Intensive care unit technicians (sometimes called critical care technologists) are health care scientists who ensure the safe and effective use of technological systems used in the care of critically ill patients.

The duties of a technician involve cleaning, servicing and calibrating equipment, setting up and operating it, monitoring it during use and regularly checking readings. The types of equipment used include:

• blood analysers which measure biochemical factors
• ventilators which help patients breathe
• haemofiltration and other life support machinery
• defibrillators and monitors which measure vital body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure and brain activity
• infusion pumps and syringe drivers which deliver drugs to patients.

Technicians advise staff and provide training on the use of the equipment.

Other tasks include:

• dealing with sales representatives
• ordering equipment and consumables such as medical gases and fluids from the pharmacy
• routine administration tasks such as processing related invoices and paperwork
• quality control
• management of relevant equipment 
• organising the on-call rotas of other technical staff.

They work alongside doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff such as physiotherapists, dietitians and pharmacists in often pressurised conditions. There is a lot of contact with patients and distressed relatives.

Hours and Environment

Intensive care unit technicians work 37.5 hours a week, which includes shifts and an on-call system to provide continuous cover.

Work involves standing or sitting for long periods, bending and carrying heavy equipment, and handling hazardous chemicals and substances.

Use of protective overalls, coats, gloves, glasses and masks is often necessary.

Skills and Interests

To be an intensive care unit technician, you should:

• have an aptitude for and an interest in physical sciences, biology and medicine
• be able to work accurately and precisely when under pressure
• be able to concentrate for long periods of time
• have a desire to contribute to patient care and treatment
• be able to work as part of a team of professionals and be comfortable with responsibility
• be able to cope with distressing situations
• have an aptitude for electronics 
• be able to put patients at their ease.

Entry

There are no formal entry requirements but many hospitals will expect you to have a good general standard of education and a mature approach to work.

Four or more GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) may be needed for progression to more advanced work. Useful subjects include maths, physics and electronics.

Many intensive care unit technicians have higher qualifications such as:

• A levels/H grades (in subjects like biology, physics and chemistry)
• BTEC National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
• degree in a relevant life science subject or engineering.

The entry requirements for a degree usually include five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three H grades. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

Experience of working in a paid or voluntary capacity within a hospital setting, or in the field of engineering or electronics, may be useful.

Training

Trainee technicians are usually trained on the job. Some technicians go on to study part-time towards a relevant qualification such as:

• BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science, which includes units in medical physics and physiological measurement
• foundation degree in medical technology
• degree in clinical technology
• degree in clinical physiology (specialising in critical care technology).

The NHS is developing a new National Occupational Standards Framework in Healthcare Science, which will shape the development of competence-based training for Healthcare Scientists.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Intensive care unit technicians are employed mainly in larger NHS hospitals. Promotion may be to senior technician or supervisor.

Many move to a specialist area of work for advancement into the highest grades with management responsibilities.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Salaries can vary from one NHS trust to another.

An intensive care unit technician or critical care technologist can earn between £19,200 and £25,000 a year.
A specialist within this area can earn between £22,800 and £31,000.
A team manager can earn up to around £36,500.

There are additional payments for overtime and on-call duty, and an additional London allowance is paid. Salaries in the private sector may be linked to NHS scales but could be higher.

Further information

PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk Fairmount House
230 Tadcaster Road
York
YO24 1ES
Tel: 01904 610821