, many opt to set up their own private practice within a relatively short period of time.

The career path for allied health professionals has a more familiar pattern. Physiotherapists, for example, will learn their trade within a clinical setting before choosing to specialise in a specific field such as sports medicine or obstetrics with a significant number of practitioners opting to go it alone. While radiographers could follow the more conventional managerial route from being newly qualified to senior advanced practitioner before taking on a superintendent role.

Pharmacists will enter their profession as a trainee in either a hospital, GP surgery, health centre or retail outlet and can quickly move into a management position, responsible for pharmacy technicians and other staff with one of more different pharmacies. While private practice is an increasingly popular trend within this field.

Newly qualified nurses will work towards securing their next position as a junior sister within two years. And as you gain experience and take on more responsibility you can look forward to progressing as a ward sister/ward manager/team leader. While doctors can look forward to specialising in certain fields, becoming a surgeon or opting for a life in the ‘burbs as a general practitioner (GP).

In the social care sector, one of the most common job roles is that of social worker, it is also one of the most varied. Progression as a social worker can mean changing specialism, such as moving from child protection to fostering and adoption or counselling jobs. Or it could involve climbing the ranks as a senior practitioner to team or care manager. Another social care common role is a support worker, which duties are similar but slightly more junior to that of a social worker. You can prepare for this role by following our support worker job interview question and answer guide.

Despite initial assumptions, not all health care and social care workers are employed by the NHS or local authorities who between them are responsible for around half of all jobs within these two sectors. BUPA and numerous private independent healthcare organisations are big players along with the voluntary sector and a growing self-employed area. And it’s up to you to identify the type of employer which best suits your personality.

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