Healthcare assistant jobs are a rewarding occupation. You will learn new and transferable skills in a fast passed environment and make a difference in people’s lives. Healthcare assistant jobs can also be a great place to start if you are looking to progress into different jobs in the sector.
There are various different settings where you can be a healthcare assistant. Your role may involve in home care services for adults or children, and others will involve providing care for the elderly at home.
If this sounds like your ideal job, you may be wondering what you need to do to reach your goal! We’ve put together a short guide to help you find out what qualifications, training and experience you will need to become a healthcare assistant. Different organisations will have their own requirements, so be sure to check the job description before applying.
What qualifications do I need?
Most employers will not require you to have any qualifications to be a healthcare assistant. The main requirement is often experience and an attitude that suits the job.
Some employers will ask you to have some qualifications in English and Maths (such as a GCSE or equivalent) as literacy and numerously skills will be helpful.
While it is not always required, you may want to consider getting some relevant qualifications. Taking a First Aid training course and/or getting a NVQ or a BTEC in Health and Social Care will give you specialist experience which will equip you for the job, making you an ideal candidate.
You can find lots of information online about different courses that local or online collages and universities offer. Taking a course will also open you up to different career path options within the healthcare sector. However, if getting a qualification isn’t for you, this will not stop you from becoming a healthcare assistant.
What experience do I need?
While many employers will not require you to have any qualifications, most will ask that you have relevant experience. If you have already worked in a healthcare job, that is great! Even just a few months of volunteer experience can be enough for many employers.
If you are reading this and don’t have the experience required by the employer, don’t worry! There are straightforward steps that you can take to get the experience.
If you have never been in a healthcare job before, you can look to do some volunteer work in something like in home care services or care for the elderly at home. Contact local healthcare organisations and ask if they are looking for volunteers. Try to do as much volunteering as possible to show that you are committed and understand what healthcare work involves.
Alternatively, if you have not done so already, you could look into getting a professional qualification such as a NVQ or BTEC in Health and Social Care.
If you are struggling to get the required experience and getting a qualification is not an option for you, be honest with the employer. They may be willing to help you find work experience or offer you extra training before you start. Before you do this, be prepared to demonstrate to them why you would be ideal for the job.
What skills do I need?
As well as experience, employers will want to see that your skill set is compatible for healthcare work. Generally, you will need to be a caring and friendly person who is willing to follow instructions and work with a range of people (both patients and co-workers). Communication and organisation skills are also very important.
You will need specific skills for different kinds of healthcare assistant jobs. For example, if you are applying for a job involving care for the elderly at home, you will need to be flexible and adaptable in different environments. Or jobs related to in home care services will require someone who is able to work in a fast-paced environment.
If you are considering applying for healthcare assistant jobs, think about your skills and whether or not your skill set suits the occupation.
Finding volunteer positions will also provide you with opportunities to develop and identify required skills. By observing others and working in a healthcare environment, you will become a great candidate for employers.
Will I get qualifications and training on the job?
When you become a healthcare assistant, you will be given all necessary training by your employer, such as the Care Certificate. This will prepare you for the kinds of situations that you will be placed in with your job as a healthcare worker.
Employers will also be able to refresh your training and apply for you to get any government clearance needed such as a DBS or PVG.
Some employers may be willing to put you through additional training for specialist work or qualifications. If this is something you are interested in, it is a good idea to speak with the employer and ask what training would be possible. Asking about potential training is a good question to ask in an interview! It shows your employer that you want to develop your skills and do your job to as high a standard as possible.
How to become a healthcare assistant?
Do you have the experience needed to become a healthcare assistant? Or are you ready to start looking for experience? Spend time researching potential employers who are recruiting healthcare assistants and find out what qualifications and experience they require. If you need more experience, put effort into finding volunteer work.
Finally, contact the employer if your experience is less than they require. If you can show that you will be a great employee for them, they may be willing to help or point you in the right direction!
We hope this short guide helps you to identify what you will need to do to become a healthcare assistant!
