Clinical Engineer

If you do not have a degree, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.

During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed and study a degree in healthcare science at university.

You'll need 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English language, maths and a science subject and at least 2 A levels, including maths or a science to apply.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of physics
• the ability to read English
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In your day-to-day duties you may:

• test equipment, like walking aids, wheelchairs and speech synthesizers (known as assistive technologies)
• develop artificial limbs that attach to the patient's own tissue
• make artificial joints, heart valves and hearing implants from new materials
• design equipment that allows doctors to try new medical techniques, like optical instruments for keyhole surgery
• manage medical equipment, like scanners, imaging machines and monitoring systems
• carry out quality assurance checks to ensure all equipment is working correctly and safely
• work closely with other medical professionals and technical staff

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory, at a research facility or in a workshop.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a clinical engineer from Health Careers and Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.