Overview
Healthcare is a large and diverse sector. In addition to the traditional roles of doctor, dentist and nurse, this sector also includes alternative/complementary therapies in health promotion and wellbeing.
The relatively new role of practitioner’s assistant is included within allied medical specialisms. Covered within psychology are the main areas of specialism as well as related occupations such as clinical associate and graduate primary care mental health worker.
For many of the occupations mentioned here the NHS is the main employer. Private practice and charitable organisations are also common settings. A large proportion of these jobs will demand that entrants have successfully completed appropriate training, either at undergraduate or postgraduate level (and in some cases at both), or have undergone training accredited by the appropriate professional body.
Reference books and journals
We stock a number of reference books and journals in our information centres. For details of our books on health care and psychology see the link below. Use our suggested viewing style to see the most useful information.
Useful links
NHS Careers - covers the NHS as an employer in England and Wales and the full variety of career options available. This includes job descriptions, case studies and entry routes. The information relates to the professions in England and Wales but is a good overview.
Health and Care NI - is the gateway to health and social care services in Northern Ireland, containing links to all local acute and community hospital trusts, GP surgeries and clinics, health boards, agencies and central government healthcare services.
Health Professions Council (HPC) - is the independent, UK-wide regulatory body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of professional training, performance and conduct of certain healthcare professions. This site provides brief job descriptions and a guide to recognised qualifications along with links to professional bodies.
Vacancy sources
NHS Jobs - vacancy listings for the NHS in England and Wales
NHS Scotland Jobs - vacancy listings for NHS Scotland
HealthjobsUK - offers career and training information as well as vacancies in the health sector.
Jobs in Health - is a searchable recruitment site for health professionals
This article was published on Jan 28, 2013