Careers advice
Keen on a Healthcare Career? These Entry-Level Roles in Hot Demand
Healthcare can be an incredibly rewarding career, and getting started may be easier than you thought.
Last updated: 13 May 2025
Thinking about a career where you can make a real difference in people’s lives without needing years of study to get started? Healthcare could be the move for you. With New Zealand’s aging population and growing demand for quality care, there’s no shortage of opportunities, especially in entry-level roles.
Whether you’re fresh out of school, looking for a new direction, or just want meaningful work with long-term prospects, here are some great roles to get your foot in the door.
Why work in healthcare?
Healthcare roles aren’t always easy, but they are incredibly rewarding. You’ll be helping people every day, and with solid job security and the chance to grow your career, it’s a win-win.
What’s more, there are a few entry-level healthcare jobs that don’t require a degree. Some even offer on-the-job training, so if you’ve got the right attitude and a genuine desire to help others, you’re off to a great start.
High-demand healthcare roles (no degree needed!)
1. Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
Healtch care assistants (HCAs) are the backbones of care teams. You’ll support nurses and medical staff by helping patients with everyday tasks; like getting dressed, moving around, eating meals, or just having a friendly chat. HCAs work in hospitals, aged care facilities, and private homes.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
No formal qualification is required
A Level 3 or 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is a bonus
Compassion, patience, and solid communication skills
A genuine interest in people and their wellbeing
With more Kiwis needing aged care and disability support, HCAs are needed all over the country, especially in rest homes and community care.
2. Aged Care Worker
This role is all about supporting older adults, either in care homes or in their own homes. That could mean helping with meals, medication, hygiene, or just offering some good company and a listening ear.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
A Level 2-4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is helpful
Empathy, reliability, and people skills
Willingness to learn—most employers offer on-the-job training
New Zealand’s aging population means the aged care is a growing sector. If you’re caring by nature, this is a stable and fulfilling career option.
3. Medical Receptionist
Medical receptionists are often the first person patients see—and the ones who keep things ticking behind the scenes. You’ll schedule appointments, manage records, greet visitors, and help keep the clinic or medical centre running smoothly.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
No formal qualification is required
Experience in admin or customer service is a plus
Good communication, organisation, and computer skills
You can learn medical terminology and software on the job or through short courses
Receptionists are in demand nationwide, especially in busy GP clinics and specialist medical practices.
Healthcare can be a challenging industry to work in but it's also rewarding.
4. Support Worker (Disability or Mental Health)
Support workers help people with disabilities or mental health needs live fuller, more independent lives. You might assist with daily tasks, community activities, or just be someone they can rely on and talk to.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
A Level 2–4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is helpful
Empathy, patience, and adaptability
A genuine passion for helping people
Many employers offer training on the job
With growing funding and awareness in mental health and disability services, support workers are needed all over Aotearoa.
5. Sterile Services Technician
These behind-the-scenes heroes make sure surgical tools and equipment are cleaned, sterilised, and ready to use. It’s a hands-on role that plays a big part in patient safety in hospitals and dental clinics.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
No formal qualification is required
A Level 3 Certificate in Sterilising Technology can boost your chances
Attention to detail and strong hygiene standards
Training is usually provided on the job
With strict infection control requirements in healthcare, sterile techs are essential—and always in demand.
6. Orderly
Orderlies are the go-to helpers in hospitals. You’ll assist with patient transport, deliver supplies, and support staff in keeping everything clean and running smoothly. It’s physical work, but rewarding.
Qualifications & skills you’ll need to get started
No formal qualification is required
A Level 3 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is a bonus
Physical fitness and a positive, team-focused attitude
Clear communication and reliability
Hospitals across New Zealand consistently need orderlies, making it a reliable entry-level role in healthcare.
Get your clipboard ready.
Where to from here?
These roles are a brilliant starting point but they don’t have to be the end goal. Many HCAs and aged care workers go on to become enrolled nurses, registered nurses, or specialise in areas like mental health, disability support, or palliative care.
You’ll gain practical experience from day one and can build qualifications while you work.
Ready to take the next step? Here’s how to get started
Update your CV - Focus on any caregiving, volunteering, or people-focused experience.
Look into training - A short health and wellbeing course can boost your chances.
Search Trade Me Jobs - Use keywords like “Healthcare Assistant” or “Aged Care Worker.”
Talk to people - Reach out to local healthcare providers, or connect with aged care facilities and agencies in your area.
Create a Job Profile - Make applying easier and stand out to employers browsing candidates.
A career in healthcare isn’t just about earning a living - it's about doing meaningful work every single day. If you’re compassionate, reliable, and keen to grow, an entry-level healthcare role could be perfect for you.
Be sure to make a Job Profile to apply for jobs in just a few easy clicks. Better yet, ensure your Profile is Gold Tier to get top job recommendations straight to your inbox and even stand out to potential employers scanning the Trade Me Jobs Profiles database for top candidates to fill their role.
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