The growth and diversity of careers and career pathways within medicine and health care can be confusing, yet it reflects the evolution of modern medicine which relies upon a myriad of different specialists each able to contribute their own particular skills to the care and well being of the patient or client. Careers within the NHS are many and varied, with opportunities to train not only as nurses and doctors but also as dieticians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists.

These are only a portion of the huge number of careers that are available to suit all tastes and abilities whether it is in medicine or support and technical staff there is something for everyone who is interested in health care. First published as Tracks: Plan of the Professions in 1997, the revised and updated edition is published in 2024.

It gives information for over150 professions, which include pathways in the banking and financial services, catering and hospitality, construction, education, health care, land and sea work, law, government and administration, leisure and tourism, manufacturing crafts, marketing, media, services, and sports and fitness. Qualifications are listed from GCSE and NVQ to degree level.

There are work descriptions and pay scales with advice and starter tips from chartered institutes and professionals in each area. .