Neurophysiologists diagnose and monitor disorders which affect the brain and nervous system of patients, for example epilepsy, strokes, dementia, nerve and muscle damage, and multiple sclerosis. They use a variety of equipment and techniques to carry out investigations, which usually take place in a dedicated environment, but sometimes in other clinical settings, such as an operating theatre.

The Work

You could be:

• measuring electrical activity in the brain by attaching electrodes to the patient’s scalp and monitoring results (known as electroencephalography – EEG)
• testing the function of nerves in the body by attaching pads that produce small electrical pulses to the patient (known as nerve conduction studies – NCS)
• assisting doctors specialising in clinical neurophysiology with measuring electrical activity in the muscles by inserting a fine needle into the patient’s muscles requiring investigation (known as electromyography – EMG)
• conducting tests with patients by monitoring nerve pathway function in response to stimuli such as flashing lights or sounds (known as evoked potentials – EPs)
• monitoring brain, nerve and muscle function while patients are asleep
• using necessary tests to monitor the effects of drug treatments and medical procedures
• recording and interpreting data from tests
• working with other medical staff to determine diagnoses and treatment
• performing regular checks on all machinery and equipment.

Pay

Clinical Neurophysiologists who work for the NHS are on Agenda for Change pay scales. The current pay scales are from April 2022. They generally start on Band 5, £28,384 to £35,365 a year. 

Specialist neurophysiologists are paid on Band 6, £35,522 to £43,286 a year. Team managers are on Band 7, £43,422 to £50,506 a year.

Experienced neurophysiologists can earn over £40,000 in private healthcare establishments.

Conditions

• You work in the neurophysiology unit of a hospital, a ward or operating theatre.
• Working hours are normally regular, but you may have to work some weekends and evenings, nights (for sleep clinics) or be on call for emergencies.
• You might sometimes wear protective clothing, for instance when in an operating theatre.
• There might be some lifting of heavy equipment.
• You might travel between hospitals or clinics.
• You would work with patients of all ages, including children.

Getting In

• You should look for a position as an NHS employed practitioner trainee in Clinical Physiology, where you would study for the BSc (Hons) degree in Clinical Physiology (SCQF Level 10) at Glasgow Caledonian University. Look out for trainee positions on NHS Scotland Recruitment.
• You should preferably already have a science related degree (SCQF Level 9-10) to enter the trainee programme. However, to get on the training pogramme, you need 3-4 Highers at BBC or BCCC.
• Experience in a healthcare setting would be an advantage.
• Both trainee and qualified posts are advertised in local press and the NHS jobs websites.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

What Does it Take?

You should be:

• interested in anatomy and physiology
• good at maths and human biology
• accurate and precise
• good at analysing information
• responsible and decisive
• a good team worker
• able to deal with difficult or distressing situations
• able to concentrate for long periods of time.

You should have:

• good hand-to-eye co-ordination
• good manual dexterity
• practical skills for using technical equipment
• good communication skills
• excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• a sympathetic approach for working with patients of all ages.

Training

• The degree programme involves block release while employed as a practitioner-level trainee with the NHS. This is usually 2 days a week (term time) academic contact and the rest of the time in post.
• The programme lasts 4 years.
• Trainees can join the Association of Neurophysiological Scientists (ANS) as student members and upgrade membership when they graduate.
• You can also register with the Academy for Healthcare Science.

Getting On

• Qualified neurophysiologists can move on to supervisory or managerial posts.
• You can study a postgraduate qualification, after which you might move into research or a more senior post.
• You may specialise in certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
• You would be expected to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up to date with the latest developments and technology.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.