Neurophysiologist

Neurophysiologists set up and use equipment to monitor the electrical activity of the brain and the central and peripheral nervous systems. These tests help doctors to investigate problems such as epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis and peripheral nerve disorders.

Also known as:

• Medical technical officer – neurophysiology
• Physiological measurement technician – neurophysiology
• Electroencephalography technologist
• Clinical physiologist – neurophysiology

Work activities

Neurophysiologists set up and use equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Their tests help doctors to investigate problems such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and peripheral nerve disorders, decide on treatment and monitor patients’ progress. They do a number of tests and investigations, using different equipment.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records the brain’s electrical activity. Neurophysiologists can use this test to investigate different types of epilepsy, inflammation of the brain and other neurological disorders.
• Evoked potentials are electrical changes in the central nervous system, produced in response to stimulating certain nerve pathways. Neurophysiologists use these tests to investigate diseases of the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis.
• Nerve conduction studies: These tests investigate the electrical changes in the peripheral nervous system that are produced by electrical stimulus. Neurophysiologists use these tests to investigate patients with peripheral nerve damage.
• Electromyography (EMG): Neurophysiologists help doctors to record the activity of skeletal muscle, which can help to investigate diseases which affect the muscles, such as motor neurone disease.
• Neurophysiologists are also involved in sleep studies and long-term monitoring of people with epilepsy.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a neurophysiologist, you’ll need:

• To enjoy science and be interested in people’s health.
• Technical skills to use complex equipment.
• Practical skills to place electrodes on patients.
• The ability to support and reassure nervous or distressed patients.
• Accuracy and attention to detail. You have to take precise measurements, interpret data and keep accurate records.
• Teamwork skills to work with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• The ability to deal with ill people of all ages in a professional manner.

Pay and opportunities

NHS employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities. According to the NHS Health Careers website, newly qualified clinical neurophysiologists earn in the range of £32,398 to £37,303 per year. Consultants can earn up to £126,281. (Figures correct as of November 2023).

They usually work a 37.5-hour week, Monday to Friday. Some need to work shifts on a rota or on-call basis. Part-time work may be available.

Employers include the NHS, private hospitals and the armed forces. Opportunities for neurophysiologists 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 neurophysiologist, you can take a three-year degree in healthcare science that allows you to specialise in neurophysiology. This entry route is known as the Practitioner Training Programme. A few universities offer degrees in healthcare science (neurophysiology). 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. Entry to the STP can also be possible with a 2:2 if you also have a relevant postgraduate qualification.

You can also undertake a level 4 (higher) apprenticeship in the role of healthcare science associate, which leads to a healthcare science higher education qualification, with on-the-job training starting sooner than the traditional, more academic route.

Post-registration career progression can include working in research and development, and/or working towards an MSc or PhD.

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 that allows you to specialise in neurophysiology, 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.

Alternatives to separate science GCSEs (biology, chemistry and physics) are science and additional science or science and additional applied science. Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma are also acceptable in some cases. However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.

To do a higher or degree apprenticeship, you’ll need:

• Two relevant A-levels.
• GCSEs in English and maths.

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. Entry to the STP can also be possible with a 2:2 if you also have a relevant postgraduate qualification.

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 relevant degree course, 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.

Related careers

• Audiologist
• Cardiac physiologist
• Diagnostic radiographer
• Medical laboratory assistant
• Optometrist
• Perfusionist
• Radiographer
• Respiratory physiologist
• Therapeutic radiographer