How to become a palliative care assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need as a palliative care assistant.
You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support or a T Level in Health.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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 could do a Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship which usually takes one year to complete.
You could also do the Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship which usually takes a year and 6 months to complete.
As an apprentice, you'll do training on the job and spend time at a college or training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get paid or voluntary work experience in healthcare.
You can contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for advice.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become a palliative care assistant.
You might not need any formal qualifications, but it could help your application if you have:
- GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
- a level 2 qualification in health and social care, like a certificate, diploma, GCSE or NVQ
- a good understanding of end of life care, or palliative care
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Further information
You can find out more about careers in healthcare from Health Careers.