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.
Patient transport service controller
Alternative titles for this job include Patient transport service call handler
Patient transport service controllers arrange transport to take frail or vulnerable people to and from medical appointments.
Average salary (a year)
£15,250 Starter
to£22,500 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40 to 42 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts
How to become a Patient transport service controller
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in contact centre operations or customer service.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Volunteering and experience
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.
Direct application
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
More information
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass background checks
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- dealing with requests for transport from patients, relatives and healthcare professionals
- taking patients’ details and making sure they’re recorded accurately
- making decisions on the best use of vehicles and drivers
- booking transport slots
Working environment
You could work in an office.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to emergency medical dispatcher or become a control room supervisor, leading a team of controllers or running a fleet of vehicles.You could also move into training.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Customer Service Apprenticeship
- Wage : £148.00 Weekly
- Location: Gateshead NE8 2AP
Apprentice Financial Advisor
- Wage : £129.50 Weekly
- Location: Southport PR8 5AB
Courses In England
Edexcel L1 BTEC Cert in Business Administration (Administration & IT) - Adult
- Provider: Bridgwater and Taunton College
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: Bridgwater
Level 2 Business Professional (Administration)
- Provider: Eastleigh College
- Start date: 09 September 2019
- Location: Eastleigh