NHS Administrative Assistant CV Template Example

The role of an NHS Administrative Assistant is pivotal to the smooth operation of healthcare services across the United Kingdom. These professionals ensure that patient records are accurately maintained, appointments are scheduled efficiently, and communication between medical teams runs seamlessly. NHS Administrative Assistants are not only the backbone of hospital administration but also the first point of contact for patients, making professionalism and organisational skills absolutely essential. In the UK, NHS Administrative Assistants typically earn between £20,000 and £25,000 annually, with opportunities for progression as you gain experience and specialised skills.

A well-crafted CV is the first step towards securing an interview for this highly competitive role. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything from the key skills employers look for, to a CV template example, structure, and tailored advice for graduates, mid-level professionals, and senior administrative staff. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create an NHS Administrative Assistant CV that stands out.

Understanding the NHS Administrative Assistant Job Description

Before you start writing your CV, it’s crucial to understand the scope of the role. NHS Administrative Assistants are responsible for:

• Managing patient appointments and records efficiently
• Handling correspondence, both internal and external
• Supporting clinical and non-clinical staff with administrative tasks
• Maintaining office systems and databases
• Ensuring compliance with NHS policies and confidentiality requirements

Employers look for candidates who are highly organised, excellent communicators, and capable of working under pressure. Highlighting these competencies on your CV can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

Essential Skills to Highlight on Your NHS Administrative Assistant CV

When tailoring your CV, the following skills are particularly valuable in NHS administration roles:

• Organisation and Time Management: Demonstrating the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a busy healthcare environment
• Communication Skills: Clear written and verbal communication for interacting with patients, colleagues, and management
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring patient records and administrative data are accurate and compliant with NHS standards
• IT Proficiency: Familiarity with NHS systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic patient record systems
• Problem Solving: The ability to anticipate issues and implement solutions efficiently
• Teamwork: Working collaboratively across multiple departments and supporting clinical staff

Including examples of these skills in context, rather than simply listing them, will make your CV far more compelling to recruiters.

Structuring Your NHS Administrative Assistant CV

A strong CV should be clear, professional, and tailored specifically to the NHS role. Here’s a recommended structure:

1. Personal Details: Include your full name, contact information, and professional social profiles like LinkedIn. Avoid unnecessary personal information.
2. Professional Summary: A brief paragraph summarising your experience, key skills, and career ambitions. Make it specific to NHS administration.
3. Key Skills: A bullet-point list of your most relevant skills. Use the keywords from the job description.
4. Professional Experience: Include your previous roles, responsibilities, and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your results wherever possible.
5. Education and Qualifications: Include relevant qualifications such as NVQs, diplomas, or any healthcare administration certifications.
6. Additional Information: Any voluntary work, awards, or extra training relevant to healthcare administration.

Example NHS Administrative Assistant CV Template

Personal Details
Name: Jane Smith
Email: jane.smith@email.com
Phone: 01234 567890
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmith

Professional Summary
Highly organised NHS Administrative Assistant with over 3 years of experience managing patient records, coordinating appointments, and supporting clinical staff in busy hospital environments. Proficient in NHS systems, Microsoft Office, and data management, with a strong focus on accuracy, confidentiality, and effective communication.

Key Skills

• Patient record management
• Appointment scheduling
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Microsoft Office Suite & NHS IT systems
• Data entry and attention to detail
• Team collaboration

Professional Experience

Administrative Assistant – St. Mary’s Hospital, London | 2020–Present

• Managed patient records for over 500 individuals, ensuring compliance with NHS confidentiality standards
• Coordinated appointments and meetings for multi-disciplinary teams, improving efficiency by 20%
• Assisted with onboarding new staff, providing training on NHS administrative systems

Receptionist – NHS Community Clinic, London | 2018–2020

• Provided first-line support to patients, answering queries and managing appointment bookings
• Maintained accurate electronic patient records
• Supported administrative team in preparing reports and correspondence

Education and Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration
• GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science
• Certificate in Health Records Management

Additional Information

• Volunteered at local community health clinic supporting patient registration
• Completed online courses in Data Protection and NHS compliance

CV Advice for Graduates

For graduates entering NHS administration, it’s important to emphasise transferable skills and any relevant work experience, even if it’s voluntary or temporary. Highlight your organisational abilities, communication skills, and any experience with data entry or IT systems. Tailor your professional summary to demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn within the healthcare environment.

CV Advice for Mid-Level Professionals

If you have several years of administrative experience, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Include specific examples of how you improved processes, enhanced efficiency, or supported teams. Quantifying your results (e.g., “reduced appointment scheduling errors by 15%”) will make your CV stand out.

CV Advice for Senior Management

For senior administrative roles, emphasise leadership skills, project management experience, and strategic contributions. Include examples of managing teams, implementing new administrative systems, and improving overall operational efficiency. Demonstrating familiarity with NHS policies and compliance is essential at this level.

General CV Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

• Use clear, professional formatting
• Tailor your CV to the job description
• Use action verbs and quantify achievements
• Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors
• Include relevant keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Don’ts:

• Include irrelevant personal information
• Use generic statements without evidence
• Overload your CV with long paragraphs
• Use unprofessional email addresses or social media handles
• Lie or exaggerate your experience

Optimising Your CV for Google and NHS Recruitment Systems

To make your CV more discoverable online and appealing to NHS recruiters, incorporate key search terms naturally throughout your CV, such as “NHS administrative assistant,” “patient records management,” “appointment scheduling,” “healthcare administration,” and “confidentiality compliance.” Using these keywords in your professional summary, skills section, and experience descriptions will enhance your CV’s visibility both on job boards and ATS.

Final Thoughts

Creating an interview-winning NHS Administrative Assistant CV is about showcasing your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to support healthcare teams efficiently. Whether you are a graduate, a mid-level professional, or seeking senior administrative roles, a carefully structured CV tailored to the NHS can dramatically increase your chances of securing an interview.

Remember to focus on achievements, include relevant keywords, and present yourself professionally. By combining these strategies with our NHS Administrative Assistant CV template example, you are setting yourself up for success.

Take Action Today

If you want to elevate your CV and LinkedIn profile to attract top NHS recruiters, book a personalised appointment with me. Together, we’ll craft a professional CV and online presence that makes employers take notice. Secure your career progression today: Book an Appointment

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