Critical care technologist

You can apply for a 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 are physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology, or sports science.

If you have a lower second class honours degree or better in any subject, along with a master's degree that is relevant to the specialism for which you are applying, you can also be considered.

You'll also need to find a trainee healthcare scientist job through the STP.

For all candidates, it will be useful if you have some research experience.

It could help you if you have some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course. Check with the course provider to see what sort of experience is preferred.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Competition for places on the Scientist Training Programme is high, so it helps if you have relevant experience. Try and do some voluntary work in a hospital, and get experience of patient contact, as this role involves communicating with patients.

Career tips

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

Further information

You'll find more details about training and working in critical care science and technology from Health Careers.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

in your day-to-day duties you could:

• set up equipment, connect it to patients and monitor the machinery
• carry out maintenance checks and clean intensive care and bedside technical support equipment
• decontaminate machinery
• advise and train medical staff on the use of equipment
• negotiate with medical sales representatives
• do routine administration tasks
• manage the on-call rotas and work of other staff
• research, develop, assess and introduce new treatments and technologies

You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.