Cardiographer [1]
Cardiographers monitor patients' hearts to support decisions around treatment and any additional care needed.
There are no set entry requirements for cardiographers. Employers expect good numeracy and literacy and may ask for at least two GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and maths. Some ask for science as well. Some employers ask for A levels or equivalent qualifications in science. You will receive the training you need to work as a cardiographer. As part of your training, you are likely to study for the Award or Certificate in Electrocardiography from the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology.
As a cardiographer, you will typically start on Agenda for Change band 2. It is possible to apply for more senior positions at band 3 or 4, after further training and experience. Most cardiographers in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings or weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for clinical support staff working outside of the NHS.
As a cardiographer, you'd need to be able to reassure patients, operate machines, be interested in science and technology, follow instructions carefully, record data accurately, pay attention to detail, explain clearly to patients, work with all types of people. You'd need good technological, IT and communication skills.
As you gain experience, you could become a senior cardiographer, working with more complicated equipment or have more responsibility for working with patients. You would usually also supervise the work of other cardiographers. With experience and further training, and if you have the academic ability to do so, you could apply for an undergraduate BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiac Physiology) - the NHS Practitoner Training Programme, enabling you to work as a healthcare science practitioner in cardiac sciences.
Related roles
Stores and distribution staff make sure that a range of essential supplies are delivered to the right wards, clinics and health centres.
There are no set entry requirements for stores and distribution assistants. Employers expect a good level of literacy, numeracy and IT. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and maths along with an IT qualification such as ECDL. Employers may ask for experience eg from retail or warehousing work. There may be opportunities to gain relevant experience through an apprenticeship. You can enter the NHS as a stores and distribution manager with relevant qualifications and experience. Employers usually ask for a degree level qualification. When you join the NHS in stores and distribution, you will get the training you need but whatever level you are working at, you will be encouraged to take further qualifications.
Staff working in stores and distribution 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 posts at bands 3 and above. Stores and distribution staff in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. Some may work shifts which can include early starts, evenings, nights and weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for stores and distribution staff working outside of the NHS.
Stores and distribution staff need to be physically fit for lifting, carrying and pushing trolleys, part of a team but responsible for their own work and methodical and accurate. You'll also need good communication, organisational, customer service and (often) driving skills.
With experience, stores and distribution assistants can become team leaders, supervising a team of staff. With further experience and qualifications, you could become a manager, responsible for a department or area. There are opportunities outside the NHS.