Retraining for healthcare at 48

[Elizo]

Hi all,

There are many threads related to this but I wanted to get some specific views. I am 46 part-way through a biology/ chemistry undergrad (I have an undergrad in Social and Political Sciences and A levels but nothing science related except Psychology..). I am loving studying biology and chemistry and have done some hospital volunteering which has confirmed I would like to work in a clinical environment, directly with patients using my biology and chemistry (and obviously subsequent training). I will finish the degree at 48 and my only son will be shortly heading to uni (if all goes to plan), no partner currently.

I am really not sure what role to focus on. I started thinking about medicine but despite having excellent stamina, a good academic record and energy am thinking it is unrealistic (from threads here and elsewhere), I then considered Physician Associate, but having seen all the backlash about this am not keen. I can understand why doctors are frustrated and don't want to be caught up in it. Then I started thinking about Paramedic but have since read the physical toil results in most retiring early. I am very fit and healthy at this point but would be 50 when qualifying if I did the MSc. Working in healthcare feels like the path I should be on, but is it a pipe dream?? I have had a successful career in civil service/ charity senior management but am clear I want to do something else for this second half of my career.

Any thoughts would be great, thank you

What about physiotherapist?

What about radiography, occupational therapy or biomedical science (lab based) The occupational therapy is least likely to need night shift working.

I retrained for audiology at a v similar age. There were a few of us older and it’s really useful having older parents because I can understand the challenges that many older patients are facing. I checked it was a shortage profession before I trained. It is probably a bit more physics than chemistry but biology useful. There are degree apprenticeships or you can pay yourself and do a masters full time or part time with other work. It is a small profession though so if you’re in a rural area you might need to travel for a job as they are spread out.

I would try and get work experience, even a day, in different healthcare scientist/allied healthcare professional roles. Look on NHS jobs and see what vacancies there are locally, look over a period of time to get a sense of local job market. Or get a job as an assistant Or volunteer in one of the roles, good experience for that role or other professions. Some are more physically demanding than others so think what would suit you, good luck!

Podiatry. 9 to 5 weekends off. I switched to it from nursing because my back is shot. Its not cutting toenails it very complex and interesting. Dont do something you cant still do in your 60s. You may not stay well forever.

Don't dismiss PA training. In the right place they are golden roles.

I work in an acute hospital and certain clinical wards / speciality have some incredibly brilliant, supportive, well supervised but clinically advanced PAs who hugely enhance the clinical team. I've never heard a bad word about them and they are well trained, monitored closely and have a specific remit which is monitored.

It's when they are loan wolves pretending to be a doctor you have a problem!

This is really helpful @Flowersallaroundme . I am in London so no shortage of hospitals! I have applied for some more volunteering and hope I can get some shadowing etc through that route, and a good sense of the MDT. In terms of getting shadowing beyond what might come from volunteering, would you suggest writing to departments? Thanks again

I am really interested in radiography. Only thing is I can’t see a Masters option. I think there is one, but possibly not in London. Most professions seem to offer a two year ‘conversion’ for graduates

Have a look at the NHS STP programme. lots of different specialities, paid at band 6 whilst you train

I would think you would have to go through the volunteer office to get volunteer role but could mention what you were specifically interested in. Re shadowing, again it is formal and takes time to organise (as it should in healthcare) but I imagine physiotherapist is probably much more popular than some of the lesser known specialities. I would start by writing to a department FAO clinical lead if you can’t find a name. I again imagine it would be easier for areas that don’t get many requests.
To my knowledge stp training is highly competitive and demanding but well paid. for training. Apprenticeships at various levels will come up on the websites of different hospital trusts, not sure if they are all on nhs jobs. The professional organisations might have lists of the unis where you can train.eg British Academy of Audiology etc

I've just finished my second year of a radiography (diagnostic) degree. I'm not sure you would be able to skip the BSc undergrad degree and go to a masters. Most masters are for specialising in a particular modality and build on all the basics of the first degree.

If you really like the science aspect then have a good look at NHS STP which covers the really science based roles, some of which aren't as well known.

Thanks the STP looks great, need to dig firther into all the roles.

Thanks. Can I check if any finding available to pay fees and for maintenance? Can you work part time while you study?

Pharmacy? You’re halfway there if you enjoy chemistry and biology. Hospital pharm is very varied and can involve direct contact with patients.

Sounds brilliant. But 4 years training? Can you get funding while you study? Thanks so much for replying.

STP covers integrated master's fees and gives the hosting dept a a budget for your training costs.

I agree, biomedical science sounds like it would fit you. I'm a nurse, and I often think about retraining to be a podiatrist. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you will be an asset!

From what I know of stp you would be working full time with some time off for study ata high level and I can’t imagine there would be any time for part time work. But you would be paid a good (for nhs and for training) salary.

Yeah STP would be ideal if there is a role that would suit me, am looking at the various options. It's other roles i.e. radiography where I need to work out how to cover costs whole studying. But I am sure there is a way...

Thanks so much. It;s very nerve wracking thinking of complete career change at this point, but also exciting and I know I can really look into roles and get a clear picture.

There are other ways of getting funding not just stp, eg apprenticeships, which are not quite as competitive

thanks, will definitely look at apprenticeships.