Qualifications, skills & experience required

For any administration role a good standard of literacy and numeracy is required. Employers usually ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths. IT skills and qualifications are useful too as so many NHS systems are IT-based now.

You’ll be using your skills in time management, organisation and communication in any admin role. Some roles such as ward clerks or receptionists have a lot of contact with patients.

Other staff such as switchboard operators are based in headquarters buildings and work mainly with other administrative staff. Typists, secretaries and PAs may be based in hospitals and have contact with healthcare staff, but little or no contact with patients.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• A friendly, enthusiastic and an approachable character
• Excellent practical skills
• Capable of working both independently and in a team
• Possess the ability to inspire positivity and confidence around patients who may feel the opposite, as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure

Hours of Work & Environment

A working week can be very different depending on the role and hours you do.

Typically, the environment you will work in is within a hospital, however this is dependent on the role. For example, working as a telephone operator may mean working within a call centre.

Career Progression & Beyond…

Working within an administration role is highly rewarding as it can provide great satisfaction knowing the work you have done supports doctors and healthcare staff who in return make a measurable difference to the lives of patients.

With sufficient experience and further training, you can move into management, supervisor and team leader roles.