You can do a degree to start training as a clinical engineer. 

Subjects include:

• biomedical engineering
• engineering
• pure or applied physics
• applied maths
• computer science

After your degree, you can apply for the postgraduate NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). During the 3-year programme, you'll combine employment in the NHS with study for a postgraduate master's degree.

The programme covers several areas, including:

• clinical measurement
• rehabilitation engineering
• medical device risk management and governance

There is a lot of competition for places on the STP, so it helps to have relevant experience. You could do some voluntary work in a hospital to get experience of patient contact.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply to do a Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of 3 years and is a mix of on-the-job training and study for a degree.

You could then apply to take further training with the NHS to become a clinical engineer.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

If you do not have a degree, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed in the NHS and study for an accredited university degree in healthcare science (clinical engineering).

To apply, you'll usually need:

• 5 GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English language, maths and a science subject
• a minimum of 2 A levels, including maths or a science

Equivalent qualifications to A levels in science or engineering may be acceptable, for instance an extended diploma in applied science.

You could also work as a clinical engineering technologist in the NHS and apply to join the PTP.

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• design skills and knowledge
• complex problem-solving skills
• knowledge of biology
• knowledge of physics
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a clinical engineer, you could:

• develop artificial limbs, using advanced materials
• build and test medical aids, like heart valves, hearing implants and speech synthesizers
• design equipment to help doctors use new techniques, for example optical instruments for keyhole surgery
• manage medical equipment, such as scanners, imaging machines and monitoring systems
• carry out quality assurance checks to make sure equipment is working correctly and safely
• work closely with other medical professionals and technical staff

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory or at a research facility.