Clinical Physiologist

Clinical physiologists carry out procedures and investigations on patients to help in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. They measure, evaluate and record the functioning of various parts of the body.

There are four main clinical physiology specialties:

• Cardiac physiologists investigate the function of the heart to assist in diagnosing heart disease.
• Gastrointestinal physiologists use specialised equipment to measure the performance of different aspects of the digestive system.
• Neurophysiologists investigate the function of the nervous system in order to diagnose and monitor disorders of the brain and nervous system.
• Respiratory physiologists conduct a wide range of procedures and investigations on patients suspected of having respiratory problems.

Clinical physiologists analyse the results of their investigations and report on them to the doctors responsible for the patients. This helps the doctors to make diagnoses, plan treatment and measure the effects of treatment.

Salaries range from £20,710 to £79,031 or more a year.

Clinical physiologists usually work standard hours. This may involve shifts and being on call some evenings or weekends. They are normally based in a hospital.

A clinical physiologist should:

• have an aptitude for science
• be good at analysing information
• have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written
• have good numeracy skills
• be attentive to detail
• have an interest in science and healthcare
• like working with people.

Most clinical physiologists are employed by the NHS. Entry to trainee posts is competitive.

There are two entry routes for this work:

• Direct entry as a trainee in a hospital department with part-time study for a degree in clinical physiology. Most clinical physiologists enter through this route.
• By studying full time for a clinical physiology degree before entering the work.

Employers, universities and colleges usually require two or three A levels, including at least one science subject, or equivalent qualifications. Some direct entry applicants have a degree in a science subject.

Entrants are trained by senior staff. Direct entry trainees attend college or university part time to study for a degree in clinical physiology, with specialisms in cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurophysiology or respiratory physiology.

Promotion is possible to supervisory, specialist and senior levels within the NHS. Some experienced clinical physiologists go into research or training. Work abroad is possible.

Further details