Wellbeing

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship

University

You can do a healthcare play specialism foundation degree, which you'll need to register with the Society of Health Play Specialists.

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

This is a 2-year, day-release course. It combines academic study with work placements.

If you're not already working in a healthcare setting, you'll need to arrange a placement during the course. You will need to complete at least 200 hours of work placements for each year.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for the Health Play Specialist Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, if you have at least 2 years' experience of working with children. You should also be employed in a healthcare setting, for example a hospital or clinic.

You can find vacancies through NHS Jobs.

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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• search for apprenticeships on NHS Jobs|https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Volunteering and work experience

You can get work experience by volunteering in a healthcare setting, which is useful when applying for courses and jobs.

You can also find volunteering opportunities 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 health play specialist, who is registered with the Society of Health Play Specialists, to act as your mentor during workplace training.
• pass enhanced background checks as you may work with children and vulnerable adults

More information

Career tips

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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a health play specialist from the Society of Health Play Specialists and Health Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

You could use your experience to work outside of a hospital setting, for example in a hospice or within a community paediatric team.

You could also become a:senior play specialist; team leader; play department manager

You might apply to train as a healthcare professional, like a children's nurse, child psychotherapist or counsellor.