How to become a healthcare assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a college course, which may help you when looking for work. Courses include:
- level 2 Diploma In Preparing for Further Study in Health, Social Care and Social Work
- level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
- T Level in Health
Most health and social care courses include work placements which is a good way to get experience.
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
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a healthcare support worker.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Work
You could work as a trainee care assistant in a residential home or care home while you complete a qualification.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get some paid or volunteering experience in care. This will help when you apply for jobs.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
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Career tips
When you apply for jobs, you'll need to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join the Royal College of Nursing to find professional development and training opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a healthcare assistant from Health Careers.