Step Into Healthcare

Our Step Into Healthcare programmes open at different times throughout the year.

If you’d like to be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities and application openings, please complete our short MS form using the link below:

👉 Sign up to our mailing list

By completing the form, you’ll be added to our mailing list and kept up to date with the latest Step Into Healthcare placements and programmes. You may not hear from us straight away, but we’ll be in touch as soon as new opportunities open.

The Step Into Medicine Programme is NHS Lothian’s exclusive pathway for work experience for senior high school pupils who are interested in becoming doctors.

Each June, we run a 3-day summer programme at the Chancellor’s Building, Little France. This is designed to promote career exploration, helping pupils gain a deeper understanding of a career in medicine, and offering insights into the diverse career pathways within the field.

In addition, participants are supported in developing clinical communication and interpersonal skills with the goal of better preparing them for medical school applications and interviews.

The programme is limited to current S5 and S6 students.

Alongside the summer programme, we also run Insight Days throughout the year, giving pupils the chance to explore medicine and other healthcare careers in more focused sessions.

To be notified of future programme dates, application openings, and Insight Day opportunities, please complete the Mailing List form using the link below:

👉 Mailing List form

This programme is for young people interested in a career in dentistry, including dental surgeon, dental nursing, dental hygiene and therapy. Participants in the Step Into Dentistry Programme will engage in an optimised placement with the Oral Health Service which includes, the Edinburgh Dental Institute and the Public Dental Service, gaining practical exposure to different career opportunities within dentistry.

Activities

·       Basic knowledge about dental procedures, patient care, and careers within the field

·       2 days at the Edinburgh Dental Institute and 1 day within the Public Dental Service

This programme would be run quarterly with limited spots available. Participants would spend 3 days with the Dental team where they will experience a mix of secondary and primary care dentistry clinics and procedures.

We are currently not accepting applications for this programme. Please complete the Mailing List form to be notified of future programme dates, application openings, and other opportunities.

This dynamic initiative has been designed to provide aspiring midwives with a comprehensive introduction to the field. Over the course of three immersive days, participants will shadow experienced midwives within community and acute settings.

Due to the sensitivity of certain areas of midwifery, this programme would only be available for young people over the age of 16. 

Applications for the June 2025 programme have now closed. Please complete the Mailing List form to be notified of future programme dates, application openings, and other opportunities.

The Step Into Nursing Programme offers a tailored experience aimed at introducing participants to the diverse field of nursing.

Each June, we run a structured and interactive week-long summer programme, giving pupils practical exposure to different career paths within nursing.

Programme Highlights:

• Gain basic knowledge of patient care and career opportunities within nursing
• Participate in simulated case studies and workshops
• Take part in a one-day observation placement within acute or community settings
• Engage in discussion workshops covering topics such as personal statements and preparing for university

The programme is limited to senior school pupils considering a career in nursing.

Alongside the summer programme, we also run Insight Days throughout the year, providing focused opportunities to explore nursing and learn more about this rewarding profession.

To be notified of future programme dates, application openings, and Insight Day opportunities, please complete the Mailing List form using the link below

👉 Mailing List form

The Step Into AHP (Allied Health Professions) Programme offers an engaging and hands-on experience designed to introduce participants to the wide range of careers within the Allied Health Professions. Over the course of this interactive week, participants will explore different AHP roles, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Programme Highlights:

• Learn about the vital roles of AHPs in patient care and rehabilitation
• Take part in practical workshops and simulated scenarios
• Information on topics like writing personal statements and preparing for further education and higher education

Dates for 2025

Tuesday 17th – Friday 20th June 2025 across various NHS Lothian sites.

To be notified of future programme dates, application openings, and other opportunities, please complete the Mailing List form using the link below

👉 Mailing List form

Please note: You must be able and willing to travel to different sites across Lothian for the duration of the programme.

To streamline work experience requests, the Laboratory training team have introduced a new process to help manage the volume of applications.

Application process: All work experience requests must be submitted via this form. Completion of all fields will automatically generate an application to the Labs Training Team and into their email box. Due to the volume of requests, please ensure contact is through the form and not by email correspondence.

Responses: The Laboratory team will review all applications and respond within 12 weeks. If you haven’t received a response within this timeframe, unfortunately, your application has been unsuccessful.

Successful Applications: Those who are successful will need to complete the self-found placement application and coordinate their available dates with the hosting department.

Due to the work conditions of the laboratory, these placements would only be available for young people over the age of 16.

Note At this stage, you only need to complete this MS Form here.

How would I know that I have been offered a place on the programme?

• Please ensure that you provide the correct contact information when completing the form and check your mail including spam and junk folders regularly for updates on your application. We will contact you on next steps via email.

I am interested in a career that has not been listed, can I still have work experience?

• We are constantly working on creating similar opportunities in other areas within NHS Lothian. If the career you are interested in is not listed please get in touch with us.

What other opportunities are there for gaining work experience in medicine?

• There are alternative ways to gain work experience for medical school. These include private GP practices, nursing homes, volunteering opportunities including NHS Lothian Volunteering, care homes, virtual work experience programmes, local hospices, and roles involving care for individuals with illnesses or disabilities.

I am over secondary school age, can I apply for the Step Into Healthcare Programme?

• The Step Into Healthcare Programme is tailored to meet the needs and requirements of individuals of secondary school age, ensuring that the experience is appropriate and beneficial for participants at that stage of their education and career exploration so we would be unable to accommodate people outside this age group. For more information please click here