How to become a health play specialist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll need a foundation degree in a healthcare play specialism to register with the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust as a registered Health Play Specialist. This is a 2-year, part-time course. To get onto the course, you usually need:
- a childcare qualification at level 3 or above
- GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
- at least 2 years' experience of working with children - paid or voluntary
Courses are a mix of practical work and theory. If you're not already working in healthcare play, you need to arrange a placement during the course.
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a health play specialist practitioner higher apprenticeship.
You will need some experience of working with children in a childcare or healthcare setting.
There may be opportunities with the NHS, as well as independent and private providers of healthcare services. You can find vacancies through NHS Jobs and the National Association of Health Play Specialists.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Volunteering in a healthcare setting will give you useful work experience for applying for courses and jobs.
You may also find volunteering opportunities where you can gain relevant skills, through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.
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Career tips
When applying for jobs and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a health play specialist from the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust, Health Careers and the National Association of Health Play Specialists.