looking at entry level non-degree sciencey/healthcare jobs...what sort of things could I look for?

[Fillyjonk]

basically I want to switch into a sciency/healthcare field.

I have a solid academic background but in arts. I am doing (I think) a chemistry degree with the OU (might switch to biology). Think it would be reasonable to argue I had equivalent to science a levels.

I want something to give me decent work experience. first to get an idea of what I want to do and second to get me some work experience for the cv and all...

Right now I am torn between aiming for midwifery or nursing then midwifery (would ideally like dual qualification), vs dietics vs some sort of lab type work.

so what should I look for? Am thinking nursing auxillary but beyond that...I don't even know what job titles to search, or, beyond the NHS, which employers.

oh and stuck in cardiff so needs to be s wales or thereabouts.

god this is really woolly. Sorry.

You can register with New Scientist via their website so the will send you weekly links to job adverts - cheaper than buying the magazine.
Also, look at hospital websites/ Academic institution websites - they generally advertise jobs on-line now.

I'm trying to think of a lab-based discipline which also involves interaction with the public - they like to keep the science types away from the customers
How about physiotherapy or radiotherapy (ultrasonographer?)

The ratio of biology graduates to biology jobs is not in your favour hence Ecoli's experience.

The impression I get is that your choice of new career path is driven more by the need to do something worthwhile than earning money ?

I appreciate that few people are 100% driven by either of those two aspects to a job of course.

DC - Actually the politics of NHS lab staff structure has been very complex over the last 10 years so there has been a change in staff structure (to save money obviously ) hence the requirement for a degree.
TBH most successful applicants for a graduate analytical position in my discipline have a first class degree in a 'focussed' science (ie. not 'chemistry' or 'biology' ) or a PhD. There is a lot of competition.

kind of, dc. have done the whole "being nice to people thing", tbh though.10 years of advice work/advocacy. Could easily go back to that, but want a proper challenge. dunno know why...

And don't really want biology degree, if I am honest. I like biochemistry. Given the choice, want to do chemistry, not biology. BUT am limited. One thing I can't do is return to uni, except for courses with nhs bursaries-else I'd be looking at fees of + £20k, I think. So its the OU.

Oh I also like physics a LOT but not so keen on jobs involving it.

In the interim am looking for a job / volunteer opportunity to give me an idea of whats out there. In long term want something challenging and yes, worthwhile with good opportunities to learn new stuff on a regular basis. Currently toying with: midwifery/nursing; dietics (really competetive though) and some sort of lab work.

thank you all for your ideas, all most helpful. you are all lovely

and I don't mind working my way up either. that is fine. have done the milkround and so on and proven myself as a competant young thing. don't need to go through it all again really, just want a job that I love.

I would seriously consider getting auxillary work on different wards, you will very quickly find out if nursing and midwifery are for you. Search for jobs here.

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[yg i'm REALLY sorry, maybe you can guess why after that post!]

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I know I keep saying this in different contexts but I do wish you still lived in Edinburgh. I could give you work experience in my lab and we could knit at coffee breaks

Seriously though, it is now possible to go into genetic counselling without a medical degree- does that appeal at all? I think there is only one uni doing it just now but there are plans afoot to start more courses. I know someone who did the course in Leeds (I think) but only went there once a week for half a day of lectures, she did all her actual training in Edinburgh. There's a very good medical genetics department in Cardiff, as I'm sure you know. It would be worth thinking about, maybe?

aaargh tamum i must send you something

god exp in lab AND knitting, that would be fiiiine

(have been formulating plan to knit double helix btw)

have worked out that i could train as a nurse/mw childcarewise but need to find out if it is for me, def

I do need to look at straight science stuff too. oooh liked genetics a LOT when i did work exp,

problem is OU has piss all careers advice really, all back covering stuff.

should do one of those aptitude tests really. must see if i can gatecrash cardiff uni

Have you looked at drug development industry - there's a couple of research companies Cardiff way who might take you on pt with a non-science degree, if you looked at data management of clinical trials for example (my route), not just the labs, but the whole associated industry (Research Associate, Site Adminstrator, or phase 2/3 research posts)
Once you're in these larger companies they tend to be a bit more supportive of pt degree getting?

thanks GWB-I will look at those. Its knowing whats out there really . thanks

I work as a school science technician.
Pay is not great but its term time only.
I did science A levels then spent a few years in quality control labs in industry, before having dcs.
School work is different to industry in some ways but there are some things in common:-

You need to be organized and methodical.
Deal with chemicals.
Do risk assessments and follow good health and safety practices.
trial new experiments.
Wear a lab coat!

that is a rather interesting option

I am kind of inclined not to work in schools though

hmmm....add it to List though

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Pitch, thanks for the interest.
I just applied to a job in the local paper. Where I live the county council advertise all their school vacancies weekly.
In my town I know of 2 schools that have been unable to recruit science technicians.
like I said previously the pay isn't great( I take home £820 for a 35 hour week) but I have no childcare costs as I don't work school holidays.
The work is varied and rewarding. i work at a science college so we have an active science club and primary schools in regularly as well as the normal science lessons.

Thats £820 per month of course not per week

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have you seen this one filly?

weekend Phlebotomist

although closing date is 22nd! just a few hours at weekend and you may get your Phlebotomist training.

I've just sent off an application for sat night time a/e reception just 10hours...hoping once i get my foot in the door will be able to decide what direction i want.

anyway hth
gemma

oops just realised its carlise and not cardiff

oops its been a long day looking at lots of jobs

oh