Palliative care assistant

You could do a college course to learn some of the skills you'll need as a palliative care assistant.

You could do a Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support or a T Level in Health.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Health and Social Care Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You'll find it useful to get some work experience in healthcare .

You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT .

You could apply directly to become a palliative care assistant.

You might not need any formal qualifications, but it could help your application if you have:

• GCSEs grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
• a level 2 qualification in health and social care, like a certificate, diploma, GCSE or NVQ
• a good understanding of end of life care, or palliative care

Further Information

You can find out more about careers in healthcare from Health Careers .

As a palliative care assistant you could:

• apply simple wound dressings and give medication
• change medical equipment like catheters and make sure equipment is cleaned and stored correctly
• support the emotional wellbeing of a patient and their family
• care for the person's body after death
• update patient records

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a hospice, at an adult care home or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.