Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner (Respiratory)

Job summary

Are you an enthusiastic, motivated individual who would like to work in a supported learning environment and develop skills and knowledge within respiratory physiology? You can complete an Apprenticeship qualification with us to become a qualified Respiratory Physiologist!

You will undertake a training scheme over 3 years in a joint venture between the Somerset Lung Centre and University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE), studying towards an AHCS accredited degree in Healthcare Science (Respiratory and Sleep) alongside a structured on-the job training program.

University fees and education costs will be covered by the Trust via the national Apprenticeship levy. Starting salary is a band 3 and will increase as training progresses.

The apprenticeship delivery is based around one week long block at UWE per term, with the remainder of your time at Musgrove Park Hospital or the Diagnostic Centre both in Taunton. Thanks to UWE's unique collaboration with NHS, you will have access to placement training options and take on valuable work-based learning, supported by the latest equipment and online study resources.

One day per week will be designated for study (tutorials, webinars etc.) including designated time to complete a work based portfolio.

On successful completion, you will have a BSc(Hons) in Healthcare Science (Physiological Sciences), with recognition of their specialist pathway in cardiac physiology, respiratory and sleep physiology, or neurophysiology.

Main duties of the job

The Somerset Lung Centre has a small team of 3 respiratory physiologists supporting the outpatient clinics for 6 consultants and 6 respiratory nurse specialists. The physiology team also perform tests with inpatients by the bedside or within the lab depending on what is required.

We are a busy department, seeing 350-400 patients per month for a wide variety of investigations. Team work and clear communications is key to the job as well as providing good quality technical investigations to help with the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with respiratory conditions.

The busy department offers a range of respiratory investigations including, full pulmonary function testing, sleep diagnostics, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing, and is responsible for delivering home ventilation service (CPAP/NIV).

Your working week will be Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm however some flexibility may be required due to clinical and university placements.

The ability to work as part of a team and to have a flexible approach to work is essential. You should have good IT skills, including use of a range of complex equipment.

You MUST be a UK resident for at least 3 years and meet the University eligibility and qualification criteria. Your qualification certificates will need to be provided as evidence asap.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan - there is truly something for everyone!