Critical care technologist
Critical care technologists monitor life support and other equipment used with critically ill patients.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- set up and maintain equipment like ventilators, dialysis machines and monitors
- attend emergency calls to critical care wards like resuscitation
- advise and train other hospital staff on how to use equipment
- negotiate with medical sales representatives
- manage staff and do admin tasks
- research, develop, assess and introduce new critical care 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 and progression
You could:
- complete the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) to become a consultant clinical scientist
- progress to leadership and management positions
- specialise in a certain area of critical care, such as transplants, cardiology or burns
- move into academic research and teaching in higher education
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through a university course or by applying for an NHS training programme.
You can apply for a postgraduate training place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). It takes 3 years to complete and includes a combination of university and training at work.
You'll be employed by an NHS organisation and paid a salary while you train.
To apply, you'll need an upper second class (2:1) honours degree or above in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in.
If you do not have a 2:1, you could apply to the STP after you finish a health or science postgraduate course.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
As there is lots of competition for places on the Scientist Training Programme, it helps if you have some experience.
It could be useful to look for volunteering work that includes working with and speaking directly with patients.
If you're currently employed in the NHS, you might be able to do the Scientist Training Programme through the in service route.
You would need to be selected by your employer to do this.
Career tips
Not all healthcare science specialisms are available each year and the number of applicants to places can be high.
The National School of Healthcare Science publishes data and statistics about the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
Further information
You'll find more details about training and working in critical care science and technology from Health Careers and the National School of Healthcare Science.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.