Chapter Schools · Careers Education
Healthcare Careers Spotlight
Lesson Overview + Student WorksheetY10 / Y11Gatsby Benchmark 4⏱ 50 min

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🏥 Lesson Plan — For Teacher Reference
0–10 min
Starter — Career Quick Quiz
Ask: "How many different jobs do you think exist within the NHS?" Students write a number. Reveal: over 350 distinct roles. Then ask: "Name 5 NHS jobs that are NOT doctor or nurse." Most students struggle — this sets up the lesson perfectly.
10–25 min
Main — NHS Overview + Career Categories
Cover: NHS structure (primary, secondary, community), salary bands (Band 1–9), clinical vs non-clinical roles, entry routes (apprenticeship, degree, direct). Students complete the careers grid and salary table.
25–40 min
Activity — Career Matching Cards
Students match 15 NHS role descriptions to job titles. Allow 8 minutes independently, then check as a class. Discussion: "Which role surprised you most? Which could you see yourself doing?" Case study cards can be read in pairs.
40–50 min
Discussion + Exit Ticket
Class discussion: "Why is healthcare a good career choice for people in our region?" Consider: local hospitals, career stability, NHS pension, job satisfaction, career progression. Students complete exit ticket.
The NHS — Key Facts
1.4M+
People employed by the NHS in England — the UK's biggest employer
350+
Different career roles within the NHS — most are NOT clinical
£24k–£110k
Salary range from Band 2 support worker to Band 9 director
30 NHS Careers — Colour Code: Purple = Clinical · Green = Non-Clinical

Tick any role you've heard of. Circle any role you'd consider.

Registered Nurse
Paramedic
Radiographer
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Biomedical Scientist
Speech & Language Therapist
Dietitian
Pharmacist
Midwife
Mental Health Nurse
Surgeon
GP
Anaesthetist
Podiatrist
Health Data Analyst
GP Practice Manager
Medical Secretary
NHS Finance Officer
Clinical Coder
Hospital Chaplain
Estates & Facilities Manager
Nurse Recruitment Specialist
Health Informatician
Patient Experience Manager
NHS Cybersecurity Analyst
Research & Innovation Manager
Healthcare Communications Officer
NHS Project Manager
Procurement Specialist
Salary and Entry Routes
RoleNHS BandStarting SalaryEntry RouteQualification Required
Healthcare AssistantBand 2–3£23,615Direct / ApprenticeshipGCSEs, no degree required
Registered NurseBand 5£28,407Degree / Degree ApprenticeshipBSc Nursing (3 yr)
ParamedicBand 5–6£28,407Degree / Student ParamedicBSc Paramedic Science
PhysiotherapistBand 5–6£28,407DegreeBSc Physiotherapy (3 yr)
Biomedical ScientistBand 5–6£28,407Degree / Degree ApprenticeshipBSc Biomedical Science
GP Practice ManagerBand 7–8£43,742Direct / Internal progressionManagement experience or degree
Health Data AnalystBand 6–7£35,392Degree / ApprenticeshipBSc Data Science / IT
Consultant SurgeonBand 9 / Medical£93,666+Medicine degree + 10–14yr trainingMBBS + MRCS + CCT
Case Studies — Real People, Real Careers
🩺 Registered Nurse
Priya, 28 — Band 6
"I took A-Levels then did a 3-year BSc Nursing degree. I'm now a specialist nurse in oncology. Best thing: every day is different and I genuinely make a difference to people's lives."
📡 Radiographer
Marcus, 24 — Band 5
"I had no idea radiography existed until a careers fair. I did a 3-year BSc. I use cutting-edge technology daily and my salary will grow quickly as I specialise. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes tech and people."
💻 Health Data Analyst
Aisha, 26 — Band 6
"I studied data science then joined the NHS graduate scheme. I analyse patient data to help hospitals run more efficiently. Loads of NHS tech roles don't need a clinical background at all!"
🏥 GP Practice Manager
David, 38 — Band 7
"I started as a receptionist, worked my way up through admin and management. Never went to university. I now run a 6-GP surgery with a team of 20. Healthcare has been brilliant for career progression."
🚑 Paramedic
Kezia, 31 — Band 6
"I did a student paramedic route — working on the road while studying. It's physically and emotionally demanding but hugely rewarding. I now specialise in critical care and love it."
🔬 Biomedical Scientist
James, 29 — Band 5
"Most people don't know BMS exists — but we analyse blood samples and test results that GPs rely on. I work lab hours (no nights), use amazing tech and my GCSE chemistry started it all."

🔗 Matching Activity — Match the role description to the job title

Write the correct letter next to each job title. Descriptions are on the right.

Job Titles

1
Paramedic
2
Speech & Language Therapist
3
Clinical Coder
4
Occupational Therapist
5
Biomedical Scientist
6
Health Data Analyst

Descriptions

A. Analyses medical data and uses it to help hospitals improve efficiency and patient care.
B. Responds to 999 calls and provides emergency treatment at the scene or in an ambulance.
C. Translates clinical notes into standardised medical codes used for NHS data and funding.
D. Analyses blood, tissue and fluid samples in a lab to help diagnose disease.
E. Helps patients with communication difficulties caused by stroke, autism, or hearing loss.
F. Helps patients regain independence after illness or injury through purposeful activities.
🎟️ Exit Ticket

1. Name one NHS role that surprised you today and explain what it involves:

2. What entry route would you take into healthcare, and why?

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