STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• an NHS training programme for non-graduates

University

You can do a degree to start training as a clinical engineer.

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 combine employment in the NHS with study for a postgraduate master's degree.

The programme covers several areas, including:clinical measurement; rehabilitation engineering; medical device risk management and governance

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.

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 a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 3 years and is a mix of on-the-job training and study for a degree.

You could then apply to take further training with the NHS to become a clinical engineer.

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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Other routes

If you do not have a degree, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed in the NHS and study for an accredited university degree in healthcare science (clinical engineering).

To apply, you'll usually need:

• 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English language, maths and a science subject
• a minimum of 2 A levels, including maths or a science

Equivalent qualifications to A levels in science or engineering may be acceptable, for instance an extended diploma in applied science.

You could also work as a clinical engineering technologist in the NHS and apply to join the PTP.

More information

Career tips

When looking to join an NHS training programme or an apprenticeship, 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.

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With experience, you could become a senior engineer, specialising in particular clinical areas, or move into:project management; medical research and development; university teaching

You could register for chartered engineer status (CEng), which recognises your experience and expertise. This could help when applying for jobs as a consultant clinical engineer.

You can also work in the private sector as a clinical engineer for commercial companies, that develop new medical devices and instruments.

Read this case study about Imogen, a Clinical Engineer at the Royal United Hospital in Bath