Getting Into Healthcare from a Different Industry

March 20, 2025

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Getting into healthcare by transferring from another career isn’t impossible. In fact, you probably already have the skills needed that healthcare employers are looking for. From exploring entry-level roles to on-the-job training positions, here are a few popular suggestions to consider.

Identify Transferable Skills

There are many roles in modern healthcare, but not all of them are related to working in hospitals. The healthcare system’s infrastructure relies on dedicated people from all kinds of backgrounds with many different skills. From cybersecurity to administration, there are various roles you can consider. For example, you would make an excellent healthcare virtual assistant through services such as My Mountain Movers, coming from a previous background in admin.

Explore Entry-Level Roles

Okay, so maybe you are a cybersecurity wizard and come from such a background, and that’s a great way to explore an entrance into healthcare. While you can set up the stickiest of honey pots and protect nodes like a royal guard, you may not necessarily understand the ins and outs of healthcare. No matter your background, you may need to begin at an entry-level position as you apply your skills to a healthcare setting that often requires extra training and education.

Getting Into Healthcare by Volunteering

In today’s economy, it might be unthinkable to work for free. But volunteering has tons of benefits, and you can make an impact with community engagement and healthcare initiatives. As a volunteer, you will be part of a dedicated team that makes a difference within these roles:

Patient support roles such as hospital hosting, ward assistants and mealtime support.
Admin roles such as clerical services, IT support and cybersecurity and networking.
Extra support services that include fundraising, driving, and patient group support.

As an example, the UK’s NHS employs around 100,000 volunteers who contribute to supporting hospitals, clinics, and the wider community, but volunteering is also a great way into a career.

Work-Based Training Positions

If volunteering doesn’t appeal to you, there are usually work-based training programs available to help you get into a career in healthcare. Because of this, it is likely you will begin at the bottom and may even be paid less than you are used to. But this is the price of admission when transitioning between careers. However, you will rise up the ranks in no time with passion and dedication. All the while, you will learn the fundamentals needed for your specific chosen role.

Healthcare Further and Higher Education

Depending on the role you are interested in, you might need to take on further and higher education. Further education refers to lower-level learning, such as entry-level grades like BTEC in the UK. Higher education is advanced learning, such as a degree. Specific roles within healthcare allow you to begin a career with further education, and some require higher education. Of course, you will almost always have to pay for these courses as you learn.

Summary

Identifying and transferring skills is a major advantage when getting into healthcare from another career. You can contribute and learn a lot by volunteering for healthcare roles. However, some positions require further or higher education which you will usually have to fund yourself.