Healthcare Jobs No Experience: Examples and Tips for Getting Experience

Looking to start a career in healthcare but worried about having no experience? You’re not alone—many people have secured entry-level jobs in the UK healthcare sector with little to no experience and developed fulfilling professional careers.

The NHS and private healthcare providers are always looking for compassionate individuals ready to make a difference. From administrative positions to hands-on patient care roles, the opportunities are vast. Even without experience, there are ways to get your foot in the door and build a career in this thriving sector.

This article guides you through healthcare jobs that don’t require experience, how to gain valuable experience and how to craft a compelling CV that stands out in the job market. By the end, you'll have the confidence to take your first steps toward a rewarding career in UK healthcare.

In this article, we cover: 

• How to get a job in UK healthcare with no experience

• How to write a healthcare CV in the UK with no experience

• Top 10 entry level healthcare jobs with no experience

• Dos & don’ts for getting a job in healthcare

• Next steps in your job application process

How to get a job in healthcare with no experience

Starting a career in healthcare without experience might feel daunting, but there are plenty of entry-level opportunities available, especially in the NHS and private healthcare. Here are a few ways to begin your journey:

1. Look for entry-level roles: Many healthcare jobs, such as healthcare assistants (HCAs), receptionists, administrative assistants and kitchen porters and provide on-the-job training. These roles are critical to hospital operations and can help you gain valuable experience in patient care or healthcare administration.

2. Volunteer: Volunteering is an excellent way to gain firsthand hospital work experience. The NHS and various charities often seek volunteers for patient support, admin tasks or fundraising roles. Volunteering can boost your CV, show your commitment and help you build networks within the healthcare sector. You can also explain gaps in employment or show your proactive approach by including your volunteer work when you explain unemployment on a CV.

3. Apply for apprenticeships: If you are a school leaver or graduate, the NHS offers a range of apprenticeships that combine work with study. You’ll earn a wage while qualifying. Popular options include Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeships, which are great for getting your foot in the door and learning on the job.

4. Take short courses: Platforms like the NHS Learning Hub and other accredited organisations offer various healthcare-related courses you can complete at your own pace. Gaining basic certifications like first aid, safeguarding or infection control can give you a competitive edge. These certifications can be listed in the courses and certificates section of a CV.

How to write a healthcare CV with no experience 

Even without direct healthcare experience, you can still write a good CV that highlights your transferable skills and readiness to work in the sector. We recommend starting with a modern CV or skills-based CV format.

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Here are the 5 key things to include when creating your CV

1. Craft a strong personal profile: Start with a brief introduction, focusing on your enthusiasm for working in healthcare and any relevant skills or attributes. Tailor your profile to the specific role you're applying for. If you're unsure how to start, check out these tips on writing a personal profile on a CV.

2. Leverage transferable skills: When including skills on your CV, feature transferable skills for healthcare roles, such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. If you’ve worked in customer service, try to emphasise in-demand soft skills such as your ability to interact with people, remain calm under pressure and manage tasks efficiently—skills that are invaluable in healthcare.

3. Include a full work history: Even if your experience is limited, be sure to include your entire work history to date including a brief description of duties and responsibilities. When applying for an entry-level position don’t worry too much about how relevant your past roles were, think more about how you can build on your experience to develop further.

4. Use action verbs: Focus on action verbs like "assisted," "coordinated" or "supported" to describe your past roles. These words show employers you are proactive and ready to contribute to the team, even if your experience isn't directly related to healthcare. 

5. Tailor each application: Make sure to tailor your CV for each role you apply for. If the job is more focused on administrative tasks, highlight any experience with organising, scheduling or handling data. For patient-facing roles, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and empathise with others. If you need assistance, check out our article on how to start the CV writing process.

10 examples of healthcare jobs with no experience required 

If you’re eager to start a healthcare career but lack experience, there are still many roles available that require little to no background in the field. Whether you’re a student, returning from a career break or in the middle of a career change, here are ten jobs you can consider with no prior experience:

1. Healthcare administration jobs no experience

These roles focus on the operational side of healthcare and are ideal for those who prefer behind-the-scenes work.

• Receptionist – Frontline receptionists in hospitals and clinics are responsible for greeting patients, answering phones and scheduling appointments. No prior experience is usually required, but strong organisational skills are essential.

• Ward clerk – Ward clerks handle patient admissions, maintain records and liaise with medical staff. Training is provided on the job, and it’s an excellent way to become familiar with hospital operations.

2. Support roles

These roles involve providing general support to the healthcare staff, often with patient interaction.

• Healthcare assistant (HCA) – HCAs provide basic patient care, such as helping with feeding, washing and mobility. No formal qualifications are required, and you’ll receive training as part of your role. HCAs can also progress to roles in nursing or nursery assistants and other supporting medical roles.

• Porter – Porters play an essential role in moving patients, equipment and materials throughout hospitals. It’s a physically demanding job, but a great way to get familiar with the hospital environment. This could also be a gateway into more logistic roles.

Hospitals are often mini societies within themselves; they need shops, cafes, gardens and salons. This means shop assistants, security guards, baristas, gardeners and hairdressers can all find work in the healthcare sector. There are many opportunities if you are looking for unqualified NHS jobs and part-time healthcare jobs with no experience.

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3. Online healthcare jobs no experience

Navigating hybrid work and working from home is here to stay. Remote healthcare jobs with no experience offer flexibility and autonomy whilst allowing you to support healthcare operations remotely.

• Medical transcriptionist – Transcriptionists convert voice recordings from doctors and medical staff into written reports. While this role requires excellent typing skills, it typically doesn’t require prior medical knowledge. 

• Call centre operative – Many healthcare providers and NHS services offer call centre roles where you assist patients by answering queries, booking appointments or directing calls. These entry-level roles are perfect for outgoing individuals and come with full training.

4. Care roles

For those who want to work directly with people in a caregiving capacity, these roles are perfect for gaining patient-facing experience.

• Care worker – Working as a care assistant - usually in care homes or domiciliary care - involves assisting elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks. Care worker roles are often entry-level, with on-the-job training provided.

• Personal care assistant – As opposed to a care worker, a caregiver provides one-on-one support to individuals in their homes. Personal care assistants help with personal hygiene, cooking and other daily tasks.

5. Facilities and support services

These roles focus on maintaining healthcare facilities and ensuring the smooth running of services.

• Catering assistant – Catering assistants work in hospital kitchens, helping prepare and serve meals to patients. No experience is needed, and it’s a great way to get started in healthcare. Kitchens and hospitality jobs offer clear career progression to roles such as chef and concierge.

• Cleaner – Cleaners are essential for maintaining the hygiene and safety of hospitals and clinics. While the job may seem basic, it provides valuable insight into how healthcare environments operate.

Each of these roles can serve as a stepping stone into more advanced positions as you gain experience. Start by looking at NHS apprenticeships or volunteering opportunities to supplement your CV.

Dos & don’ts for getting a job in healthcare without experience 

If you’ve never applied for a job in the UK healthcare sector before, or if you are exploring job opportunities as an international student, it can be tricky to know what you should and should not do. Let’s tackle a few of the most common dos and don’ts. 

Key takeaways 

1. No experience, no problem: The NHS and healthcare sector offer a variety of entry-level jobs where you can gain experience while working, such as healthcare assistants, porters, or ward clerks. Entry requirements differ across these various roles.

2. Volunteering and apprenticeships open doors: Gaining experience through NHS volunteering or apprenticeships is a great way to build your skills and make connections in the industry.

3. Tailor your CV: Focus on transferable skills like communication, organisation, and teamwork. Highlight any relevant certifications or voluntary experience.

4. Look for support roles: Even if you prefer not to work directly with patients, roles such as admin assistants, cleaners, or catering assistants allow you to be part of the healthcare system.

5. Continuous learning: Taking short healthcare-related courses can boost your employability and show your commitment to the field.

Next steps? 

Now that you’ve explored the healthcare jobs available without experience and learned how to enhance your CV, it’s time to take action. Follow these next steps to move forward in your healthcare career journey:

1. Start drafting your CV: Use the tips provided to improve your CV to reflect your transferable skills, any relevant courses and volunteer work. Be sure to also maintain a strong LinkedIn profile as hiring managers do their research about you.

2. Write a tailored cover letter: Even without experience, a well-written cover letter can highlight your motivation and passion for healthcare. Not sure where to begin? We have compiled the best tips for writing a cover letter for a healthcare assistant job with no experience.

3. Send and track your job applications: You may be applying for multiple roles at the same time. It is best to be strategic about your application activities, especially if you are sending your CV via email.

4. Prepare for interviews: Once you’ve applied for jobs, it’s time to get ready for interviews. Research the role and the healthcare facility you’re applying to and practice common interview questions. For NHS roles specifically, refer to our guide on how to prepare for NHS interviews.

FAQ

How to find healthcare jobs with no experience near me?

Many NHS healthcare assistant jobs with no experience are available on job boards like NHS Jobs or Reed, where you can filter for entry-level positions that are location specific. Consider searching for jobs like healthcare assistants, porters or receptionists, and use specific location filters. Whether you are looking for remote healthcare jobs with no experience or entry-level healthcare jobs, there will be something that suits you.

How to apply for NHS jobs?

You can apply for NHS jobs through the NHS Jobs website. Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored to each role, and prepare thoroughly for the application process by following NHS guidelines.

Is volunteering work experience?

Yes! Volunteering is an excellent way to gain relevant experience in healthcare. Many NHS trusts offer volunteer positions, and this can be a great way to make connections and demonstrate your commitment to the sector.

How to apply for a work experience placement?

To apply for a work experience placement in the NHS, visit your local NHS trust’s website. They often have specific information on placements, especially for students or individuals looking to get started in healthcare. Learn more about how to write a cover letter for a work placement.

How do I get a sponsorship for the UK health and care visa?

If you are interested in hospital careers but are not in the UK, to obtain a sponsorship for the UK Health and Care Visa, you’ll need a job offer from an approved UK employer, such as an NHS trust. The role must be eligible for a sponsorship, and you’ll need to meet the salary requirements. More information can be found on the UK government’s visa and immigration website.