I want to work in the NHS, but not sure what job

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I'm currently working pharma, but I don't like being in the private sector and want to work in the NHS. I worked in the NHS as a lab assistant after graduating and I found it incredibly rewarding. I want to work for the NHS/healthcare.

I'm a Biology graduate and have some limited laboratory experience so was thinking of applying for some medical lab assistant jobs but as I don't have a Biomedical Sciences degree I can't become a Biomedical Scientist. The lab assistant jobs are really low pay and would mean taking a pay cut of £10,000/year which I just can't afford to do.

My dream job would be to be a GP, but I'm not good enough for medical school and I can be very squeamish.

I feel like there must be something within the NHS that would be suitable for me, with ok pay. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? I've done lots of research but struggling to come up with a concrete plan

Would you be happy to retrain? Are you interested in clinical or more lab based things?

Yes, I would be happy to retrain. I think I would prefer a more clinical role.

How about a Pharmacy Technician? The pay is not great during training (Band 2) but once qualified after 2 years you can quickly get to Band 5 or even Band 6.

Healthcare science? There area range of roles from reproductive science, microbiology, cardiac physiology, medical physics, audiology etc. There are sometimes B4 associate practitioner roles which you can progress from.

Otherwise the NHS STP nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/programmes/stp/ runs annually and recruits graduates with relevant degrees to training posts with most jobs at B7/B8 on completion

Biomedical science or physician's associate?

Without knowing the details of the pharma you work in, I'm very surprised you want to move from private to NHS! My experience has been that private pharma has far more scope for movement, pay and opportunities than NHS- by a long shot! The NHS has many apprenticeships that you may not have considered.

If you aren't great with the nitty/gritty patient care, then maybe physio, occupational therapy, play specialist (if you like children), cardiology/respiratory technician could be options. Friend is an osteopath. He rents rooms, but once qualified, is his own practitioner and set his own hours. Not NHS, but another area to consider.

Have a read about ODPs and see if that might suit you

I imagine lots of clinical routes and post grad training options would be available with a biology degree? Physicians associate, health sciences or Allied health professions?

www.thefundingclinic.org.uk/postgraduate/

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/medical-associate-professions/roles-medical-associate-professions/physician-associate

www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/medicine/physician-associate-studies-msc/#entry-requirements=is-expanded

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/study-and-training/graduate-training-opportunities/nhs-scientist-training-programme

www.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/msc-occupational-therapy-pre-registration

ODP is a great career but not for the squeamish!

Clinical trials practitioner. Normally B6.

Clinical Trials Assistant then progress to Clinical Trials Practitioner. Do ensure the hospital has a progression program though.
That role can be a mixture of lab work, clinical, data input.