What impact could you make?
The most rewarding part of my job is definitely seeing a patient go from anxious and really disliking their smile to feeling more confident.Dr Caitlin WatsonDentist, Stirling
Healthcare at a glance
You could work with the public or provide support behind the scenes. The range of jobs within healthcare goes way beyond doctors and nurses. There are opportunities for accountants, chefs, software designers and more.
Employment
In 2024, there were around 267,000 people working in healthcare across Scotland.
Future demand
Between 2024 and 2027, it's expected there will be 29,900 people needed to fill job openings.
Job diversity
In 2024, the healthcare sector accounted for 10.1% of employed Scots. With such a large workforce, there are opportunities for people of all backgrounds across the country to work alongside each other.
Career insights from industry professionals
Play your part in creating a healthier world
We’ve pulled out some of the most popular healthcare job profiles for you to explore.
Things you may not know about healthcare
NHS Scotland is the biggest employer in the country, providing jobs to people in more than 350 different careers.
Source: NHS Scotland Careers
AI can speed up cancer diagnosis by quickly and accurately scanning X-rays, to flag and prioritise cases for radiologists to review.
Source: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
NHS Scotland is pioneering clever tech, such as a mental wellbeing chatbot and an intelligent bedside cabinet!
Source: NHS Scotland North
What subjects you could take in school
We've pulled together some examples of subjects and Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) that could be useful for getting into a healthcare career.
English
Chemistry
Maths
Physics
Science
Psychology
Biology
Social Services and Healthcare FA
Social Services Children and Young People FA
Skills for Work Health and Social care
Scientific Technologies FA
Food and Drink Technologies FA
Childcare and Development
Organisations making a difference
Discover some of the organisations within healthcare and how they’re making an impact on the industry.
Your Med Future
Your Med Future supports anyone thinking about applying to study medicine in Scotland. Created by NHS Education for Scotland, the 5 Scottish medical schools and the Medical Schools Council, it helps you navigate the pathways into medicine.
Visit Your Med Future NHS Scotland Careers
Find out about jobs and career pathways in different areas of the NHS, such as nursing, psychology, optometry, support services or becoming a GP.
Visit NHS Scotland Careers
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) – Social care career options tool
Thinking about starting or developing your career in social care? This tool will help you explore your options.
Visit Scottish Social Services Council - Social care career options tool
General Pharmaceutical Council – Education and training
Help and information on how to become a pharmacist in the UK, including education and training advice.
Visit General Pharmaceutical Council
Scotland is Now – Healthcare career paths
Find out from two healthcare professionals what they do in their roles and why they love working with NHS Scotland.
Visit Scotland is Now – Healthcare career paths
Scottish Dental Association
The Scottish Dental Association helps unite and support all dental professionals in Scotland.
Visit The Scottish Dental Association
Nursing & Midwifery Council
Help and information on how to become a midwife and find a course in the UK.
Visit Nursing & Midwifery Council
Royal College of Podiatry - Careers
The Royal College of Podiatry is the professional membership body and trade union for podiatrists in the UK and worldwide. Find out what it's like to work in this varied and flexible career.
Visit Royal College of Podiatry - Careers Volunteering in NHS Scotland
Volunteering is a great way to get skills and experience in healthcare. Find information on volunteering opportunities in the NHS across Scotland.
Visit Volunteering in NHS Scotland