We answer as many of your frequently asked questions (FAQs) as we can to give you a clearer picture of what you can expect from a career in the healthcare sector. As always, if there’s anything we’ve missed that you’d like a little help with, please get in touch with our team.
Q: What does it mean to be a registered healthcare professional?
A: A large number of healthcare professionals are regulated on a statutory basis, so to work as a healthcare professional in organisations like the NHS, you will be legally required to register with the relevant regulatory body.
It is not unusual for a group of workers to be regulated in this way. Many other professions are regulated too, but in many cases their registration is voluntary; however, it is usually in a worker’s best interests to be registered with the relevant regulatory body.
Q: Is a career in healthcare right for me?
A: Healthcare can be an extremely rewarding career for many people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. Thanks to government cuts, public sector healthcare workers, such as those in the NHS, are working under increasingly stressful conditions, and caps on wage rises mean there are unlikely to be any significant salary hikes in the near future.
However, there are also plenty of healthcare jobs with private hospitals and not-for-profit organisations where the working conditions are drastically different, so it’s important you do your research to find the right healthcare job for you. If you know someone who works in the healthcare sector they could be a valuable source of insider information. Alternatively, give one of our consultants a call and they’ll be happy to talk you through some of the different healthcare jobs available.
Q: Will I be able to work in healthcare if I have a criminal record?
A: That depends on the nature of the offence and the type of healthcare work you will be doing. Roles with direct patient contact will usually require a clean record. At Seven Healthcare, we complete full compliance checks on every individual. That includes:
- Immunisation checks
- Mandatory training checks
- Reference checks
- Documentation (e.g. proof of address, proof of eligibility to work in the UK)
- Disclosure and Barring Service checks
Q: Do I need a degree to get a job in the healthcare sector?
A: No. You will need a degree for about 50 percent of the jobs in the healthcare sector, but there are also lots of opportunities for staff without university qualifications.
Q: Is there any age limit for jobs in the healthcare sector?
A: No, there is no upper age limit on jobs in the healthcare sector, in fact, a little more life experience and maturity can actually be an advantage in many roles. If you have any concerns about your age or how appropriate you might be for a particular healthcare job, please give us a call to discuss the role and your application in more detail.
Q: Where can I find more information about jobs in the healthcare sector?
A: You can get information about training courses, job opportunities and careers in the healthcare sector from the following sources:
- Teachers and careers advisors at colleges and universities;
- The NHS Careers website
- The National Careers Service
- The icould website has a dedicated health and social care section with videos from people already working in a wide range of healthcare roles
- The National Apprenticeship Service has information about healthcare apprenticeships in your area
Q: Can you help me find a job in the healthcare sector?
A: Absolutely. We work with a diverse group of healthcare professionals to find them well-paid, rewarding roles across the UK. We only work with the best candidates and clients, giving us access to rates of pay you would not receive elsewhere. For personalised assistance finding your next healthcare role, please upload your CV and register with Seven Healthcare today.
