Non-ionising imaging is an area of healthcare science that includes ultrasound [2], magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [3] and optical imaging.
For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. In non-ionising imaging, your salary will be between AfC bands 6 and 9, depending on your role and level of responsibility. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9.Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
Effective communication skills, a mature, calm confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient, an interest in science and technology, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, and able to work as part of a team.
With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.
Related roles
Doctors working in intensive care [9] medicine manage the sickest patients in the hospital: critically ill patients who already have organ dysfunction and organ failure.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine, two years foundation doctor training, two years core training (CT1-CT2), followed by five years specialists training (ST3-ST7). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day including early mornings, evenings and weekends. You'll also need to be on call. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a doctor in intensive care medicine employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.
You'll need excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families. You'll be emotionally resilient, have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills and work well in teams and under pressure. You'll also be very organised for the benefit of patients.
There are approximately 783 doctors training in intensive care medicine (ICM) in NHS, England. In 2021, there were 595 applications for 203 specialty training places. You could develop an interest in cardiac intensive care medicine, echocardiography, neuro intensive care medicine, paediatric intensive care medicine or transfer medicine.
Related roles
- Emergency medicine [10]
- Anaesthesia [11]
- General surgery [12]
- Acute internal medicine [13]