Cardiac physiologist

Cardiac physiologists investigate and monitor the workings of the heart. They use equipment to record things such as heart rhythm and to measure electrical activity in the heart. Their findings help doctors to diagnose heart problems and decide on treatment. Cardiac physiologists also support patients who have pacemakers, making sure they work properly.

Also known as:

Cardiac clinical scientific officer (CCSO)
Cardiological technician
Clinical physiologist – cardiology
Medical technical officer – cardiology
Physiological measurement technician – cardiology

Work activities

Cardiac physiologists perform a range of tests on people who are suspected of having heart problems, and on people who have been diagnosed with these. Their findings help doctors to diagnose cardiac (heart) problems, decide on treatment, and monitor patients’ progress. They set up and use equipment, for example, to record heart rhythm, measure electrical activity in the heart, assess blood circulation and take blood pressure. They use ultrasound to assess the function of the heart. During a procedure called cardiac catheterisation, they measure pressure and oxygen within the heart.

Cardiac physiologists carry out tests on resting and walking patients. Part of their work includes taking and reporting recordings from electrocardiograms (ECGs) of the heart’s electrical activity. They provide reports for, and discuss their findings with, specialist heart doctors (cardiologists). They provide a service for other medical professionals. Cardiac physiologists also work closely with patients who have pacemakers, making sure they work properly and are comfortable.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a cardiac physiologist, you’ll need:

An interest in science, technology and the workings of the heart.
A careful, thorough approach to your work, with attention to detail.
The ability to take precise measurements, interpret data and keep accurate records.
Teamwork, communication and interpersonal skills to work with patients, doctors and other healthcare workers.

Pay and opportunities

NHS employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Clinical physiologists working in the NHS tend to start on band 6 of the Agenda for Change payscale, with a starting salary of £35,392 (Jan 2024). You may progress further than this with experience.

Cardiac physiologists usually work a 37.5-hour week, Monday to Friday. Part-time work may be available. Some cardiac physiologists work shifts on a rota basis. Many cardiac physiologists work on-call (outside normal working hours, both at night and at the weekend), mainly to deal quickly with patients having a heart attack.

Most cardiac physiologists work in the NHS in specialist departments and specialised investigation laboratories. Other employers include private hospitals, GP practices and the armed forces. Opportunities for cardiac physiologists occur in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on the NHS Jobs website, in local/national newspapers and on job boards.

Entry routes and training

To become a cardiac physiologist, you can take a three-year degree in healthcare science that allows you to specialise in cardiac physiology. You should ensure your course is accredited by the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST).

Graduates with a first (undergraduate) degree in a relevant science subject (2:1 or above) can apply to the Scientist Training Programme (STP). Each NHS organisation that advertises STP vacancies decides which degree subjects are relevant, but these could include physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology. You’ll be employed by a physiology department which will then arrange your clinical training for you. You’ll also work towards a Master’s degree.

You could alternatively undertake a level 6 degree apprenticeship in the role of healthcare science practitioner. This way, you will undertake most of your training on the job, while you work towards a relevant degree qualification.

You could specialise or go into a supervisory or management role. Some cardiac physiologists move into research or teaching posts.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: This career is an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

To enter a degree course in healthcare science (cardiac physiology), you’ll usually need:

Three A-levels, including at least one science subject/maths.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs (9-4), including English and maths.

Equivalent qualifications, such as Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, might be acceptable for entry.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don’t have the qualifications you need to enter a degree in healthcare science (cardiac physiology), you might be able to start one after completing a college or university Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider.

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