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At least two sciences among your A-levels (or equivalent level-3 qualifications) if applying for a BSc (Hons) healthcare science (respiratory physiology and sleep sciences) or NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). 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, such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology or 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. To enter Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you'll need registration and experience as a clinical scientist.

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. 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.

An interest in science and technology, effective communication skills, a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach to achieve the best outcome for each patient, confidence with technology, systems and processes, and the ability 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. In respiratory physiology, healthcare science staff are developing new techniques in transplanting of lungs from donors to recipients.

Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. 2 years foundation doctor training, 2 years core training (CT1-2), followed by 4 years specialists training (ST3-6). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.

Most pharmaceutical medicine roles for doctors are available outside the NHS, for example in research organisations, medical regulatory bodies, independent practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry. Doctors in the NHS may work up to 48 hours a week. The basic salary for NHS doctors ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a 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.

You could teach medical or postgraduate students and clinical trials teams, specialise in laboratory-based or clinical research-based projects related to products, product classes or therapy areas conduct specialist research or work outside medical departments in medico-legal, communications or economic disciplines in pharmaceutical companies or regulatory organisations.