Healthcare

If you’re passionate about caring for people and making a difference to people’s lives - then a career in healthcare could be for you.

The impact you could make

  • Improve the treatment and support patients receive. 
  • Work in a career that is described as "life changing work".  
  • Whether you're working directly with someone or indirectly in a lab, you'll be changing lives and impacting families. 

The opportunities within healthcare

You could work with the public or provide behind-the-scenes support. The range of jobs within healthcare goes beyond doctors and nurses – there are opportunities for accountants, chefs, software designers and more.

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Employment

There are 277,100 people currently working in healthcare in Scotland.*

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Job availability

Between 2022 to 2025 a further ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​28,100 people will be needed to fill job openings.*

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Job diversity

There are 6,409 Modern Apprentices in training across Sport, Health, and Social Care.*

*Sector Skills Assessment 2022

It's such a privilege to be part of women and families lives at such a special time. 

I feel being a midwife is a well rounded practical and emotional job and very rewarding. 

Siobhain

Community Midwife 

Explore healthcare jobs

We’ve pulled out some of the popular healthcare jobs for you to explore. 

Some things you may not know about healthcare

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There is a growing demand for people with digital skills in the healthcare industry.*

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In response to COVID-19, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's clinical physics team converted 100 anesthetic machines to ventilators.**

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Canon (a brand that produces cameras) has a team in Edinburgh with over 120 engineers, scientists and clinical experts who deliver world-leading software and technology used in hospitals.***

*skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk **nhsggc.org.uk ***sdi.co.uk

What subjects to take

We’ve pulled together some examples of subjects that could be useful for getting into a career in healthcare.

  • Biology
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Psychology

For most jobs, you might not need specific subjects. If your school does not provide all of these subjects or you're just unsure — do not worry. There are many more subjects you can explore by using the Option Choices tool or speaking to your careers adviser in your school. 

What routes you can take

There are different options you can choose from after school. We’ve pulled together some of them to help you decide which is best for you.