Clinical engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a specialist training programme run by the NHS

University

You can do a degree to start training as a clinical engineer. Relevant subjects include:

• biomedical engineering
• engineering
• pure or applied physics
• applied maths
• computer science

After your degree, you can apply for the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) . During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed and study a postgraduate master's degree at university.

Areas of clinical engineering covered by the programme include:

• rehabilitation engineering
• clinical measurement
• medical device development

There is a lot of competition for places on the STP, so it helps to have relevant experience. You could do some voluntary work in a hospital to get experience of patient contact.

There are also jobs in the private sector for clinical engineers, where you could work your way up to chartered engineer status.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job by completing a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 3 years.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

If you do not have a degree, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme .

During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed and study for an accredited degree in healthcare science (clinical engineering) at university.

To apply, you'll usually need:

• 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English language, maths and a science subject
• at least 2 A levels, including maths or a science like physics

Equivalent qualifications to A levels in science or engineering may be acceptable, for instance T levels or extended diplomas.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• design skills and knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of physics
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to read English
• persistence and determination
• analytical thinking skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Clinical engineers apply engineering principles to the research, design and development of healthcare products and equipment.

As a clinical engineer, you could:

• develop artificial limbs, using advanced materials
• build and test medical aids, like heart valves, hearing implants and speech synthesizers
• design equipment to help doctors try new medical techniques, for example optical instruments for keyhole surgery
• manage medical equipment, such as scanners, imaging machines and monitoring systems
• carry out quality assurance checks to make sure equipment is working correctly and safely
• work closely with other medical professionals and technical staff

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory, at a research facility or in a workshop.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience and further training, you could become a consultant, specialising in particular clinical areas, or move into:

• project management
• medical research
• teaching

There are opportunities in both the public and private sectors.