Getting into healthcare hasn’t been the top of the agenda of many people over the last few years, but with a new government and a commitment to the healthcare sector, including £1.57billion for new surgical hubs, getting into the sector and helping others is starting to become more of an appeal once again.

Working for the NHS or in the private health space can be a fantastic career choice for many, and for young adults looking to find their calling in life, it could well be an option, particularly in London where there are many roles and specialisms available. But where exactly do you start if you’re looking for a career in healthcare in the capital?

Assess Your Skills and Interests

The startpoint, of course, is understanding your interests and where your skills lie. Consider whether you prefer working directly with patients or if you prefer to be more behind the scenes in the likes of administration or research and data analysis.

There are a vast range of roles within healthcare, some being much more patient focused, others being more technical, researching into the likes of conditions and cures.

Your natural skills can play a big part in your pathway. For example, if you’re more detail-oriented and enjoy problem solving, clinical research can be a good option, whereas if you have strong communication skills and are good at showing compassion, then being a paramedic or nurse, for example, can be a good option.

Explore Different Sectors within Healthcare

Across London there are many different sectors within healthcare that’s worth considering, from a career in the National Health Service to private healthcare, and even the many non-profit organisations and research institutions based in the city.

Each has different characteristics, again suiting some people more than others.

NHS Careers

The NHS is one of the largest employers in London and offers a wide range of positions in hospitals, clinics, and community health services. NHS jobs often come with structured career pathways, excellent training, and opportunities for advancement. You can explore NHS roles through the NHS Jobs website, which lists openings across London in all specialties.

Private Healthcare

London has a strong private healthcare sector with roles in hospitals like the London Clinic, Bupa Cromwell, and Harley Street clinics. Private sector roles may offer different working environments and sometimes higher salaries, but they may require a different approach to patient care compared to the NHS.

Non-Profit and Charity Sector

Many charities, such as Marie Curie or MIND, provide healthcare support services, particularly in mental health, palliative care, and community health. Working for a healthcare charity can be incredibly rewarding if you’re passionate about making a difference in specific areas of health.

Pursue Relevant Qualifications and Training

For most healthcare careers you will need formal training and qualifications, largely beginning with a relevant degree as a base point. For example, to become a registered nurse you need degree-level training and to be registered with certain regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Council or the Health and Care Professions Council.

In some cases, further education is needed and more technical roles, such as a radiographer or lab technician, you’ll need a specific degree or diploma.

Entry level roles such as healthcare assistants and medical receptionists can be a good start point for those without extensive qualifications, with many employers, especially in the NHS, offering training programmes to build your skills and, as a result, opportunities within the sector.

Utilise Job Boards and Recruitment Agencies Specialising in Healthcare

There are several platforms and agencies dedicated to healthcare recruitment in London. NHS Jobs is the primary platform for positions within the National Health Service, while Indeed, Reed, and Total Jobs list both public and private sector roles. Specialist agencies, like Hays Healthcare and Pulse Jobs, focus on healthcare placements, providing access to temporary, permanent, and locum positions.

Networking platforms like LinkedIn are also valuable resources for connecting with healthcare professionals and recruiters, learning about job openings, and gaining insights into different healthcare career paths.

Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Work Placements

If you’re new to healthcare or are exploring a career change, gaining experience through volunteering or internships can help you confirm your interest and suitability for the field. Many London hospitals, such as Guy’s and St Thomas’ and Great Ormond Street, offer volunteer programmes where you can get hands-on experience and learn more about healthcare settings. Charities like Age UK and British Red Cross also provide volunteer roles in community health and patient support, which can be valuable for those looking to gain experience.

Work placements and internships can often lead to full-time roles, giving you the chance to network and make a positive impression on potential employers.