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Critical care technologist

Alternative titles for this job include Critical care scientist

Critical care technologists manage and maintain life support machines and other patient monitoring equipment used with seriously ill patients.

Average salary (a year)

£40,000 Starter

to

£57,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course or an in-service NHS training programme.

University

You can apply for a postgraduate training place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). It takes 3 years to complete and includes a combination of university study and workplace training.

You'll be employed by an NHS trust and paid a salary while you train.

To apply, you'll need an upper second class (2:1) honours degree or above in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in.

If you do not have a 2:1 degree, you can apply to the STP after you finish a health or science postgraduate course.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

There is a lot of competition for places on the Scientist Training Programme, so it may help if you have some work experience.

Volunteering in the NHS is a good way to get experience in healthcare. This can be helpful when you apply for jobs or training.

Other Routes

If you're currently employed in the NHS, you may be able to apply for the Scientist Training Programme through the in-service recruitment route.

You will need the support of your employer to do this.

More Information

Career tips

Not all healthcare science specialisms are available each year and the number of applicants for places can be high.

The National School of Healthcare Science publishes data and statistics about the NHS Scientist Training Programme.

Further information

You'll find more details about training and working in critical care science and technology from Health Careers and the National School of Healthcare Science.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • observation and recording skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of biology
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well under pressure
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a critical care technologist, you could:

  • set up and maintain equipment like ventilators, dialysis machines and heart monitors
  • attend emergency call-outs on wards to support critical incidents, like resuscitation
  • advise and train hospital staff on how to use equipment
  • troubleshoot issues with patient monitoring systems
  • assist with procedures, such as scans, setting up bloodlines or checking heart and lung function
  • research, develop and assess new critical care treatments and technologies
  • manage medical technology and devices and take part in equipment audits

Working environment

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • complete the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training scheme to become a consultant clinical scientist
  • move into leadership and management positions
  • specialise in a certain area of critical care, such as transplants, cardiology or burns
  • work in academic research and teaching at university

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a critical care technologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access to HE - Health Science

  • Provider: HALESOWEN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2027
  • Location: Halesowen

Access to HE Diploma (Health Science Professions)

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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