Patient transport service controller

Good computer skills and a typing qualification could be useful to get into this job, for example:

• Level 2 Award in Touch Typing
• Level 2 ECDL Award in IT User Skills

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements for this route.

More Information

• funding advice
• search for courses

You could get into this job by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in customer service.

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

Paid or unpaid experience of working in healthcare would be useful. You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator or manager at your local NHS trust for advice about opportunities.

You could apply directly to work as a patient transport service controller.

Each employer sets their own entry requirements, though it may help your application if you have:

• GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English, maths and science
• experience in a customer care role, like a call centre operator
• a good knowledge of local geography
• good keyboard and computer skills

Career tips

Some understanding of medical terms and the ability to speak a community language could be useful.

Further information

You can find out more about working as a patient transport service controller from Health Careers and your local ambulance trust.

You'll need:

• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• customer service skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass background checks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• deal with requests for transport from patients, relatives and healthcare professionals
• take patients’ details and making sure they’re recorded accurately
• make decisions on the best use of vehicles and drivers
• book transport slots

You could work in an office.