Health Service Categories and Careers

Dietetic Assistants work with patients and dietitians, helping to diagnose, treat, feed and support patients with conditions affecting their nutrition, gut health, weight, or ability to eat. They provide advice and education, order supplies, monitor food consumption, input data on patients’ records, weigh patients, and explain and follow a patient’s diet and nutrition plan. Dietetic assistants work in hospitals, clinics and in the community, and may conduct in-home or residential care visits. Although some employers will request experience, there are no formal entry requirements for Dietetic Assistant roles, which often involve training and professional development opportunities.

Maternity Support Workers help to care for mothers and babies under the supervision of a registered midwife. They are also known as maternity healthcare support workers or midwifery assistants. They make routine observations, including monitoring breathing and taking temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. They undertake administration tasks including updating records, filling in documentation, and ordering equipment/supplies. They provide maternity education to parents, mothers, and groups. They care for new mothers and their babies, helping to keep them comfortable and with breastfeeding. They work in hospital settings, such as maternity theatres, delivery suites and post-natal wards, in birthing centres, or in community settings. Maternity Support Worker roles have different requirements – some require experience in a similar role and diploma of health or social care, while others require experience with babies and offer on-the-job training opportunities.

Occupational Therapy (OT) Support Workers assist occupational therapists. They look after and order occupational therapy equipment, support patients with chores and day to day activities, and help them to improve their mobility and independence. There are no set entry requirements for OT support workers. Industry experience, or vocational qualifications in health and social care are sometimes required, and roles often include training and professional development opportunities.

Orthotic/Prosthetic Technicians work under Orthotists/Prosthetists and help manufacture, measure, fit and modify orthoses/prosthesis. They use a range of materials and can design devices to suit the needs and specifications of each patient. They help patients fit and use their orthoses/prosthesis, provide education and advice, listen to patient feedback and collaborate with the wider specialised care team. There are no formal entry requirements for starting a career in this field, however employers often request experience in healthcare, engineering or manufacturing. Orthotic/Prosthetic technicians can become members of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) and can undertake professional development and technical courses.

Podiatry Assistants assist podiatrists in providing footcare and support for people whose feet and legs have been affected by injury or illness. They support the patient and help to make them comfortable and safe. They provide foot hygiene and assist with podiatric procedures such as nail reduction and wound care. They sterilise, maintain and re-stock resources and equipment, fill out documentation and keep records. They work with podiatrists and patients to manage and treat conditions and improve foot health and quality of life. There are no set entry requirements for Podiatry Assistant roles, however experience and a vocational certificate in healthcare are sometimes required.

Physiotherapy Assistants work with physiotherapists, and with other medical and allied health teams, such as those providing orthopaedic or occupational therapy services. They support patients and help to make them comfortable and safe. They help set up and order equipment, educate and advise patients on mobility aids, provide therapies, such as strengthening and rehabilitation exercises, and fill out documentation and keep records. There are no formal entry requirements for Physiotherapy Assistant roles, however some employers request relevant experience and willingness to undertake training and development activities, which can also create a pathway to becoming a Physiotherapist.

Radiography Assistants and imaging support workers, work in diagnostic radiography and radiotherapy settings in hospitals and clinics. They work with diagnostic radiographers, therapeutic radiographers, medical physicists, and other medical and nursing staff. They assist in providing medical imaging services, and radiotherapy or biopsy procedures, which help to diagnose and treat a range of disorders and injuries. They set up equipment, process images, and keep the area hygienic and safe for patients. They order supplies, test equipment, and keep records and documentation. Radiography Assistant and Imaging Assistant roles often require relevant experience and a Certificate in Clinical Imaging; however, some employers offer on-the-job training and development.

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Assistants work with patients who have conditions which affect their communication or swallowing. They assist the Speech and Language Therapist to carry out communication and swallowing therapies and programmes, which may be delivered in hospital wards, outpatient settings, or in community settings, including in-home, residential care, or education settings. They prepare equipment and resources, support the patient and help to keep them comfortable and the environment clean and safe, assist with clinical procedures, and maintain records and data entry. SLT Assistant roles sometimes require relevant experience, however, some employers offer on-the-job vocational pathways which can also lead to becoming a Speech and Language Therapist.