Wellbeing

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

You'll need a foundation degree in a healthcare play specialism to register with the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust as a registered Health Play Specialist. This is a 2-year, part-time course. To get onto the course, you usually need:

• a childcare qualification at level 3 or above
• GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths
• at least 2 years' experience of working with children - paid or voluntary

Courses are a mix of practical work and theory. If you're not already working in healthcare play, you need to arrange a placement during the course.

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do a health play specialist practitioner higher apprenticeship.

You will need some experience of working with children in a childcare or healthcare setting.

There may be opportunities with the NHS, as well as independent and private providers of healthcare services. You can find vacancies through NHS Jobs and the National Association of Health Play Specialists.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering and work experience

Volunteering in a healthcare setting will give you useful work experience for applying for courses and jobs.

You may also find volunteering opportunities where you can gain relevant skills, through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Do IT.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You will need to find an experienced and qualified Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust (HPSET) Registered Health Play Specialist who is willing to mentor and assess you in the workplace. When you have successfully completed both the work-based and academic requirements you will be eligible to register with HPSET. Registration is voluntary but recommended.
• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

More information

Career tips

When applying for jobs and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a health play specialist from the Healthcare Play Specialist Education Trust, Health Careers and the National Association of Health Play Specialists.

View all vacancies in this region

You could go on to work outside of a hospital setting, for example in a child development centre, hospice, or within a community paediatric team.

With experience, you could progress to team leader or team manager.

You could also apply to train as a healthcare professional, like a nurse or occupational therapist.