Patient Transport Service Controller
Job Description:Patient transport service controllers arrange transport to take frail or vulnerable people to and from medical appointments.
Job Category:What you will do:
As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:
- make and receive calls for transport from patients, families and healthcare professionals
- take patient details and record them accurately on computer
- make decisions on the best use of vehicles and drivers
- book transport slots
- give information, advice and signpost to other services when needed
- update manual and computerised, confidential record systems
Skills:
You’ll need
- knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- leadership skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- organisational and administration skills
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Entry Requirements:
To become a Patient Transport Service (PTS) Controller, you need a combination of skills and qualities that enable you to efficiently coordinate and manage the transportation of patients to medical appointments and facilities. While there are no strict GCSE subject requirements for this role, certain subjects and skills can provide a strong foundation for pursuing a career as a PTS Controller. Here are some relevant GCSE subjects:
Relevant GCSE Subjects
- Geography: Understanding local geography, routes, and locations is important for coordinating patient transport efficiently.
- Mathematics: Basic math skills are useful for calculating travel times, distances, and scheduling.
- Communication: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for coordinating with drivers, healthcare providers, and patients.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
Good administration, computer skills or a typing qualification could be useful to get into this job, for example:
- Award in Touch Typing Skills
- ECDL Award in IT User Skills
- Certificate in Business Administration
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job by doing an intermediate apprenticeship in customer service.
Volunteering
You’ll find it helpful to get some work experience in healthcare before you apply for jobs or training.
Direct Application
You could apply directly to work as a patient transport service controller.
Working Hours and Environment:
You would typically work 40 to 42 hours per week and could work in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could progress to emergency medical dispatcher or become a control room supervisor, leading a team of controllers or running a fleet of vehicles.
You could also move into training.