Careers in Medicine, nursing and dentistry

Medicine, nursing and dentistry

Jobs involve caring for patients, diagnosing and treating health problems, and operating medical technology.

Dental nurse

Dental nurses support the running of a dental practice and help dentists treat patients. Learn more about the day-to-day role of a dental nurse, and what qualifications you'll need to get a job.

£16,640 average salary

Dental technician

As a dental technician, or dental technologist, you'll use your design skills and dentistry knowledge to create and repair dental devices. Learn more about what it's like to work in this role, what qualifications you'll need and how your career could progress.

£29,120 average salary

Dispensing optician

Dispensing opticians fit and supply glasses for people with prescriptions. They also give advice on vision care. Learn more about what it's like to be a dispensing optician, what you need to do to qualify and how your career could progress.

£21,840 average salary

Healthcare assistant

Healthcare assistants are professionals who work under the guidance of nurses, doctors and midwives to help deliver the best possible care for people around the UK. Learn more about a career as a health assistant, find out what it involves and what you'll need to study and do to get a role.

£18,200 average salary

Laboratory technician

As a laboratory technician, you'll be working in a lab helping scientists do experiments, research and analysis. Learn more about what this job involves, the different places you could work at and what you'll need to study.

£22,880 average salary

Medical practitioner

Medical practitioners, or doctors and consultants, are medical professionals who are tasked with the diagnosis, care and treatment of their patients. Learn more about a career in this field, find out what it involves and what you'll need to study and do to get a role.

£59,280 average salary

Medical radiographer

Medical radiographers are medical professionals who use equipment to treat and diagnose sick or injured patients. Read our guide to find out what a career as a medical radiographer is like and what you should study and do to become one.

£37,440 average salary

Medical technician

Medical technicians, or clinical technologists, make sure equipment used to diagnose and treat patients works correctly. Find out what you'll need to study to get your first job, and what you might be working on day-to-day.

£29,120 average salary

Midwife

Midwives use their medical expertise to assist pregnant women in their journey to becoming mothers, providing support to mother and child. Read on to find out more about what being a midwife is like, what your career might involve and how you can work towards your first role in the field.

£36,920 average salary

Nurse

Nurses care for people of all ages who are ill, injured, have physical disabilities or need extra support. There are several different branches of nursing, like midwifery, paediatrics and learning disabilities. Discover what it's like to be a nurse and how you can get a job.

£34,320 average salary

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists are professionals who help patients overcome physical and mental barriers in everyday life, making living less complex and overwhelming. Read our guide to see if you're suited to a career as an occupational therapist and what you should study and do to become one.

£32,240 average salary

Ophthalmic optician

Ophthalmic Opticians, or Optometrists, test the vision of their patients to identify health problems, prescribe glasses, and fit contact lenses. Read below to find out more about why you should choose a career in ophthalmology.

£36,920 average salary

Paramedic

As a paramedic, you'll respond to medical emergencies and work with other healthcare professionals to deliver successful medical outcomes. Here you can find out more about what being a paramedic is like, how you can start your career, and what your day-to-day work might involve.

£38,480 average salary

Pharmaceutical technician

As a pharmaceutical technician, you'll be a key part of the pharmacy team, helping patients get the most from their medicines. Find out where you could be working in this role and what tasks you might be doing day to day.

£21,320 average salary

Pharmacist

As a pharmacist, also known as a dispensing chemist, you'll be giving expert advice on the proper use of medicine and dispensing drugs in hospitals and pharmacies. Learn more about working as a pharmacist, what you'll be doing day-to-day and what qualifications are needed to work in this role.

£31,720 average salary

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists, often called physios, are the primary healthcare professionals who deal with concerns to do with the physical health and ability of the body. They work closely with all varieties of ages and abilities. Physios are needed in different settings and workplaces. Have a look below to learn more about life as a physio.

£31,720 average salary

Podiatrist

Podiatrists are the specialists who diagnose and treat healthcare issues relating to the feet, ankles, and the lower limbs. They work with people who have specific ailments or injuries or those with physical disabilities requiring specialist help. Podiatrists will have undergone a journey of training which equips them with the tools necessary to identify problems and carry out the relevant treatment. Read more if you're interested in a career in podiatry and find out what it'll take.

£22,880 average salary

Psychologist

As a psychologist you'll understand, interpret and advise patients on their mental wellbeing and encourage positive behaviour change. Read below to find out what being a psychologist is like, how you can qualify and the skills you'll need for a successful career.

£35,880 average salary

Speech and language therapist

As a speech and language therapist (SLT), you'll help clients and their families who struggle with speech and language issues, injuries or disorders. Read on to find out what you will need to do to become a speech and language therapist and what your career might be like.

£31,720 average salary