subject: Different types of jobs in the health care industry [print this page] Different types of jobs in the health care industry
Many people decide on a career in health care at a very early age, particularly if they want to be a doctor, a surgeon or a dentist. That's because these professions require many years of study and on-the-job experience before a permanent position can be found. However, many people decide that they want to work in the health care industry at a much later date - perhaps after they have already finished a degree in another subject or later in life. If this sounds like you, there's no reason to believe that this late start puts you in a disadvantageous position. Indeed, there are many options for a job in health care that are vital to ensuring that the industry as a whole operates smoothly.
If you're keen to work with patients, jobs in nursing, patient support and care assistance can be found across the country, in both the public and private sectors. Care giving in particular is a job in which your personal experience and general temperament may count for more than your qualifications in the eyes of employers. In this job, as in most positions that involve patient support, you'll need to be patient, personable, able to work independently and have a flexible schedule that allows you to travel between care homes and residences, or stay overnight with a client if you need to.
Alternatively, if you don't feel that you have the personality or experience to work directly with patients, there are several administrative and organisational positions available in the health care industry that are just as vital to ensuring that people get adequate care and support. These vacancies may range from basic clerical jobs to marketing-related positions that focus on promoting health awareness: for example, testicular cancer checks or anti-smoking campaigns. And if sales is your forte, there are appropriate positions you can apply for in the health sector too, such as selling private health insurance or cash plans.
Scientific research is another vital component of the healthcare industry, and positions may range from local clinical trial coordinators to internationally significant research on cancer, heart disease and HIV. These health jobs are likely to look particularly for chemistry or biosciences graduates, as well as people that have studied in other relevant scientific disciplines or those with pharmaceutical experience.
If you're a non-science graduate, you may find other graduate opportunities available in the NHS and the private sector via graduate recruitment schemes. These programmes usually offer an attractive starting salary and may also include a bonus or an added perk for people from specific disciplines, like finance. However, gaining acceptance on these schemes may also be competitive. If you miss out on a place, consider volunteering at a local hospital or care home. You won't be earning money but you'll gain valuable skills and experience that will put you in an advantageous position the next time you apply for a health care vacancy.
