Healthcare assistant

You could do a college course, which may help you when looking for work. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Work Preparation for Health and Social Care
• Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care
• Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could work as a trainee care assistant in a residential or care home, and do qualifications on the job.

You'll find it useful to get some paid or voluntary experience in a healthcare setting or personal care role. 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.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join the Royal College of Nursing, for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a healthcare assistant from Health Careers.

You'll need:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with your hands
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• help patients shower and get dressed
• help people eat
• make beds
• use equipment to lift and move patients
• talk to patients and reassure them
• help patients to use the toilet
• tidy the ward or patients' homes
• take patients' temperature or pulse
• attend meetings with other healthcare professionals

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a client's home, at an adult care home or at a hospice.

You may need to wear a uniform.