Step Into The NHS :: Clinical technologist

A day as a clinical technologist

You work at your local NHS hospital, checking, fixing and maintaining complex medical equipment. You begin at 9am, checking a high-tech laser machine to make sure it's still working safely and correctly.

You examine each part carefully and use specialist testing equipment to measure the performance of the machine. Once you're sure it's still performing perfectly, you record test results and schedule in another later in the year.

Next, you help measure materials for radiation therapy - using your scientific knowledge to make sure radioactive substances are handled safely and given in the correct doses. You enjoy using your expertise to ensure complicated equipment and treatments work correctly - and that your work helps save lives.

What's next after A level and beyond?

You'll usually need at least two A levels, (preferably three) including a science subject, in order to take a BSc (Hons) degree in healthcare science, specialising in an area such as radiotherapy physics, nuclear medicine or radiation physics. Check individual university entry requirements as they vary.

Healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeships where you could specialise in clinical technology may be available in some parts of the country and you'll usually need the same level of GCSEs and A levels or equivalent qualifications. Always check the exact requirements with the employer as like universities, they can vary.

Alternatively, you could do a degree in a relevant engineering or physics based subject and then apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme, which would lead you into a higher level role as a clinical scientist.