Critical Care Technologist

Critical care technologists (CCTs) make sure equipment used in the care of critically ill patients is safe and effective.

Typical Salary

£31,365 To £44,503

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week
evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Critical Care Technologist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course

College / University

You can apply for a training place on the 3-year NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a combination of university and work-based training.

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • Apprenticeship

    Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

    Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    Other Routes

    Other Routes are not listed for this job.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • customer service skills
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • the ability to work well with others
    • the ability to work well with your hands
    • the ability to work on your own
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
    • sensitivity and understanding
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Day To Day Tasks

    in your day-to-day duties you could:

    • set up equipment, connect it to patients and monitor the machinery
    • carry out maintenance checks and clean intensive care and bedside technical support equipment
    • decontaminate machinery
    • advise and train medical staff on the use of equipment
    • negotiate with medical sales representatives
    • do routine administration tasks
    • manage the on-call rotas and work of other staff
    • research, develop, assess and introduce new treatments and technologies

    Working Environment

    You could work in an NHS or private hospital.

    Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

    You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career Path & Progression

    With experience, you could progress to lead CCT.

    You could move into a specialist field of critical care like liver and transplant work, cardiology, neurophysiology, burns, premature baby units and respiratory physiology.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    Competition for places on the Scientist Training Programme is high, so it helps if you have relevant experience. Try and do some voluntary work in a hospital, and get experience of patient contact, as this role involves communicating with patients.

    Tips & Information

    Career tips

    You'll be employed by an NHS organisation and paid a salary while you train.

    Further information

    You'll find more details about training and working in critical care science and technology from Health Careers.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.

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