One of the major backbones of the UK is the healthcare sector is a dedicated workforce of Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), who support patients, nurses and doctors. If you're looking for a career that makes a tangible difference, offers profound personal satisfaction, and job security, becoming an HCA is a fantastic path.
At the British Nursing Association (BNA), we have been "Getting it Right Since 1948." As one of the UK's most experienced nursing and care agencies, we understand that our healthcare assistants are vital. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a healthcare assistant and how to make the most of this career.
What is a Healthcare Assistant?
If you're just starting your research, you might be asking: What is a healthcare assistant? Simply put, an HCA is a clinical professional who works under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, usually registered nurses or doctors.
HCAs serve a crucial role in the daily operation of the NHS and private healthcare providers. They are the frontline "people-first" carers who ensure that patients receive the necessary dignity, support, and clinical monitoring they require.
Unlike many desk-based roles, the HCA role is active, varied, and deeply rooted in human connection. You are the eyes and ears of the ward or care home, often one of the first to notice a change in a patient's condition or mood.
How to Become an Agency or NHS Healthcare Assistant?
One of the most attractive aspects about an HCA career is its accessibility. You do not necessarily need a university degree to start. However, the journey of becoming an HCA requires a blend of the right attitude, foundational education, and a commitment to service excellence.
1. Meet the Necessary Educational Foundations
To begin, you typically need a good standard of general education (GCSEs in English and Maths are highly preferred). Usually, employers expect good literacy and numeracy and may ask for GCSE transcripts.
From there, you can apply for entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, or residential homes. Many people start by looking for "how to become a healthcare assistant NHS opportunities'', as the NHS provides a robust, structured environment for newcomers
2. Obtain the Relevant Formal Training
Generally, to register and work as an HCA in the UK, you must possess formal or vocational training equivalent to a Band 2 or Band 3 HCA. Some employers provide on-the-job training, shadowing, or clinical hours for continuous professional development (CPD).
At BNA, we offer training for healthcare assistants for registered members of our agency medical staff through our preferred training providers. These include:
The Health & Safety Group – Offers training at 47 venues nationwide and e-learning bundles. Register for discounted rates here.
The Direct Training Academy – Offers training at venues nationwide in BLS and moving and handling and an all-in-one day training course.
Healthier Business – Offers nationwide training in a PMVA 3-Day course.
Train Healthcare – Offers training at venues nationwide. Register for training here.
3. Build Experience
Before diving into a full-time role, building a portfolio of experience is invaluable. Healthcare is a "people-first" industry and proving that you can handle the emotional and physical demands of the job is key. You can do this in the following ways:
Voluntary Work: Spending time in a hospice, care home, or community centre demonstrates your commitment.
Transferable Skills: If you have worked in customer service or education, you already possess communication and empathy skills that are vital for the healthcare assistant role.
Shadowing: If possible, speak to local providers about shadowing opportunities to see first-hand what a healthcare assistant does.
4. Choose Your Career
The "HCA" title is a broad umbrella. You should consider which environment suits your personality best:
Acute Care: Working in fast-paced NHS hospital wards.
Mental Health: Supporting patients with complex emotional and psychological needs.
Community Care: Visiting patients in their own homes to help them maintain independence.
Primary Care: Working within GP surgeries, assisting with minor procedures and health checks.
School and Learning Disability: Working with children to make them feel supported and empowered.
We offer vacancies in all of the above fields/careers, so no matter your desired environment, we'll be able to find you something suitable.
What does a Healthcare Assistant do?
Many people ask, "what does a healthcare assistant do on a daily basis?" No two shifts are ever the same, but the core of the role involves:
Personal Care: Assisting patients with washing, dressing, and toileting while maintaining their dignity.
Clinical Monitoring: Taking "obs" (observations) such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rates.
Nutritional Support: Helping patients eat and ensuring they stay hydrated.
Mobility: Using hoists and equipment to help patients move safely.
Communication: Acting as a bridge between the patient, their family, and the medical team.
In essence, what a healthcare assistant does is provide the "wrap-around" care that allows clinical treatments to be effective.
How Much do Healthcare Assistants earn?
The question of how much does a healthcare assistant earn depends on your experience, your location, and whether you work for the NHS or an agency like BNA. With BNA, a Healthcare Assistant salary can be as much as £369.12 per shift*. To find out how much you could earn, check out our pay rate calculator.
In the NHS, HCAs usually start at Band 2 or Band 3 of the "Agenda for Change" pay scale. As of 2024/2025, this typically starts around £22,000 to £25,000 per year for full-time staff.
However, working through an agency can offer significantly higher hourly rates and greater flexibility. At BNA, we pride ourselves on offering competitive, high-quality pay that reflects the hard work our staff put in.
Top tip: Different NHS bands correspond to varying salaries. The more advanced you are in your career, the higher your band will be.
What Qualifications and Skills do I Need to Become an HCA?
You don't need any formal qualifications before starting work as an HCA. That said, once you've been hired as a new healthcare assistant, you need to complete the Care Certificate.
The Care Certificate
In England, the Care Certificate is the "Gold Standard" for new starters. It consists of 16 standards, including:
Understand your role
Duty of care
Equality, diversity, inclusion and human rights
Work in a person-centred way
Communication
Once individuals have completed the full learning outcomes and assessments of all 16 standards, they can be awarded with their certificate.
Soft Skills
Beyond certificates, the skills for healthcare assistant roles include:
Empathy: The ability to understand a patient’s fears and discomfort.
Resilience: Healthcare can be challenging; staying calm under pressure is essential.
Attention to Detail: Noticing small changes in a patient’s health can save lives.
What Career Progression is There for HCAs?
Becoming an HCA is not just a job; it is a gateway. Many of our staff use the role as a stepping stone to become a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Nursing Associate.
Through the Nursing Associate apprenticeship or university routes, your experience as an HCA provides the practical foundation that textbooks cannot teach. You can also specialise in areas like maternity (Maternity Support Worker) or theatre (Theatre Support Worker).
Why Start Your HCA Career with BNA?
Choosing where to work as an HCA is the most important decision you will make. At BNA, we aren't just an agency; we are a partner in your career.
Why work with BNA?
Our Legacy: Found in 1948, we have over 70 years of experience. We are a trusted pillar of the UK healthcare community and an approved supplier on major NHS Frameworks (HTE and NHS Workforce Alliance).
Get Booked, Not Ghosted: We use the latest technology as part of the A24Group, ensuring our staff have access to the best shifts in real-time.
24/7 Support: Our helpful team is available around the clock, 365 days to support you.
Compliance & Training: We help you stay fully compliant and skilled, ensuring you are always ready for the next opportunity.
We believe that our staff are our reputation. If you are passionate about people-focused care and want to join an organisation that values integrity, excellence, and partnership, your journey starts here. Register with BNA today and take the first step towards a career that truly matters.
Please feel free to contact us on WhatsApp at 0748 1338 295, email info@bna.co.uk or call us at 0330 678 3024.
