Medical technical officers, sometimes referred to as clinical or medical technologists, use sophisticated scientific equipment to record and interpret readings to aid clinical staff in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Some officers may be involved in maintaining the equipment they use.

The role of the medical technical officer will vary depending on the area they specialise in which can include audiology, cardiology, neurophysiology, respiratory physiology, gastroenterology, perfusion, and renal dialysis.

Medical technical officers work alongside doctors, nursing staff and other healthcare professionals in hospitals.

Hours and Environment

Medical technical officers work 37.5 hours a week which may involve shift work and on-call duties. Part-time work may be available.

This work may take place in a workshop, clinic, on the wards, in intensive care units or in operating theatres, depending on the area of specialism. Occasionally there may be home visits to patients.

Specialist equipment and computers are routinely used. Clean and sometimes sterile working conditions can be a requirement, so protective clothing may be worn. The work can involve sitting or standing for long periods, and some lifting of heavy equipment. Patient contact is likely.

Skills and Interests

To be a medical technical officer, you should:

• have an ability and interest in physical sciences, biology, engineering and electronics
• have a desire to contribute to patient care and treatment
• have a mature approach to work and the ability to cope with responsibility
• have the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
• be able to work alongside a team of other professionals
• be able to empathise with and reassure nervous patients.

Entry

There are no minimum entry requirements for trainee medical technical officer positions, however, many employers expect applicants to have at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English, maths and two sciences, or equivalent qualifications.

Many candidates enter this field with higher qualifications such as A levels/H grades or a degree in a relevant engineering or life science subject. 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.

A number of specialist areas within this field are moving towards graduate entry and state registration, for example, cardiology, respiratory physiology and gastro-intestinal physiology. Check the professional bodies websites listed in Further Information for more details on these areas.

Training

Trainee medical technical officers usually receive on-the-job training. This is sometimes combined with part-time study for a relevant qualification such as a BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science, within which you can study medical physics and physiological measurement.

At some colleges it is possible to continue studying part-time for a foundation degree in, for example, medical technology, or a relevant BSc degree.

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

Most medical technical officers work in the NHS, but there are opportunities in private hospitals.

With sufficient experience, medical technical officers can apply for senior posts where they are responsible for running a clinic and reporting to consultants on the patients they see. Most senior officers would also have a teaching role in the hospital.

Some medical technical officers, with relevant degree qualifications, become clinical scientists.

There are opportunities for those specialising in electronics and engineering to work for manufacturers of medical equipment or firms specialising in servicing and repair.

Annual Income

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

Medical technical officers usually have a starting salary of between £14,000 and £18,000 a year.
With experience, technicians can earn between £21,000 and £38,000 a year.
More experienced and well-qualified technicians may earn up to £40,000, depending on grade.

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

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655