New BBC Bitesize series lifts the lid on lesser-known healthcare careers

A new digital series on healthcare careers launches today (1 September) on BBC Bitesize and OU Connect. Co-produced by the BBC and The Open University (OU), the series of ten informative short films delves into the lesser-known roles in the healthcare sector through the eyes of those starting out in their careers and the people who employ them.

Sonographer, Hassan. © BBC

Featuring a sonographer, dental nurse, dietitian, cardiac coach, hospital receptionist, podiatry assistant, community midwife, healthcare assistant, new born hearing screener and public health officer – the series aims to raise awareness of the vast array of roles available in healthcare and inspire other young adults to pursue careers in these fields.

OU academic consultants, Simon Rea, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Fitness and Lynne Watson, Professional Lead for Health and Social Care, have helped to advise and shape production of the videos.

Simon commented:

“It was really refreshing to see the enthusiasm and pleasure that these young people had for working in healthcare careers. Also, it was fascinating to see the range of healthcare careers and the different routes that had led to these careers – some people following a traditional educational route whilst others had tried out different careers and types of education. This was a hugely enjoyable experience as an academic consultant to shape these short films and to draw out the employability skills that all careers had in common and also those that needed to be developed for specific roles.”

Lynne added:

“This series illustrates the many fantastic opportunities which working in healthcare can provide. It demonstrates the diverse careers that people can enjoy and shows the different journeys which individuals can take in order to succeed in their chosen field. It has been such a pleasure to be an academic consultant on these short films and witness the enthusiasm and commitment of a wide range of healthcare practitioners. The care and passion that these health workers display exemplifies the expert care provided to all members of society and stand as testament to the wide range of jobs and healthcare careers available to young people.”

The series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, with particular relevance to Q76 BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching, R39 BSc (Hons) Nursing and R26 BA (Hons) Health and Social Care.