Healthcare Science Assistance Apprentice (Cardiology) - Level 2

Northumbria Healthcare Nhs Foundation Trust; Ashington; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS organization in Ashington seeks a Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice. This full-time role offers hands-on experience in cardiology, supporting diagnostic tests and learning skills under supervision. The apprenticeship lasts 12-14 months and offers opportunities for progression within the NHS after completion. Candidates must be eager to start a healthcare career and willing to engage in a structured training program.

Benefits

Staff health and well-being programmes

Flexible working opportunities

Generous annual leave

Professional development training

On-site nursery places

Qualifications

• Passion for healthcare and science.
• Willingness to learn through training.
• Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and urgent electrocardiograms.
• Measure blood pressure and set up cardiac monitors.
• Support cardiology reception and handle equipment safely.

Skills

Electrocardiograms

Blood pressure monitoring

Patient preparation

Education

N/A

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about healthcare and science? Do you want to start a rewarding career helping patients and supporting clinical teams? We are offering an opportunity to join the Cardiology Department as a Healthcare Science Assistant Apprentice. This Level 2 apprenticeship provides hands-on experience in a busy hospital environment while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.

As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced healthcare professionals in cardiology, assisting in the delivery of diagnostic tests such as ECGs, blood pressure monitoring, and patient preparation. You will play a vital role in supporting patients and maintaining high standards of care. This is an entry-level role for individuals eager to begin a career in healthcare science, particularly in cardiology. Full training and support will be provided, and upon successful completion there may be opportunities for further development and progression within the NHS. The post holder will undertake a 12-14 month training programme as a Healthcare Science Level 2 Apprentice. Formal training will be provided, enabling you to learn and develop skills in a busy cardiology department and in basic cardiology diagnostic tests. This is a full-time post with the expectation that the apprentice will commit to self-directed study and attend college virtually and in person, and successfully complete the training programme within the contract period. The post holder will receive 20% off-the-job training to fulfil the apprenticeship standard. On successful completion of the apprenticeship and probationary period, the post holder will be offered a permanent post of Cardiographer (Band 2).

As an apprentice, all tasks will be under direct supervision until competency through formal assessment is achieved and will include the following main duties within the cardiorespiratory department:

• To perform routine and urgent electrocardiograms.
• To perform and measure automatic and manual blood pressure measurements.
• To set up and fit a cardiac monitor, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitor, and a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor.
• To prepare equipment and clinical areas for other diagnostic cardiology tests.
• To support cardiology reception/clerical administration as required.
• To handle and store equipment and consumables within accepted and safe limits.

Organisation and Benefits

Annex 21: The provisions of Agenda for Change Annex 21 – Arrangements for Pay and Banding of Trainees apply whilst undertaking training in this role. Length of training: x years.

Do you want to work in one of the best performing NHS organisations in England? Work for an organisation recognised as a high performer and focused on staff experience. This includes:

• Extensive staff health and well-being programmes including access to a Wellbeing Hub.
• Support and connection through Staff Network groups.
• A range of flexible working opportunities.
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
• Access to lease car and home electronics scheme (qualifying criteria applies).
• Opportunities to improve professional development through vast training programmes.
• On-site nursery places via salary sacrifice.
• Access to savings scheme via salary sacrifice with Northumberland Community Bank.

We are proud to be one of the country’s top performing NHS trusts. Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was rated ‘outstanding’ overall by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). We provide a range of health and care services to support more than 500,000 people in Northumberland and North Tyneside across the largest geographical area of any NHS Trust in England, delivering care from hospitals, community venues and people’s homes.

Our priorities include innovation and quality; for example, the Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub opened during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we recently launched our Community Promise to make an impact beyond healthcare.

About applying and requirements

If Northumbria Healthcare sounds like a place you could belong, we would love to hear from you. Visit our website for the latest news.

Additional information:

• Northumbria Healthcare uses Third-Party AI in recruitment and may withdraw applications at any stage if AI poses a risk to recruitment integrity.
• Pay information follows Annex 21 pay and banding arrangements. See Annex 21 details at: http://www.nhsemployers.org/tchandbook/annex-21-to-25/annex-21-arrangements-for-pay-and-banding-of-trainees
• Applicants who meet essential criteria may be interviewed under the Trust's interview guarantee scheme. We value diversity and inclusion; applications from all backgrounds are welcome, including BAME, LGBT+, and disabled candidates. We are a Disability Confident Employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and hold other recognitions. Reasonable adjustments for interviews can be requested via the recruitment team.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust holds a sponsor licence. Check UKVI eligibility before applying. Skilled Worker visa overview is available on GOV.UK.
• Note: It is a Trust requirement that successful applicants pay for their own DBS certification if a DBS check is required. Payment is deducted from the first monthly pay.