NHS AHP/science type careers without 30k+ debt?

[Rosehip10]

Hi all. I've recently been looking to do a total career change and am interested in working in the NHS in an allied health or sciencey type job but on looking a bit more at finances it may be a struggle to get a second degree (already have good science degree but from many years ago and have never used it career wise). Especially now the nhs bursaries have died a death.

In the past there seemed to be more day release type training schemes for various nhs job but these seem to be much rarer now?

Any nhs workers have any advice?

Unfortunately I doubt you will have much luck. Some Trusts offer HCA's the chance to have their nurse training funded (one or two a year maybe). But other than that I haven't heard of any other schemes. My Ds has just started a Radiography degree and I dread to think how much his debt will add up to!

Have you looked at the NHS scientists training program? www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme

You should be eligible for this as you already have a degree as it's a master's level qualification. You get paid (usually at band 6) while studying and your course fees are paid too. You could also look at clinical perfusion scientist training, which is a separate scheme.

If you don't have any relevant experience then you may need to look into ways of acquiring this to show that you have an understanding of the roles and their requirements.

Thank I will have a look

Just to add that the STP is highly competitive (think 80+ applications per vacancy to popular disciplines) so you will want to try and get a bit of speciality experience if possible in order to stand out. I am in the final year of an IBMS accredited BSc, so you can PM me if you want more info.