Medical & healthcare graduate jobs & schemes 2025

The medical field offers a variety of career paths for graduates, depending on their qualifications and interests. These include:
 

Clinical Roles (Patient-Facing)

• Doctor (NHS Foundation Programme for medical school graduates)
• Nurse (Nursing graduate schemes, NHS training programmes)
• Paramedic (Ambulance services, emergency response)
• Allied Health Professional (e.g., physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, speech therapy)
• Pharmacist (NHS, community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry)
   

Non-Clinical Roles (Healthcare Management & Research)

• Medical Research (biomedical science, clinical trials)
• Public Health & Epidemiology
• Healthcare Consulting
• Medical Technology & Innovation (digital health, AI in medicine)
• Medical Sales & Pharmaceuticals
• Health Policy & NHS Management (NHS Graduate Management Scheme)
   

Some roles require further study, training, or professional registration, while others allow entry directly after graduation.

Yes, but they vary depending on whether the role is clinical or non-clinical. Some key programmes include:
 

• NHS Foundation Programme (for medical graduates to train as doctors)
• NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) (for biomedical and healthcare scientists)
• NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (for healthcare leadership & administration)
• Pharmaceutical Graduate Schemes (offered by companies like GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer)
• Medical Device & Healthcare Tech Schemes (e.g., Johnson & Johnson, Siemens Healthineers, Medtronic)

Not necessarily. While doctors, nurses, and pharmacists require specific degrees, many roles in medical research, health policy, and healthcare technology accept a variety of backgrounds, including:
 

• Biology, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Science → Research & lab-based roles
• Psychology → Mental health services, clinical psychology (with further training)
• Business & Management → Healthcare management, pharmaceutical sales
• IT & Engineering → Medical technology, health informatics
   

For non-medical roles, experience in healthcare settings, internships, or additional certifications can be beneficial.

• Clinical knowledge & problem-solving – Essential for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
• Communication & empathy – Crucial in patient care and medical research.
• Scientific & analytical skills – Important for medical research, lab work, and public health.
• Attention to detail – Vital in diagnosing, prescribing, and research.
• Teamwork & leadership – Medical professionals work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Adaptability & resilience – The medical field is demanding and constantly evolving.

Salaries vary depending on the role and location:
 

• NHS Junior Doctor (Foundation Year 1) – £32,398+
• Newly Qualified Nurse (NHS Band 5) – £28,407 – £34,581
• Biomedical Scientist (NHS Band 5-6) – £28,407 – £42,618
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Sales – £25,000 – £40,000 (with commission potential)
• Healthcare Management (NHS Grad Scheme) – £27,701 – £31,825
   

Private sector roles, such as in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or medical technology, often offer higher starting salaries.

• Clinical roles (doctors, nurses, pharmacists) have clear training pathways but require years of study and training.
• Medical research & public health roles are highly competitive, with many requiring postgraduate degrees (e.g., MSc, PhD).
• Healthcare management & consulting roles have fewer structured routes but value experience in healthcare settings.
• Pharmaceutical & medical sales roles are competitive but open to STEM and business graduates with strong communication skills.

✔ Gain healthcare experience – Volunteering, internships, or shadowing in hospitals, labs, or research institutions.
✔ Consider postgraduate study – Especially for research, public health, and clinical psychology roles.
✔ Learn relevant technical skills – Data analysis, lab techniques, medical software.
✔ Network with industry professionals – Attend healthcare conferences, medical careers fairs, and connect on LinkedIn.
✔ Get additional certifications – First aid, healthcare analytics, or specific clinical qualifications.