What is the healthcare sector?

The healthcare sector consists of jobs and specialities related to healthcare services. This includes doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and a wide range of support staff. In this industry, there are also opportunities related to medical research, development and healthcare management. Both the public and private divisions offer healthcare services, while the National Health Service (NHS) funds some jobs. The NHS is the largest employer in the country and provides an extensive variety of healthcare services. A professional whom the NHS employs works to provide high-quality care to all citizens through their local GP practice, hospital or community service. The roles within the NHS are diverse and require specific training and qualifications, which is why there are many job opportunities in this sector.

Job opportunities in the healthcare industry

Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors in the country. In the private division, many hospitals and clinics employ doctors, nurses and other medical professionals, such as pharmacists, physiotherapists and nutritionists. In the public sector, healthcare jobs are available in the NHS and other government-funded organisations, such as local councils and universities. Healthcare professionals can work in primary and secondary care and related areas, such as research or management. To work under the NHS, you can apply for various healthcare jobs or other allied health professional roles. There are many support or non-clinical positions, such as caregivers, receptionists, housekeepers and administrative staff. You can pursue specialities such as midwifery, radiology and occupational therapy. Medical education, research or public health are other roles to consider. This sector is an attractive option for those looking to gain experience and expand their expertise.

Degrees for working in the healthcare industry

Whether you’re looking to work in a hospital, nursing home or primary care setting, employers usually require professionals to have qualifications in the relevant field. These can vary across different roles, and the level you need may be dependent on your chosen career path. The following are some of the available qualifications for this sector:

Certification or BSc degree

Before you apply for a role in the healthcare industry, consider completing a degree programme. You can opt for certificate or diploma courses to equip you with the relevant knowledge necessary for the position you are pursuing. If you’ve had a degree unrelated to health or medicine, you look for and enrol in a healthcare conversion programme to help you understand the industry. Many employers typically require you to have a 2:2 in your degree.

Internship and trainee certification

You can also find healthcare apprenticeships, internships and trainee programmes to give you an insight into the industry and provide you with on-the-job learning. For example, the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) integrates BSc coursework with practical exercises in disciplines such as clinical engineering, medical physics technology and life sciences. This can be an addition to your CV when seeking a related job.

Registered nursing

Registered nursing is one accessible degree path in healthcare. If you’re looking to pursue a role in midwifery or nursing, it’s often necessary you have a healthcare degree that’s relevant to the position. These professionals typically assist with patient diagnosis, treatment and counselling. Medical science, case management, community nursing and care coordination are common classes that people pursuing a degree in registered nursing often take. For students to get practical medical experience, these courses typically include a clinical component.

Postgraduate degree

If you want to enhance your abilities as a physiotherapist, clinical psychologist, paramedic or pharmacist, you can opt for healthcare postgraduate courses to further educate yourself with the advanced skills related to these roles. You can also find classes in specialities such as mental health nursing, radiography and pharmacology. Healthcare courses vary but typically last three or more years. They may include work placements, which give insight into industry practices and help you gain valuable experience.

Community health and preventative medicine

You can become an educator or resource manager by obtaining degrees in community health and preventive medicine. Coursework in this field may consist of behaviour, family and community health, preventative medicine, epidemiology, biostatistics, medical laws and regulations and public health. These studies strongly emphasise the effects of persistent illnesses on communities and the value of accessible general information in campaigns and outreach initiatives.

Important skills for working in the healthcare industry

If you’d like to pursue this career path, here are some of the required abilities for these positions:

Receptive attitude

Receptiveness to learning allows you to learn new skills, such as technical competencies related to improvements in medical equipment or new patient billing schemes. Possessing a responsive attitude shows your willingness to pick up new abilities and your openness to helpful criticism. This allows you to provide a greater standard of care.

Flexibility

Unexpected situations can arise at any time in healthcare roles, so flexibility can help you to tackle these. The needs of the healthcare facility where you work and that of your patients may affect your daily routines. Your flexibility demonstrates to your employer that you’re willing to adjust to changing conditions when necessary to complete your work.

Patience

Demonstrating this skill helps you focus better, whether you are with patients, colleagues or the management in the organisation you work for. It also helps you remain calm in complex situations. If your employer can see that you’re willing to be patient with people, it demonstrates that you can learn and grow in your field, which may distinguish you from others.

Attention to detail

Working in healthcare involves a lot of details. Whether you’re scheduling patients or managing their illnesses, being attentive to detail can ensure you get it right the first time. This can help you revise your work to avoid missing crucial information.

Positive attitude

A positive attitude impacts both the professionals and their patients. This skill can help improve the work environment, encourage teamwork and eliminate communication barriers. It demonstrates to your employers, patients and colleagues that you’re approachable, optimistic and relatable.

Time management

Good time management is crucial for every professional in the healthcare industry. It can help you complete insurance paperwork, attend to more patients and know how to respond to emergencies when they arise. It can also lead to increased productivity.

Communication

This ability is helpful when explaining test results, responding to enquiries or providing necessary information that may be important to your patient. Understanding verbal and non-verbal cues can also help you communicate with both patients and your colleagues effectively. This minimises misunderstandings. Nonverbal communication is one of many tools that can help you make a good impression in interviews and in your professional life. However, candidate assessments should be based on skills and qualifications, and workplaces should strive to be inclusive and understanding of individual differences in communication styles.

Stress management

Stress may be inevitable for people who work in specific healthcare industries, such as emergency rooms or other fast-paced environments. By effectively managing stress, you can remain productive and efficient. It also helps you maintain a positive attitude and ensures a healthy working atmosphere.

Empathy

Healthcare professionals possess a high level of empathy, as they’re likely to deal with patients of diverse backgrounds and medical conditions. Good practitioners use this skill to connect with patients, understand their situation and treat them with care. They’re also more willing to offer help in any way they can while interacting with colleagues and patients.