There are various routes into careers in cardiac sciences. (1) You’ll typically need three A-C grade GCSEs or level-2 qualifications (or equivalent) for a post as a cardiographer;(2) A-levels ideally including two science subjects or level-3 (or equivalent) for a BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (audiology) or Practitioner Training Programme; (3)through the NHS Scientist Training Programme for which 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 such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology, sports science (if there is significant scientific content). 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; or (4) to be a registered clinical scientist to access Higher Specialist Scientist Training.
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 cardiac sciences, depending on the role, you’ll be in a post between AfC bands 2 and 9. For example, as a healthcare science assistant, you could be on band 2 or 3. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
Able to communicate with people of all ages; think logically and adopt an analytical scientific approach; an interest in science and technology; comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment; 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
Security staff [6]
Security staff make sure that hospitals and other NHS sites are accessible and safe for patients, visitors and staff. They also protect buildings and valuable equipment.
There are no set entry requirements for security officers. Employers usually expect security staff to have some experience of security or customer service, particularly dealing with challenging situations. Employers may ask for relevant training and will expect a good standard of numeracy and literacy. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths and a driving licence. Staff joining the NHS as a team leader or manager need experience in security work or with a uniformed service such as the Army or police. When you join the NHS in a security role, you will have an introduction to the site, departments, systems and procedures. You will be expected to keep your skills and knowledge up to date by going on short courses on particular topics, such as conflict resolution or physical intervention.
Security staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. You would typically start on AfC band 2. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions at band 3. Security staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. The work involves shifts which include early starts, evenings, nights and weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for porters working outside of the NHS.
Security staff need to be able to understand a situation quickly, remain calm in stressful situations, confident and reassuring, resilient in dealing with other people’s challenging behaviour, able to follow procedures, able to work alone or in a team, prepared to go into unknown or unpredictable situations and physically fit for walking and standing. They also need good communication, teamwork and customer service skills.
With experience, security officers can become team leaders supervising other security staff. With further experience, you could become a manager responsible for the security of a hospital, area or trust or be responsible for security and related areas such as health and safety and fire safety. You may be able to move into other support services roles or into other areas such as estates.