Get work experience in health care

Work experience is a great way to find about what it’s like to work in health care and is a real advantage when applying for higher education courses and health care support roles. Many large organisations in the NHS and independent sector offer the option to volunteer in health care.

What to expect

On your placement, you may undertake tasks including making beds, shadowing a nurse or health care assistant, talking with patients, attending team meetings, observing drug rounds, or applying simple dressings — all with the patients’ consent. Work placement students are normally covered by an honorary contract, which sets out the expectations on both sides.