Healthcare assistants (HCAs) play a vital role in the UK’s healthcare system, working in both the NHS and the private sector.

Supporting nurses, doctors and others with their duties, HCAs must share their commitment to top-quality patient care and their ability to reassure patients. We have healthcare assistant jobs available throughout the UK, in a wide range of settings.

Here are our current healthcare assistant vacancies.

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FAQs about being a Healthcare Assistant

  • Is there flexibility with shift patterns?

    We’re able to agree unique shift patterns for our healthcare assistants. Call us to talk through the shift patterns you want and we’ll see if we can help.


  • How much does a healthcare assistant earn in the NHS? 

    healthcare assistant working in the NHS earns between £9.00 and £12.00 per hour for days, between £12.00 and £15.00 per hour for nights and Sundays up to £19.00 per hour. 


  • What qualifications do I need to be a healthcare assistant? 

    Healthcare assistants don’t necessarily need a qualification to work. However, if you started working in healthcare after 2015 and wish to work through MCG Healthcare, we require you to hold a healthcare qualification such as an NVQ, BTEC, or a Care Certificate.  

    The Care Certificate is a set of standards that ensure health and social care workers provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality care and support. Regulated staff (e.g. doctors, nurses) gain similar skills and knowledge within their professional training so they do not need to hold a Care Certificate.  


  • Can a healthcare assistant become a nurse? 

    Yes, you can transition from a healthcare assistant to a nurse. In fact, it is very common for people studying nursing degrees to start off working as a healthcare assistant.  

    You will need a degree in nursing, and you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).  

    Nursing requires a high-level of technical competence and clinical decision-making skills. Nursing students spend half of their degree on supervised placements in local hospital and community settings. 


  • What are the shift patterns for a healthcare assistant? 

    Shift patterns vary but the traditional hours are: 

    Early:         07:00 to 15:00 

    Late:          13:00 to 21:00  

    Long Day: 07:00 to 21:00 

    Night:        21:00 to 07:00 


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