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Critical care technologist

Also called Critical care scientist.

Critical care technologists monitor life support and other equipment used with critically ill patients.

Potential salary
£32,000 starter to £48,000 experienced per year
Typical hours
37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts.
Career area
Science and laboratory work
Where they might work
You could work in an NHS or private hospital. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task
set up and maintain equipment like ventilators, dialysis machines and monitors
Subjects that may help
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Typical route
You can apply for a postgraduate training place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). It takes 3 years to complete and includes a combination of university and training at work.
Interest area used here
Health and laboratory science, Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

  • set up and maintain equipment like ventilators, dialysis machines and monitors
  • attend emergency calls to critical care wards like resuscitation
  • advise and train other hospital staff on how to use equipment
  • negotiate with medical sales representatives
  • manage staff and do admin tasks
  • research, develop, assess and introduce new critical care treatments and technologies

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well under pressure
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with others
More skills
  • the ability to analyse quality or performance
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

  • You can apply for a postgraduate training place on the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). It takes 3 years to complete and includes a combination of university and training at work.
  • You'll be employed by an NHS organisation and paid a salary while you train.
  • To apply, you'll need an upper second class (2:1) honours degree or above in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in.
  • If you do not have a 2:1, you could apply to the STP after you finish a health or science postgraduate course.
  • You'll usually need:
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
  • equivalent entry requirements
  • student finance for fees and living costs
  • university courses and entry requirements

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

  • Biomedical science

    Alternative route. Healthcare science and clinical technology routes vary. This degree is one possible science background, not a dedicated technologist qualification.

Explore university routes

Career progression
  • You could:
  • complete the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) to become a consultant clinical scientist
  • progress to leadership and management positions
  • specialise in a certain area of critical care, such as transplants, cardiology or burns
  • move into academic research and teaching in higher education

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

What you could do next