How do I get a job in healthcare operations and management?

The NHS recruits graduates from all disciplines to help it modernise and improve its service delivery. With over 1.5 million employees, the health service is one of the largest providers of graduate jobs in the UK, with vacancies for everyone. Accountants, engineers and business students can all play a part in shaping its future.

The healthcare system would collapse without the people who work behind the scenes. The NHS is the largest employer in Europe and is composed of a number of trusts that oversee the quality and spending of hospitals, surgeries, dentists, opticians, mental heath institutions and ambulance services. The majority of the UK public uses the NHS but there are also numerous privately owned health treatment centres.

What kind of work can I do?

Healthcare operations and management covers a huge range of options so, whatever your degree, there is bound to be something to suit you. Healthcare organisations need people to work in areas such as:

Estates and facilities/buildings and maintenance
Finance
General management
Human resources
Information and communication technology
Information management.

Find out about the various job opportunities in healthcare operations and management

How can I get a graduate job in a healthcare facility?

There are two main entry routes to healthcare organisations:

1: Join a graduate scheme. The NHS management training scheme has options to specialise in finance, HR and general management. You could also join the NHS Scotland graduate scheme. Some private healthcare facilities have graduate schemes too.

2: Apply directly to the trust that you want to work for. Each trust is responsible for its own recruitment, and most advertise on the NHS Jobs website. You can also look on your chosen trust’s website, ask in the specific hospital or healthcare centre, or browse through local newspapers.

What does the application process involve?

To join the NHS Graduate Scheme you’ll have to fill in an online application, take a number of online aptitude tests, attend an interview and take part in various workshops. You’ll need to apply with an application form – rather than a CV – for most positions in the NHS. Read the job specification thoroughly and draw attention to the required skills in your application.

The NHS makes several pre-employment checks. You will need a valid form of identification, proof of your qualifications, registration with a relevant professional body if necessary, an occupational health check, references and a work permit if there is any uncertainty that you can work in the UK. You might also have your criminal record checked depending on what your job involves.

Get advice on applications and interviews in healthcare

What qualifications and skills do I need?

Many areas of healthcare operations simply require a good degree but some specify a certain degree subject, and it is beneficial to have a related qualification (such as a numerate degree for a position in finance).

Most jobs in healthcare involve working with others so you will need to show that you are friendly and approachable as well as having the required skills.

What is working life like?

Working life will depend hugely on the type of job you’re interested in. The media often portrays NHS staff as overworked but a typical week as an NHS employee is the standard 37.5 hours. If these hours cover night shifts, weekends and public holidays, you may be entitled to overtime payments.

Working for the NHS brings benefits such as good holidays, training, occupational health and counselling services, and automatic membership of the NHS Pension Scheme. Benefits in the private sector will depend on the organisation you choose to work for but they are likely to be similar.

Read the graduate profiles on the homepage to learn more

How much will I earn?

The NHS has a pay system developed under the Agenda for Change, which has nine pay bands that determine an employee’s basic salary. The idea is that you begin in a low band and work your way up as you gain experience and responsibility. You could start out as an assistant or officer in one of the lower bands; once you have reached a managerial position you can earn anything from around £19,000 to £70,000 plus. Private hospitals have their own salary systems – you might find that they pay slightly higher wages than the NHS.

Further help and research

NHS Careers
NHS Graduate Schemes
NHS Jobs
NHS Scotland
NHS Wales
Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland

Work within healthcare operations and management

Graduate jobs in healthcare operations and management starting now
Graduate employers and graduate programmes starting after graduation

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