Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.
Live listings typically advertise £13.25 to £16 an hour. See the full Healthcare Assistant salary guide.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)
Any of these strengthens your application.
- Health and Social Care Extended Diploma (Level 2) L2127 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care L242 courses
- BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care L232 courses
- Understanding Personal Care Needs (Level 2) L210 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Common Health Conditions L26 courses
- Level 2 Diploma in Care L22 courses
Add-on certificates
Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.
- Food Safety in Care and Early Years Settings 7 courses
- Health and Social Care Practice 1 course
Where this can take you
Healthcare assistant roles can be a stepping stone to other health careers. With training, you can become an assistant practitioner in: chiropody or podiatry, occupational therapy, radiography and physiotherapy. With experience, you can help to train new healthcare assistants. You can also apply to train as a nurse, radiographer, dietitian, midwife or social worker. Health Careers has information about careers in all areas of the NHS. You can also use your skills in the social care sector. You can research more about roles in social care from Think Care Careers.
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3105 courses
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care L354 courses
- Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism L349 courses
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care L338 courses
Courses for this career
See free Healthcare Assistant courses
Level 2
- Health and Social Care Extended Diploma (Level 2) L2127 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care L242 courses
- BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care L232 courses
- Understanding Personal Care Needs (Level 2) L210 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Common Health Conditions L26 courses
Level 3
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3105 courses
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care L354 courses
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care L338 courses
- BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L326 courses
- Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care L321 courses