Physiological scientist
Physiological scientists examine the functioning of organs and body systems in order to diagnose abnormalities and disease. They use highly specialised equipment and techniques to measure the functioning of vital organs, such as the heart, lungs and brain, in patients who are often seriously ill or have long-term health problems.
They record and report the physiological data they obtain to help diagnose disease, plan treatment and measure the effects of previous treatment. Many physiological scientists are also responsible for teaching and training other staff.
Physiological scientists tend to specialise in certain fields of medicine, such as cardiology, respiratory function or audiology. Job titles may differ according to the specialist area.
Tasks undertaken very much depend on the area in which you choose to specialise. However, typical work activities include:
Physiological scientists may also provide clinical supervision and training of junior and trainee staff.
In order to become a physiological scientist, you must have an accredited degree. Most specialist areas within physiology require a BSc in Clinical Physiology, which covers in the first year the basic knowledge and skills required to practise clinical physiology and then focuses for the remainder of the course on a particular specialist area, such as cardiology, respiratory function, etc.
You will spend a large proportion of the time during your degree course on placement in hospital departments, carrying out physiological procedures under supervision. A list of accredited degrees is available from the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) .
Many accredited degrees are available on a part-time basis. Some courses offer a 'fast-track' option for science graduates.
Many hospital trusts recruit science graduates, or graduates of other disciplines who have science A-levels, and arrange for them to study for the BSc in Clinical Physiology on a part-time basis whilst working in a salaried post. However, some graduates choose to complete the BSc full time before applying for a post as a physiological scientist.
Pre-entry experience, for example through a placement in a hospital department, is extremely valuable when applying for a place on the degree course or for clinical physiology posts.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Overall good health is also necessary, to protect both the patients and yourself.
Applicants must declare any criminal record they may have and enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) disclosure is required due to the close contact with patients.
There are no age limits for clinical physiologists, although you generally need to be 18 to start working in this field.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Once physiological scientists have obtained their degree, they are expected to participate in continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that they are able to use the latest equipment and employ the latest techniques and in order to develop more in-depth knowledge in their specialist area. Departments vary in their approach to training; some have a structured approach and actively encourage staff to attend training at various intervals, whereas other departments may offer training as and when it is needed.
Most physiological scientists are offered on-the-job training, e.g. training relating to specific equipment or techniques within their specialist area. The type of training offered depends on the department and the area of work.
For example, in some departments physiologists agree with their manager that they will cover a certain number of procedures by a fixed date, to be followed by theoretical and practical tests to prove their knowledge, or training on new equipment may be delivered by the manufacturers.
The professional bodies also offer training on specific topics and physiological scientists may work towards postgraduate qualifications, such as diplomas or MScs, in their specialist area.
More information is available from:
Physiological scientists are employed on pay bands 5 to 8 of the Agenda for Change pay scale .
For a band 5 post, a physiological scientist would need an accredited degree and would be doing physiological tests specific to their department's specialist area, as well as possibly supervising and training junior and trainee staff.
Posts on bands 6 and 7 would involve more specialist tests and procedures. For example, a specialist cardiac physiologist on band 6 could assist with implantation of cardiac devices. On band 7, a cardiac physiologist could implant a pacemaker and see the patient for a follow-up appointment. Physiologists at this level would also have more extensive management duties and may be involved in audit activities.
Progression through the bands is not automatic; individuals need to apply for higher grades when they reach a certain level of expertise. Speed of progression also depends on departments’ attitudes towards staff development. The Agenda for Change has meant that some departments are really proactive and keen for staff to progress.
With the Agenda for Change, progression in clinical physiology requires increasing specialisation within a specific field, e.g. a cardiac physiologist may specialise in echocardiographic techniques.
Possible changes in direction might involve moving into research and design or teaching in higher education.
The majority of physiological scientists spend most of their career working for the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ). Specialist areas include cardiology, audiology, neurophysiology, critical care, respiratory physiology and gastro-intestinal (GI) physiology.
Some clinical physiologists are employed by universities to assist with and/or carry out research. These posts are often linked to related university hospitals.
The private healthcare sector employs clinical physiologists in a variety of hospitals and clinics.
The armed forces also employ clinical physiologists. Unlike clinical physiologists in the NHS, who specialise in one particular area, fully trained clinical physiologists in the armed forces cover all areas. Trainees are recruited following GCSEs and A-levels and then complete military training before studying for the BSc in Clinical Physiology. For more information see Army Careers .
Vacancies are also advertised on the websites of the professional bodies:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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