Future Skill #3
Care
AI risk: Low
Robot risk: Low
Careers in clinical healthcare
Jobs where people need a person. Here are the main routes into nursing, emergency care, allied health and health tech, what they pay, and what you can start at 13 to 17.
Last checked: 26 October 2026 · About 9 minutes to read, 1 minute to skim
In 30 seconds
- Healthcare is projected to make about 37% of new US jobs to 2035 [1] Source 1: US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment projections 2025–35.
- Hands-on care is hard to automate: AI and robot risk are both rated low.
- US registered nurses earn a median of US$97,550 [2] Source 2: BLS: Registered nurses. Newly qualified NHS nurses start on £32,073 [13] Source 13: NHS Employers: 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scales.
- You can earn while you train: nursing assistant courses in the US, nursing apprenticeships in the UK, school-based traineeships in Australia.
- Start now for free: first aid, a cadet group, or volunteering from about 15 or 16.
02 · The jobs
Five ways into healthcare
Registered nurse, practical or enrolled nurse, nursing assistant
Nursing
Caring for patients in hospitals, clinics, care homes and people's homes. The biggest healthcare workforce, with lots of ways in.
EMT, paramedic, ambulance crew
Paramedic and emergency care
First on the scene for 999, 911 and 000 calls. Fast decisions in places that are never the same twice.
Physio, radiographer, occupational therapy, pharmacy technician
Allied health
Specialists who help people move, scan bodies, recover from injury and get the right medicines.
Dental hygienist, dental nurse
Dental
Cleaning, checking and teaching people to look after their teeth. High pay for a short-ish training route in the US.
Medical (biomedical) equipment repairer
Health tech
Fixing the machines hospitals run on. Part tech, part healthcare, and growing fast in the US.
03 · Why it lasts
Why these jobs last
Share of new US jobs37%Healthcare's share of projected job growth, 2025–35 [1] Source 1: US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment projections 2025–35
Fastest-growing US job+41%Nurse practitioners, 2025–35 [1] Source 1: US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment projections 2025–35
Medical equipment repairers+13%US growth 2025–35, much faster than average [9] Source 9: BLS: Medical equipment repairers
AI can help with paperwork and spotting patterns, but it can't calm a scared patient, lift someone safely or fix a scanner on a ward. That's why care, emergency and hands-on technical roles are rated low risk for both AI and robots.
04 · What it pays
What it pays, by country
Medians show what the middle earns. Trainees start lower. Each figure is in that country's own currency, with its source.
United States
Radiologic technologistsUS$80,110Median, May 2025 · BLS [8] Source 8: BLS: Radiologic and MRI technologists
Licensed practical nursesUS$64,400Median, May 2025 · BLS [3] Source 3: BLS: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Medical equipment repairersUS$61,660Median, May 2025 · BLS [9] Source 9: BLS: Medical equipment repairers
Nursing assistantsUS$42,260Median, May 2025 · BLS [4] Source 4: BLS: Nursing assistants and orderlies
US medians for the whole job. Nursing assistants and EMTs are entry roles; nurses, hygienists and physios need longer training.
United Kingdom
Paramedics£52,875Full-time median, ONS ASHE 2026 provisional [12] Source 12: ONS: ASHE Table 14, pay by occupation (2026 provisional)
Physiotherapists£46,303Full-time median, ONS ASHE 2026 provisional [12] Source 12: ONS: ASHE Table 14, pay by occupation (2026 provisional)
Nurses£44,601Full-time median, ONS ASHE 2026 provisional [12] Source 12: ONS: ASHE Table 14, pay by occupation (2026 provisional)
Nursing auxiliaries and assistants£30,383Full-time median, ONS ASHE 2026 provisional [12] Source 12: ONS: ASHE Table 14, pay by occupation (2026 provisional)
NHS pay bands, England, from April 2026
Band 2£25,272Typical for a new healthcare assistant
Band 3£25,760 to £27,476Typical while training as a nursing associate
Band 4£28,392 to £31,157Typical once registered as a nursing associate
Band 5£32,073 to £39,043Newly qualified nurses, paramedics, physios, dental hygienists
NHS band ranges [13] Source 13: NHS Employers: 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scales. Dental hygienists usually start on Band 5 with specialists on Band 6 [14] Source 14: Prospects: Dental hygienist job profile.
Canada
Registered nursesC$43.27/hourNational median · Job Bank [28] Source 28: Job Bank: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses wages
Personal support workersC$24.00/hourNational median · Job Bank [29] Source 29: Job Bank: Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates wages
Pay varies a lot by province. Check the Job Bank wage pages for where you live.
Australia
Registered nursesA$2,192/weekMedian weekly earnings, May 2025 · Jobs and Skills Australia [32] Source 32: Jobs and Skills Australia: Registered nurses
No reliable figure on our site yet for other Australian health jobs. Check Jobs and Skills Australia for the job you want.
05 · How to get in
Your route, step by step
- At schoolBiology, chemistry and first aidThe science subjects most courses ask for.
- From 14 to 16Cadets or volunteeringReal experience of caring for people.
- 16 to 18Entry job or traineeshipNursing assistant, healthcare assistant, PSW or a school-based traineeship.
- 18+Degree or degree apprenticeshipNursing, paramedic science, physio, radiography or dental hygiene.
- QualifiedRegister and specialiseWith your country's regulator, then pick a specialty.
United States
- Nursing assistant (CNA): a state-approved course of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practice, then your state's competency exam [15] Source 15: 42 CFR 483.152: Nurse aide training requirements [4] Source 4: BLS: Nursing assistants and orderlies. Minimum ages are set by each state.
- Licensed practical nurse: a certificate or diploma that usually takes about a year [3] Source 3: BLS: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses.
- Registered nurse: usually a bachelor's degree; an associate's degree or diploma can also qualify you for entry-level jobs [2] Source 2: BLS: Registered nurses.
- EMT and paramedic: a postsecondary course. States can set a minimum age for a licence [5] Source 5: BLS: EMTs and paramedics.
- Dental hygienist: an associate's degree; programmes usually take 3 years [6] Source 6: BLS: Dental hygienists. Radiologic technologist: an associate's degree [8] Source 8: BLS: Radiologic and MRI technologists.
- Medical equipment repairer: an associate's degree or certificate in biomedical technology [9] Source 9: BLS: Medical equipment repairers.
United Kingdom
- Healthcare assistant: an entry job on NHS Band 2 [13] Source 13: NHS Employers: 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scales.
- Nursing associate: a two-year level 5 apprenticeship, usually paid on Band 3 while you train and Band 4 once you're registered with the NMC [19] Source 19: Cambridge University Hospitals: Nursing apprenticeships.
- Registered nurse degree apprenticeship: earn while you train. Most take four years, less if you're already a nursing associate [18] Source 18: UWE Bristol: Registered nurse degree apprenticeship (ST0781). Or take a university nursing degree.
- Paramedic: an HCPC-approved paramedic science degree, or a level 6 paramedic degree apprenticeship, usually for people already working for an ambulance service [20] Source 20: Skills England: Paramedic (degree) apprenticeship ST0567.
- Physio and other allied health: an HCPC-approved degree, or a degree apprenticeship you apply for through an employer [21] Source 21: HCPC: Physiotherapist degree apprenticeship (approved programme).
- T Level in Health (England): a two-year course after GCSEs with at least 315 hours on placement [27] Source 27: Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College: Health T Level.
Canada
- Personal support worker (Ontario): a college programme of five months to a year. Some school boards offer PSW training that counts toward your high school diploma [30] Source 30: Ontario: Careers in long-term care.
- Registered nurse: a nursing degree, then the NCLEX-RN exam and a licence from your province's regulator [31] Source 31: York University: Becoming a registered nurse.
- Practical nurse: called an LPN or RPN depending on your province. Check your provincial nursing regulator for the course you need.
- Check your province: nursing and paramedic rules are set provincially.
Australia
- School-based traineeship (NSW): a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance while you're at school, with at least 100 days of paid work and training [35] Source 35: NSW Education: Certificate III Health Services Assistance (school-based traineeship).
- Enrolled nurse: a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Board, usually 18 months to 2 years full-time [33] Source 33: TAFE NSW: Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121).
- Registered nurse: an approved Bachelor of Nursing, for example 3 years full-time, then registration [34] Source 34: Western Sydney University: Bachelor of Nursing.
06 · By age
What you can do at your age
- UK: St John Ambulance Cadets from 10 to 17, learning life-saving skills [22] Source 22: St John Ambulance: Young people. NHS Cadets from 14 [23] Source 23: Oldham Council: NHS Cadets programme.
- Australia: St John youth groups (not in every state) [36] Source 36: St John Ambulance Australia: Youth.
- US: HOSA health clubs in middle and high school [16] Source 16: HOSA-Future Health Professionals. Red Cross youth volunteering often starts at 13, depending on your area [17] Source 17: American Red Cross: Youth programs (North Texas).
- Take biology and chemistry seriously, and get a first aid certificate.
- UK: hospital work experience and volunteering often start at 16, with ward roles from 17 or 18 [25] Source 25: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust: Work experience for over-16s. British Red Cross volunteering from 15 [24] Source 24: British Red Cross: Youth volunteer placements.
- UK: NHS Cadets Advanced (16 to 18) [23] Source 23: Oldham Council: NHS Cadets programme, or a Health T Level [27] Source 27: Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College: Health T Level.
- Australia (NSW): a health school-based traineeship in Years 11 and 12 [35] Source 35: NSW Education: Certificate III Health Services Assistance (school-based traineeship).
- US: EMT and nursing assistant courses often take 16 and 17 year olds. Check your state's age rules first.
- UK: nursing associate or nursing degree apprenticeships [19] Source 19: Cambridge University Hospitals: Nursing apprenticeships [18] Source 18: UWE Bristol: Registered nurse degree apprenticeship (ST0781), or a university degree.
- Canada: a PSW certificate [30] Source 30: Ontario: Careers in long-term care or a nursing degree [31] Source 31: York University: Becoming a registered nurse.
- Australia: a Diploma of Nursing [33] Source 33: TAFE NSW: Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) or a Bachelor of Nursing [34] Source 34: Western Sydney University: Bachelor of Nursing.
- US: an LPN certificate [3] Source 3: BLS: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, an associate's degree in dental hygiene or radiography [6] Source 6: BLS: Dental hygienists [8] Source 8: BLS: Radiologic and MRI technologists, or a nursing degree [2] Source 2: BLS: Registered nurses.
07 · Free ways to start this year
Start free this year
Step 1 · Any age
Learn first aid
Join a St John Ambulance or Red Cross youth group where you live [22] Source 22: St John Ambulance: Young people [17] Source 17: American Red Cross: Youth programs (North Texas), or ask your school about a first aid course.
Step 2 · 14+
Join a cadet or health club
NHS Cadets (UK, free, 14 to 18) [23] Source 23: Oldham Council: NHS Cadets programme, HOSA (US) [16] Source 16: HOSA-Future Health Professionals or St John youth (Australia) [36] Source 36: St John Ambulance Australia: Youth.
Step 3 · 15 to 16+
Volunteer with people
A hospital, care home or charity. Most hospitals start at 16 [25] Source 25: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust: Work experience for over-16s; some don't take under-16s at all [26] Source 26: Royal United Hospitals Bath: Unpaid roles (PDF).
08 · The honest trade-offs
The honest trade-offs
- It's physical and it can hurt. US healthcare and social assistance has a higher injury rate than construction: 3.4 vs 2.2 cases per 100 full-time workers [11] Source 11: BLS: Work injury rates by industry.
- Entry jobs pay less. US nursing assistants earn a median of US$42,260 [4] Source 4: BLS: Nursing assistants and orderlies, less than half a registered nurse. The big pay comes after training.
- Shifts. Nights, weekends and holidays come with most hands-on jobs.
- It's emotional. You'll see people at their worst moments. Good teams and supervision matter.
- Long training for the top roles. Nurses, physios and paramedics usually need a degree or a degree apprenticeship.
09 · Your 12-month plan
Your next 12 months
- Month 1Pick two jobs to exploreFrom the five above. Read their routes for your country.
- Months 1–3Learn first aidA course or a youth group.
- Months 3–6Join a cadet group or health clubNHS Cadets, HOSA or St John.
- Months 6–11Get real experienceVolunteering or work experience when you're old enough. Talk to a nurse, paramedic or hygienist.
- Month 12Choose your routeCheck the subjects and grades your chosen course or apprenticeship asks for.
Built on the 12-month plan from our Future Skills page.
10 · Earn while you learn
Earn while you learn
Side hustles that build the same skills: patience, reliability and looking after people. Pay is a rough range, shown in your currency.
11 · Stay safe
Stay safe
- Only do what you're trained for. Under 18s are kept out of some areas, like theatres, for good reason [25] Source 25: Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust: Work experience for over-16s.
- Expect checks. Hospitals and care settings run background and vaccination checks, and need a parent's consent if you're under 18.
- Protect your back. Never lift a person without training and the right equipment.
- Keep patients' details private. Never post photos or stories about patients online.
- Never pay for a "guaranteed job" course. Use approved courses listed by your state, country or regulator.
12 · Sources
Sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment projections 2025–35 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.nr0.htm
- BLS: Registered nurses https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
- BLS: Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm
- BLS: Nursing assistants and orderlies https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm
- BLS: EMTs and paramedics https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/emts-and-paramedics.htm
- BLS: Dental hygienists https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-hygienists.htm
- BLS: Pharmacy technicians https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm
- BLS: Radiologic and MRI technologists https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
- BLS: Medical equipment repairers https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/medical-equipment-repairers.htm
- BLS: Physical therapists https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm
- BLS: Work injury rates by industry https://www.bls.gov/charts/injuries-and-illnesses/number-and-rate-of-nonfatal-work-injuries-and-illnesses-by-industry.htm
- ONS: ASHE Table 14, pay by occupation (2026 provisional) https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/occupation4digitsoc2010ashetable14
- NHS Employers: 2026/27 Agenda for Change pay scales https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/pay-scales-202627
- Prospects: Dental hygienist job profile https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/dental-hygienist
- 42 CFR 483.152: Nurse aide training requirements https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/483.152
- HOSA-Future Health Professionals https://hosa.org/
- American Red Cross: Youth programs (North Texas) https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/north-texas/volunteer/youth-programs.html
- UWE Bristol: Registered nurse degree apprenticeship (ST0781) https://courses.uwe.ac.uk/ST0781
- Cambridge University Hospitals: Nursing apprenticeships https://www.careers.cuh.nhs.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-nursing
- Skills England: Paramedic (degree) apprenticeship ST0567 https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0567-v1-0
- HCPC: Physiotherapist degree apprenticeship (approved programme) https://www.hcpc-uk.org/education/approved-programmes/education-programmes/physiotherapist-degree-apprenticeship-bsc-hons-physiotherapy/
- St John Ambulance: Young people https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/
- Oldham Council: NHS Cadets programme https://oldham.gov.uk/hsc/services/records/120/2492?send=0
- British Red Cross: Youth volunteer placements https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/youth-volunteer-placements
- Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust: Work experience for over-16s https://www.dgft.nhs.uk/careers-at-dudley/work-experience/over-16s/
- Royal United Hospitals Bath: Unpaid roles (PDF) https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/get_involved/volunteering/documents/Unpaid_roles_at_the_RUH.pdf
- Stoke on Trent Sixth Form College: Health T Level https://www.stokesfc.ac.uk/course/health-t-level/
- Job Bank: Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses wages https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/993
- Job Bank: Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates wages https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/wagereport/occupation/296747
- Ontario: Careers in long-term care https://www.ontario.ca/page/careers-long-term-care
- York University: Becoming a registered nurse https://www.yorku.ca/health/nursing/becoming-a-registered-nurse/
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Registered nurses https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/occupation-and-industry-profiles/occupations/2544-registered-nurses
- TAFE NSW: Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/HLT54121-01/Diploma-of-Nursing
- Western Sydney University: Bachelor of Nursing https://handbook.westernsydney.edu.au/2024-2025/programs/bachelor-nursing/
- NSW Education: Certificate III Health Services Assistance (school-based traineeship) https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/students/career-and-study-pathways/school-based-apprenticeships-and-traineeships/traineeships/certificate-iii-health-services-health-services-assistance
- St John Ambulance Australia: Youth https://youth.stjohn.org.au/about/
Facts come from our Future Skills research and these official sources, last checked 26 October 2026. Ages, rules and pay change: confirm with the course, hospital or regulator before you apply.