Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner

NHS; Poole; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner to embark on a transformative three-year apprenticeship leading to a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science. This role offers an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Nuclear Medicine while working alongside skilled practitioners and clinical scientists. Apprentices will learn to acquire diagnostic images, administer radiopharmaceuticals, and ensure quality assurance of medical equipment. This is a unique chance to develop essential skills in a supportive environment, making a significant impact in the healthcare field while contributing to patient care and safety.

Qualifications

• Must have GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths.
• A Levels in relevant STEM subjects required.

Responsibilities

• Acquire diagnostic quality images using hybrid gamma cameras.
• Administer prescribed radiopharmaceuticals under supervision.
• Follow safety regulations for radiation protection.

Skills

Communication Skills

Numeracy

Initiative

Pressure Management

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics

A Levels in STEM subjects

BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science

Tools

Hybrid Gamma Cameras

PACS

Soliton

EPR

Job description

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

The Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner post is a three-year apprenticeship leading to a Healthcare Science Practitioner (Nuclear Medicine) Degree, BSc (Hons).

The post is subject to successful enrolment onto the apprenticeship and ability to meet the academic requirements for the duration of the course.

The apprenticeship Is delivered by University of West England (UWE) and comprises of attendance at mandatory tutorials at the university and virtual tutorials, webinars e-learning as required by UWE.

The apprentice will undertake the practical training whilst working with a team of practitioners, radiographers and clinical scientists providing the diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine service at the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.

The apprentice will gain skills and experience of Nuclear Medicine by observing, assisting, and performing procedures under direct supervision while working in accordance with radiation and safety regulations.

Main duties of the job

Following suitable instruction/training the apprentice will undertake the following:

• Acquire appropriate, diagnostic quality images using highly complex hybrid gamma cameras and computer systems.
• Analyse and process acquired data, in order to produce images, graphs and data from which clinical diagnosis can be achieved.
• Dispense, assay and administer prescribed radiopharmaceuticals intravenously, subcutaneously or orally.
• Nuclear Medicine image and data network transfer including PACS.
• Quality assurance of Nuclear Medicine equipment.
• Performance of non-imaging diagnostic Nuclear Medicine studies.
• Communication with patients and relatives in an appropriate manner.
• Follow departmental procedures for the protection of patients, carers and staff from radiation hazard, particularly in the case of spills of unsealed sources or contaminated urine, faeces or blood.
• Operate Soliton, EPR, department source tracking databases and other software packages as required
• To undertake further training and development and to maintain and develop personal skills, up-to-date and effective practice and knowledge in relation to the role through continuing professional development.
• To participate fully in the theoretical and practical training

About us

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.

UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.

In some cases this means that a services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interview.

Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.

Job responsibilities

Entry requirements

1. Government funding rules require that an apprentice has the right to live and work in the UK.

2. Mandatory Level 2 qualifications: All apprentices must have English and Mathematics qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C or above.

3. Accepted Level 3 qualifications with no or minimal (less than 4 years) relevant work experience:

a. A level - a minimum of 96 points (CCC) including at least one relevant STEM subject (e.g. physics, biology, chemistry, engineering or mathematics) at 32 points/Grade C or higher.

b. BTEC Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare Science including pass grades in units that relate to the PTP specialism specified within the application.

c. BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade MMM, including at least one relevant STEM subject.

d. Access to Higher Education Diploma - at least 45 credits achieved at level 3 (minimum 45 at Merit); 15 level 3 credits must be in STEM-based units.

For full job description see attached documents.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• English, Mathematics and Double Science (or equivalent) qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C / 4 or above
• A level - a minimum of 96 points (CCC), including a Grade C or above in two of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics, or BTEC equivalent
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to self-motivate and prioritise own workload
• Ability to use own initiative and to work under pressure
• Ability to handle and assist patients and to handle highly sensitive equipment
• Ability to prioritise and manage own and departmental work
• Highly numerate and computer literate
• Ability to work within a clinical environment (e.g. x-ray, interventional radiology)

Knowledge

• Good knowledge of physics and maths to A-level standard
• Understand the basic applications of medical imaging and its position in the patient pathway
• Understanding of patient and staff risks arising from x-ray medical imaging and equipment

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.

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust