Respiratory Physiologist

Respiratory physiologists conduct a wide range of procedures and investigations on patients suspected of having respiratory (breathing) problems. Patients may have been referred because they have known respiratory disease that needs monitoring, undiagnosed shortness of breath, abnormal chest X-rays, chest pains or sleep-related breathing disorders. Many of the procedures and investigations carried out involve highly specialised equipment. Investigations include:

• full lung function tests, including spirometry (measuring the speed and volume of air going in and out of the lungs), lung volumes and gas transfer
• full cardio-pulmonary (heart and lung) exercise testing
• field exercise tests to measure lung function
• bronchial challenge tests
• respiratory muscle weakness assessment
• blood gas analysis
• overnight sleep studies.

Respiratory physiologists analyse their test results and report on them to the doctors responsible for the patients. This helps the doctors to make diagnoses, identify methods of treatment and measure the effects of treatment. Physiologists may also test and adjust equipment to make sure that measurements are accurate. They work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Physiologists usually work 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday. In some departments this involves shifts and being on call some evenings or weekends. Many work part time or job share. They carry out tests in a clinic or dedicated testing area.

Salaries within the NHS range from at least £20,710 for a newly-qualified respiratory physiologist up to £79,031 a year or more for some managers.

A respiratory physiologist should:

• have an aptitude for science
• be good at analysing information
• have excellent communication skills, both spoken and written
• be able to get on well with people of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds
• · have an interest in science and healthcare
• · like working with people.

There are around 840 respiratory physiologists employed throughout the UK. Most work within the NHS. Some work for recruitment agencies and act as locums. They stand in for other physiologists in their absence. A small number work in research, for private healthcare companies, government departments and the armed forces. There is an increasing demand for qualified respiratory physiologists and there is likely to be a shortage.

Entry is usually with at least A levels or equivalent. Some study full time for a clinical physiology degree before entering this work. Most enter directly into a hospital respiratory department and study part time for the degree. For more information on entry and training, see Clinical Physiologist.

Promotion is possible to supervisory, specialist and senior levels within the NHS. Some experienced physiologists go into research. Working abroad is also an option.

Further information

The Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology. 0845 226 3062. Website: www.artp.org.uk.

April 2010