A new scheme is being started in Bradford to show school pupils the range of career opportunities in the health sector, other than simply training to be a doctor or nurse.

Tomorrow’s Health Professionals Today has been developed by Aimhigher Bradford, the scheme that encourages young people to take what they love doing and build it into a great future through higher education.

Richard Wilkinson, director of Aimhigher Bradford said: “Students tend to have a very narrow view of health related careers with many aiming for medicine, with pharmacy as an alternative.

“We want them to look at the full range of degree courses that can lead to great careers in, for example, radiography, podiatry, occupational therapy dietetics and specialist nursing areas like mental health and operating theatre practice.”

Tomorrow’s Health Professionals Today is funded by Aimhigher who will be working closely with West Yorkshire NHS Trusts and colleges and universities across the region.

There are lots of events planned for the different age groups taking part.

Year Nine will spend a day at university to look at NHS careers, go on a visit to Thackeray Medical Museum and get the chance to interview health care staff.

In Year Ten there will be a ‘Career into Healthcare’ theatre event and activities looking at all the professionals involved in dealing with a medical emergency.

Year 12 students will go to a health careers event, get support with UCAS applications and all will be given the opportunity to shadow health professions at work.

Mr Wilkinson said: “The NHS is the biggest employer in Europe and there are many new opportunities in para-medical services, such as theatre technicians, assistant physiotherapists and radiography technicians.

“Tomorrow’s Health Professionals Today will encourage young people to think about what kind of careers they could have and understand what they need to do to get there.”

The campaign will start in Bradford on Tuesday.