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.
Employment
There are 277,100 people currently working in healthcare in Scotland.*
Job availability
Between 2022 to 2025 a further 28,100 people will be needed to fill job openings.*
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
There is a growing demand for people with digital skills in the healthcare industry.*
In response to COVID-19, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's clinical physics team converted 100 anesthetic machines to ventilators.**
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.
Healthcare industry partners
Explore the partners within the healthcare industry who have lots of resources and information on careers and roles as well as advertised vacancies.
NHS Scotland
Explore resources that have been developed to help young people find out about career opportunities in the NHS in Scotland.
Digital World
Digital World can help you find the most up-to-date information on our rapidly changing world. Whether it’s game development, healthcare, tourism – there’s a digital career for everyone.