The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology

Cardiac Clinical Physiologist

A Cardiac Physiologist (CP), after a period of training, is responsible for the recording and analysis of different physiological data required to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of known or suspected cardiac disease. The CP is the friendly professional face in this high technological environment linking the patient with the diagnostic equipment. The CP normally works in a Cardiology Department within a hospital. The variety of procedures carried out vary from hospital to hospital. Some smaller hospitals may also include procedures from other disciplines e.g. respiratory function tests. CPs often work with patients who are unwilling or unable to co-operate. A calm, confident but sympathetic approach is required to achieve an appropriate outcome for the patient.

How to Apply

All trainee and qualified posts are advertised in local press and/or the SCST Update or Jobfinder. For further information about a career as a Cardiac Physiologist look on the nhs jobs website or contact the SCST on admin@scst.org.uk

Professional Bodies

Professional bodies oversee the educational and professional standard of their members working within specific Medical and Paramedical professions.

The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) is the professional body for Cardiac Physiologists and Cardiographers. The Society for Cardiological Science and Technology was established in 1948 and has branches in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Eire. The Council and Education Committee usually meet in London. The SCST has close links with the British Cardiac Society which represent the medical specialists in Cardiology. Annually the SCST undertakes to provide professional examinations for members. The SCST seeks to promote good professional practice and standards throughout the profession of Cardiology.

Career Prospects

For pay and conditions of service CPs and Cardiographers are generally identified as Medical Technical Officers, Senior Assistant Technical Officers and Assistant Technical Officers. There are five grades of Medical Technical officers and two grades of Assistant Technical officers.

Cardiac Physiologists have five recognised grades:

Trainee Cardiac Physiologist

Basic Grade Cardiac Physiologist

Senior Cardiac Physiologist

Chief Cardiac Physiologist

Senior Chief Physiologist

Cardiographers have two recognised grades.

Assistant Technical officers (Cardiographer)

Senior A.T.O. (Senior Cardiographer)

The technical grading structure varies from hospital to hospital, normally depending on the complexity of work undertaken. Grades Senior Cardiac Physiologist and above are not automatically awarded but are applied for as posts become vacant. It may be necessary to move from the local area to achieve promotion.

This pay structure is slowly being replaced by a new one called Agenda for Change and pay is based on Bands. Qualified staff should commence on Band 5.

Professional Body

For information, contact:

Public Relations Officer (External) Mrs. C MacGregor Cardiac Department Ayr Hospital Dalmellington Road AYR KA6 6DX

Public Relations Officer (Internal) The Secretary Northern Ireland Branch Society for Cardiological Science and Technology ECG Dept. Royal Hospitals Trust Grosvenor Road BELFAST BT12 6BA

Hon Registrar Cardio-Respiratory Department Chesterfield Royal Hospital Calow CHESTERFIELD Derbyshire S44 5BL