Prospects.ac.uk

Job profile

Clinical scientist, cardiac sciences

View all healthcare vacancies

Clinical scientists working in cardiac science use specialist tests and technology to assess, diagnose and monitor patients with heart conditions

You'll work directly with patients of all ages who have known or suspected heart disease, carrying out and interpreting a range of diagnostic tests.

These can include:

  • ambulatory heart monitoring
  • echocardiograms, which use ultrasound to produce images of the heart
  • electrocardiograms (ECGs)
  • exercise tests
  • tilt tests.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, you may also be involved in cardiac rhythm management and interventional procedures, including pacemaker implantation and follow-up, electrophysiology studies, angiography and angioplasty.

Doctors who specialise in cardiology follow a different training route. For more information, see cardiologist.

What does a clinical scientist in cardiac science do?

You'll typically need to:

  • carry out and interpret echocardiograms, which use ultrasound to assess the structure and function of the heart
  • perform and interpret ECGs, heart monitoring and other cardiac tests to investigate heart rhythm and function
  • monitor patients during exercise and other physiological tests to assess how their heart responds
  • support the implantation and follow-up of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which help manage abnormal heart rhythms
  • programme and evaluate implanted cardiac devices to check they're working correctly and adjust them for individual patients
  • provide specialist support during procedures such as angiography and angioplasty, which investigate and treat problems with the heart's blood vessels
  • support electrophysiology studies and cardiac ablation procedures, which investigate and treat abnormal heart rhythms
  • monitor and interpret heart rhythm, blood pressure and other measurements during cardiac procedures
  • interpret, evaluate and report test results, providing clinical and scientific information to cardiologists and other healthcare professionals
  • explain investigations and procedures to patients and carers, and provide appropriate support before, during and after testing
  • contribute to research, audit, service improvement and the teaching and training of other healthcare professionals.

Clinical scientist salaries

  • Jobs in the NHS are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay rates, which consist of nine pay bands. Trainees on the Scientist Training Programme (STP) are usually employed at Band 6, which starts at £39,959 in England.
  • Once qualified, you're likely to be employed at Band 7, with a salary of £49,387 to £56,515.
  • With experience and further qualifications, you may progress to more senior clinical scientist, principal, lead or consultant roles at Bands 8a to 8d, with salaries ranging from £57,528 to £108,814. A small number of the most senior service leadership posts may be paid at Band 9, which ranges from £112,782 to £129,783.

NHS staff working in and around London may receive a high-cost area supplement of 5%, 15% or 20% of their basic salary, depending on location and subject to minimum and maximum payment levels.

Salaries for clinical scientists working for private companies, universities, government bodies and other organisations may vary.

These figures apply to NHS England. NHS salaries in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ. Check your country's pay scales for the most up-to-date NHS salary information.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Clinical scientist in cardiac science working hours

You'll usually work a 37.5-hour week, which may include shift work.

There may be opportunities to work part time.

How do I become a clinical scientist in cardiac science?

Training in England is usually through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). This is a three-year, full-time programme combining work-based learning with funded part-time study for an MSc in Clinical Science.

To get a place on the STP, you'll usually need a first or 2:1 undergraduate honours or integrated Masters degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject, such as:

  • biology, biological sciences or biomedical science
  • biomedical engineering
  • clinical or medical sciences
  • exercise and sport sciences
  • medicine or nursing
  • pharmacology
  • physiology, including human, medical or physiological science.

Research experience is also desirable. This could be gained through a Masters degree or PhD, or other relevant scientific or academic research experience. You can also apply if you have a 2:2 honours degree in any subject plus a relevant higher degree, such as a Masters.

Applications are made via Oriel and generally open in January for training starting in September. You can only apply to one specialty. The recruitment process includes:

Training places depend on NHS workforce needs, and not every specialty or location is available each year.

If successful, you'll be employed as a trainee clinical scientist on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the programme and paid a salary. You'll complete rotation modules during your first year before progressing through more specialist training. You may need to travel to other hospitals, departments or training sites to complete parts of the programme.

Existing NHS staff working in a recognised scientific specialty may be able to complete the STP through the in-service route. You'll need to meet the entry requirements, be nominated by your employer and have arrangements in place for your training.

For full details about the STP in England, see the National School of Healthcare Science website. Recruitment and training arrangements vary across the UK. See the relevant information for:

Experienced scientists who've completed other relevant training may be able to demonstrate that their knowledge, skills and experience meet the standards required for registration through either of the following routes:

An alternative undergraduate route into cardiac science is the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). This is a three-year BSc (Hons) programme combining academic and work-based learning and can lead to work as a healthcare science practitioner in cardiac physiology. If you later want to train as a clinical scientist and meet the entry requirements, you could apply for the STP.

What skills does a clinical scientist in cardiac science need?

You'll need:

  • accuracy, organisation and attention to detail to record, analyse and report clinical information reliably and manage competing priorities
  • analytical and investigative skills to interpret cardiac test results, identify abnormalities and make informed clinical judgements
  • communication and interpersonal skills to explain tests and procedures clearly and support patients, carers and other healthcare professionals
  • problem-solving skills to investigate complex cases, troubleshoot equipment and respond to unexpected findings
  • research and critical appraisal skills to assess scientific evidence and contribute to research, audit, innovation and service improvement
  • scientific and technical skills to use, evaluate and adapt specialist cardiac equipment, devices and new technologies safely
  • teamworking and leadership skills to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to clinical decisions and, as you gain experience, support and guide others.

Clinical science work experience

Entry to the STP is competitive, but formal clinical science work experience isn't essential. However, you'll need to show you understand the programme, your chosen specialty and the role of a clinical scientist in cardiac science.

You can develop this insight by:

  • attending STP open days, careers events or departmental visits
  • completing a relevant placement as part of your degree or Masters course
  • gaining experience of working with patients or service users, for example through paid or voluntary work in a hospital, care home, hospice or other healthcare setting
  • getting involved in research projects, audits or publications during your studies
  • speaking to current STP trainees or clinical scientists
  • visiting a cardiac department or, where possible, shadowing a clinical scientist.

You may need to be proactive in gaining relevant experience. Part-time work, volunteering, university societies and other extracurricular activities can also help you develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation and problem solving.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs clinical scientists in cardiac science?

The main employer is the NHS, where you'll usually work in cardiology or cardiac diagnostics departments in hospitals, although some services are also provided in community settings.

Opportunities also exist with:

  • companies that develop and supply cardiac devices, monitoring equipment and other medical technologies
  • private hospitals and other independent healthcare providers
  • universities and research organisations, in research or teaching roles.

Look for job vacancies at:

Where can a career as a clinical scientist in cardiac science lead?

The NHS offers a structured career path, with opportunities to progress to senior, principal and consultant clinical scientist roles. You can also develop specialist expertise in areas such as:

  • cardiac rhythm management
  • echocardiography
  • electrophysiology
  • working with particular patient groups.

As you gain experience, you may take on more complex cases, lead specialist services and have greater responsibility for research, service development and management.

If you want to progress towards consultant-level practice, you can apply for the five-year Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme in Cardiac Science. It combines advanced work-based training with doctoral-level study and develops specialist clinical, scientific, research and leadership skills.

You can also develop a career in clinical research or academia, for example by completing a PhD and moving into university teaching or research. Other opportunities include:

  • managing cardiac science services
  • taking on professional, advisory, education and training roles
  • working in industry in areas such as cardiac devices or clinical applications.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is important throughout your career and is a requirement of HCPC registration. The Society for Cardiac Science and Technology provides professional development opportunities for cardiac science professionals, including courses, webinars and events.