You may find it useful to do a college course before applying for jobs, for example:

• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support
• A level in a science
• T Level in Healthcare Science

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes between 12 and 18 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

You could start as a healthcare assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

You might have an advantage when looking for jobs if you have volunteering experience in a healthcare setting.

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant skills and experience from working in a healthcare setting. Some employers may ask for a qualification in healthcare and GCSE subjects like maths, English and science.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of medicine and anatomy
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As a radiography assistant, you would:

• reassure patients and get them ready for their x-ray or scan
• help to process images
• enter patient data into a computer system
• carry out routine equipment checks and report any faults
• take patients to and from other wards

You could work at a hospice or in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.