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You work on the fifth floor of Hull Royal Infirmary and your first patient of the day is a 30-year-old man with breathing difficulties. You use high-tech specialist equipment to test his breathing and lung function, then write your report.
Next, you see a man who snores and his wife reports he stops breathing at night. You perform a sleep study and find his airway repeatedly closes during sleep. You set up an overnight ventilation trial.
You enjoy science and are good at problem solving and logical thinking. You have good communication skills and enjoy dealing with people. You pay close attention to detail, are very responsible and would like a job helping others.
You’ll need a minimum of five 9-4 (A*-C) grade GCSEs (or the equivalent), preferably including science. Then you’ll be all set to apply for at least two (ideally three) A-Levels (or the equivalent) at college or 6th form.
There are three routes into respiratory physiology, and you’ll need to do further study at university whichever one you take.
One route is to apply for a BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science in physiological sciences, where you can specialise in respiratory and sleep physiology. Getting into a degree at university requires at least two A-Levels (including at least one science subject) or equivalent level 3 qualifications.
A second route is taking a healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeship where you could specialise in respiratory physiology. These may be available in some parts of the country, and you’ll usually need the same level of GCSEs and A-Levels or equivalent qualifications. Always check the exact requirements with the employer as like universities, they can vary.
The third route is to take a relevant degree in science and then apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme specialising in respiratory and sleep physiology, which will train you to work as a clinical scientist.
We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to talk to us about apprenticeships and traineeships, email hyp-tr.apprentices@nhs.net
Welcome to Med Shed.
An interactive resource to help you find your career with us in the local NHS.
There’s a lot to see and lots to explore so come back and visit us regularly…