Neurophysiology [1]
Healthcare science staff working in neurophysiology investigate the function of the central and peripheral nervous system to diagnose and manage a range of neurological and non-neurological disorders.
You could look for an entry level job/level 2 apprenticeship – typically GCSEs 9-4/A-C in maths, English and a science. To apply for an apprenticeship, you'll need 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A-C (or equivalent) including maths, English and science or Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Science to start a level 4 apprenticeship. An associate practitioner role is another route to a career in biomedical science. You’ll likely require foundation degree, or equivalent experience with training and experience to NVQ level 3. To start a level 6 apprenticeship or degree course, you'll need relevant level 3 qualifications, for example three A levels (including at least one science subject) or Access to higher education course.
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, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
You'll need excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, patients and their families. Emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure are important, as well as teamwork and the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams. You'll have good problem-solving and diagnostic skills, outstanding organisational ability and decision-making skills, first-class time management for the benefit of patients.
As you gain experience, and with further training, you’ll be able to apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research and teaching.
Related roles
- Neurologist [2]
- Neurosurgeon [3]
- Respiratory physiology and sleep sciences [4]
- Audiology [5]
Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics doctors promote and ensure the safe, economic and efficient use of medicines to improve patient care.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. Then there's two years foundation doctor training, two years core training (CT1-CT2), followed by four years specialists training (ST3-ST6) leading to Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP). 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 to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. You’ll first earn a salary when you start your foundation training after medical school. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a doctor in clinical pharmacology 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.
In 2021, there were 20 consultants in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics in NHS England. Many more work for pharmaceutical companies or in academic posts. In 2020, there were 12 applications for 14 training places. You could specialise in toxicology or cardiovascular risk management, conduct research or teach medical students and postgraduate students in training.
Related roles
- General internal medicine [7]
- Geriatric medicine [8]
- Pharmaceutical medicine [9]
- Cardiologist [10]