Apprentice Clinical Physiologist in Neurophysiology

NHS; Luton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust is offering an apprenticeship for a Clinical Physiologist in Neurophysiology. This role involves training while completing a BSc Healthcare Science degree, performing neurophysiological tests, and gaining practical experience in a hospital setting. Successful candidates may progress to a Band 5 position upon completion.

Qualifications

• Achieved GCSEs in English and Maths.
• Achieved A-levels with minimum 96 UCAS Tariff points.
• Some knowledge of neurophysiology.

Responsibilities

• Perform and report on neurophysiological tests.
• Train under supervision in clinical neurophysiology.
• Balance commitments of working and studying.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Communication skills

Education

GCSE Grade C or above in English, Maths

Two or three A-levels: Grade C or above

Job description

Go back Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice Clinical Physiologist in Neurophysiology

The closing date is 05 June 2025

The Neurophysiology Service provides a broad range of diagnostic tests and procedures to a wide range of service users of all ages and abilities. The successful candidate will work towards completion of the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Degree and qualification as a clinical physiologist in Neurophysiology. This opportunity gives you the chance to train and work in a hospital setting whilst completing a professionally accredited 3 year course with the University of West of England in Bristol (block release) and becoming a qualified healthcare science practitioner.

The post holder will train under supervision in the department of clinical neurophysiology at Luton and Dunstable and Bedford Hospitals to perform, interpret and report specialised neurophysiological tests including electroencephalograms (EEG) and basic Evoked Potentials (EPs) in both the routine and ward settings.

AfC Band 5 (Annex 21 Agenda for change salary) 3 years fixed term contract

Year 1- 65% £23,713 or Minimum wage if successful applicant is over 21 years old

On successfully completing the apprenticeship the post-holder might have a chance to be assimilated onto the Band 5 pay band (100% of entry point Band 5 salary - subject to post availability

Main duties of the job

• Be a full time integrated team member of the Neurophysiology Department at Luton and Dunstable Hospital/Bedford Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust
• Follow the curriculum at the University of the West of England attending block training, undertaking virtual training and work placements as set out in training programme
• Complete and pass appropriate academic modules to the required breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge
• Undertake work based training in conjunction with the Practitioner Training Programme supported by the Academy of Healthcare Science
• Study and gain formal qualification in BSc Healthcare Science neurophysiology through the Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme, following time scales set out by the UWE and Department of Neurophysiology
• Be able to balance the commitments of working and studying

About us

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology.

Our Values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Job responsibilities

The successful post holder will:

• Be a full time integrated team member of the Neurophysiology Department at Luton and Dunstable Hospital/Bedford Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust
• Follow the curriculum at the University of the West of England attending block training, undertaking virtual training and work placements as set out in training programme
• Complete and pass appropriate academic modules to the required breadth and depth of underpinning knowledge
• Undertake work based training in conjunction with the Practitioner Training Programme supported by the Academy of Healthcare Science
• Gain practical understanding and experience over the whole range of Neurophysiological procedures by undertaking training within the Department of Neurophysiology in order to become a qualified clinical physiologist who:
  • Performs a range of neurophysiological investigations such as inpatient and outpatient EEG and Evoked Potentials.
  • Performs a range of tests on patients of all ages and all abilities (including neonates, children, young adults)
  • Produces high quality and detailed factual reports in EEG and Evoked Potential studies
  • Interprets and acts upon results of tests, investigations, and measurements in accordance with departmental policies, procedures, and quality systems.
  • Liaises with and works collaboratively with other staff on a daily basis to ensure the service needs are met.
  • Acquires and maintains a high level of professional competence in the performance of all tests, investigations and measurements carried out.
  • Communicates face to face and on the telephone with patients, members of the public and staff in a friendly, professional and courteous manner.
  • Participates in CPD, audit and research.
  • Participates in the training of trainee physiologists and other professionals if applicable
  • Works within established policies and protocols.
  • Ensures personal compliance with regards to mandatory, professional, and personal development.

The programme aims to develop competent practitioners who can work independently within the neurophysiology department

The post holder will, over the course of 3 years complete an undergraduate degree level course in BSc Healthcare Science Neurophysiology, following which they will complete a portfolio and pass the standalone EEG exam overseen by ANS.

Following successful completion of all exams (inclusive of the ANS standalone Part 1 exam), the post holder might be offered a full time Band 5 position at Bedfordshire Hospitals subject to available position and funding at the time.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To participate in the departmental activities and work based learning under appropriate supervision while gaining education and skills required.
• To study and gain formal qualification in BSc Healthcare Science neurophysiology through the Healthcare Science Practitioner Training Programme, following time scales set out by the UWE and Department of Neurophysiology
• To be able to balance the commitments of working and studying
• To undertake all mandatory training
• To maintain a professional and courteous attitude
• To operate in accordance with Good Scientific Practice
• To conduct safe working practices applying risk management and health and safety principles, following Trusts and local policies and procedures
• To work safely specifically with regard to radioactive, biological and chemical hazards in accordance with current legislation
• To use computer systems and software appropriate to their work
• To operate medical equipment, performing calibration, equipment quality assurance and equipment quality control
• To maintain appropriate records
• To communicate effectively with stakeholders
• To prepare equipment and procedure rooms. This will include restocking of all consumables as necessary, in order to perform the appropriate test
• To learn, perform and interpret routine neurophysiology investigations including but not limited to: electroencephalography, home video telemetry, evoked potentials, nerve conduction studies
• To learn writing up factual reports and mark them appropriate for urgency
• To prepare and reassure patients undergoing tests as appropriate for skill level
• To communicate with patients, relatives, carers; medical (internal and external), nursing (internal and external), hospital, administrative and clerical staff as appropriate for skill level
• To work within dedicated (department) and non-dedicated environment (wards, critical care units)
• To assist during medical emergencies
• To observe and assess the patient mental and physical health at all times.
• To undertake other duties as may be required by the Department of Neurophysiology to achieve the Trusts objectives, commensurate with the grading of the post

The post holder:

Should be physically capable of maintaining correct posture for long periods of time whilst scanning, moving and positioning of patients and equipment often in a restricted environment.

Must be capable of dealing with stress

Must be capable of working extended periods in a darkened environment.

Must be capable of being in close contact with infectious patients, contact with bodily fluids, vomit and poor hygiene

Might be exposed to contact with verbally and physically aggressive patients

Must be able to work with VDU equipment used daily for data acquisition, data entry and report writing

Must comply with all trust policies relating to data protection

Must maintain absolute confidentiality and information security in line with Data protection Act 1998 and Computer misuse act (Any disclosure of patient identifiable data, staff data or other personal information is a dismissible offence. The unauthorised disclosure of information could also result in a prosecution under the data protection act 1998)

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties to meet the changing needs of the service

The job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is subject to change over time in line with changing needs of the service. This description may be subject to review by the Neurophysiology manager in conjunction with the post holder

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Achieved Grades - GCSE Grade C or above in English, Maths or equivalent
• Achieved Grades - Two or three A-levels: Grade C or above, adding up to a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, at least one of which has to be from the subjects listed: Biology, Applied Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Health and Social Care, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Applied Science, Science in Society, Sport and Physical Education, Sports Studies

Experience

• Able to study/work accurately and within deadlines/under pressure of time
• Work experience in hospital setting
• Be able to manage workload under the supervision and through direction to ensure this meets required standards

Knowledge

• Some knowledge of neurophysiology as a profession, with basic understanding of the roles of practitioners/physiologists
• Sensitive understanding of children and adults who may be suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions including those which may be neurological or psychiatric in nature
• Understanding the need of confidentiality awareness at all times.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Neurophysiology Department, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHSFT

Neurophysiology Department, Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHSFT