How to become a clinical engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- a specialist training programme run by the NHS
University
You can do a degree to start training as a clinical engineer. Relevant subjects include:
- biomedical engineering
- engineering
- pure or applied physics
- applied maths
- computer science
After your degree, you can apply for the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed and study a postgraduate master's degree at university.
Areas of clinical engineering covered by the programme include:
- rehabilitation engineering
- clinical measurement
- medical device development
There is a lot of competition for places on the STP, so it helps to have relevant experience. You could do some voluntary work in a hospital to get experience of patient contact.
There are also jobs in the private sector for clinical engineers, where you could work your way up to chartered engineer status.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
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Apprenticeship
You could get into this job by completing a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
This takes a minimum of 3 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Other Routes
If you do not have a degree, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.
During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed and study for an accredited degree in healthcare science (clinical engineering) at university.
To apply, you'll usually need:
- 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English language, maths and a science subject
- at least 2 A levels, including maths or a science like physics
Equivalent qualifications to A levels in science or engineering may be acceptable, for instance T levels or extended diplomas.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When applying for NHS training and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a clinical engineer from Health Careers and Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.