How to become a critical care technologist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an in-service route
University
You can apply for a postgraduate training place on the 3-year NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a combination of university and work-based training.
To apply, you'll need an upper second class honours degree or above in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in. Examples of acceptable subjects for critical care science are:
- physiology
- pure or applied physics
- engineering
- biology or human biology
- sports science
If you have at least a lower second class degree in a less relevant subject you could apply to the STP after taking a more relevant postgraduate qualification.
All STP applicants are expected to have had some experience of:
- scientific research
- paid or voluntary work in a relevant environment
Check with universities offering the STP, to see what sort of experience is preferred.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Volunteering
Competition for places on the Scientist Training Programme is high, so it helps if you have relevant experience. Voluntary work that includes patient contact could be useful, as this role can involve communicating with patients.
Other Routes
If you are currently employed in the NHS in a recognised scientific specialty and meet the qualification requirements, you may be able to do the Scientist Training Programme through the in-service route. You would need to be nominated by your employer to do so.
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Career tips
You'll be employed by an NHS organisation and paid a salary while you train.
Not all healthcare science specialisms are available each year and the number of applicants to places can be high. You can see the ratio of applicants to each specialism published by the National School of Healthcare Science.
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.