How to become a healthcare support worker
A healthcare support worker (also called a healthcare assistant) helps nurses and doctors care for patients. You can often start without experience and train on the job, including through an NHS apprenticeship.
How do I become a healthcare support worker?
You can become a healthcare support worker by applying directly to an NHS trust or care provider, often with no experience, or through a Level 2 or 3 healthcare apprenticeship or the Health T Level. New starters complete the Care Certificate. The National Careers Service lists pay of about £25,000 to £27,000.
Last reviewed by the Shine careers team.
What does a healthcare support worker do?
- Help patients wash, dress, eat and move around
- Take and record temperature, pulse, blood pressure and weight
- Keep wards and equipment clean and stocked
- Reassure patients and families and report changes to nurses
Pay
Typical salary: £25,000 as a starter, rising to £27,000 with experience.
Apprentices under 19, or in their first year, earn at least £8.00 an hour from April 2026. Many employers pay more.
Sources: National Careers Service (healthcare assistant), gov.uk minimum wage rates. See also how much apprentices are paid.
What you need to get in
- Most roles ask for good English and maths; GCSEs help but are not always required
- A caring attitude and good communication
- You will need an enhanced DBS check. Many NHS trusts recruit from 18 for ward roles; some apprenticeships start at 16
Routes in
Level 2 or 3 healthcare support worker apprenticeship
Paid training with an NHS trust or care provider, working on a ward or in the community.
Apply directly
Many NHS trusts hire healthcare support workers with no experience and give you the Care Certificate in your first weeks.
T Level in Health or Healthcare Science
Two years of study with a long placement in a hospital or clinic; a strong route into nursing later.
College course
A Level 2 or 3 health and social care course, then apply for support worker roles.
How to become a healthcare support worker, step by step
- 1
Get some caring experience
Volunteering in a hospital, care home or with St John Ambulance shows employers you are comfortable with people who need help.
- 2
Look for roles and apprenticeships
Check Shine's board, NHS Jobs and local care providers for healthcare support worker and HCA roles.
- 3
Prepare your values answers
NHS interviews test the NHS values: compassion, respect, working together. Have a real example for each.
- 4
Complete the Care Certificate
New starters complete the Care Certificate in their first weeks, covering safe, basic care.
- 5
Build towards the next step
Many support workers go on to nursing associate or registered nurse apprenticeships.
Skills employers look for
- Kindness and patience
- Clear communication
- Teamwork
- Staying calm under pressure
Not sure you have them yet? Read our guide to transferable skills, or prepare for an interview.
Related guides
FAQs
- Can I become a healthcare support worker with no experience?
- Yes. Many NHS trusts and care providers recruit healthcare support workers with no experience and train you, starting with the Care Certificate.
- What is the difference between a healthcare assistant and a healthcare support worker?
- They are largely the same job. Healthcare support worker is the NHS title; healthcare assistant is used in many hospitals and GP surgeries.
- How much does a healthcare support worker earn?
- The National Careers Service lists about £25,000 rising to £27,000 for healthcare assistants. NHS roles are paid on the Agenda for Change pay bands.
- How old do you have to be?
- Some healthcare apprenticeships start at 16, but many NHS ward roles recruit from 18. Check each advert's age requirement.
- Can a healthcare support worker become a nurse?
- Yes. Many move into a nursing associate apprenticeship and then a registered nurse degree apprenticeship while still being paid.
Last reviewed 23 September 2026 by the Shine careers team.
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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.
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