Job summary
We are looking to recruit an Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) to join our friendly team at Dorset County Hospital.
We are offering a fully funded BSc (Hons) degree level apprenticeship in Healthcare Science, starting in September 2025, whilst being paid an apprenticeship salary. The Degree Course requires attendance at UWE Bristol (e.g. 3 separate block weeks per year, over 3 years) as well as 1 day per week online learning and support. You will join the Respiratory and Sleep physiology team at Dorset County Hospital and begin to develop the necessary skills and knowledge, as well as supporting the overall functioning of the department.
The work involves a high level of patient contact, performing a variety of diagnostic investigations on the respiratory system. Investigations include measurements of lung capacity, gas exchange and airway patency, exercise tests, challenge tests, sleep studies and assessments for air travel. These investigations have particular relevance to patients with many different types of chest disease, with sleep-disordered breathing and patients awaiting surgery.
Applicants should have:
GCSE Grade C or above in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science and
A-level Grade C or above in Biology or Chemistry, and a pass in another science subject.
Equivalent qualifications or professional experience may also be accepted.
Main duties of the job
To train to provide a comprehensive Clinical Respiratory Diagnostic Service and Sleep Diagnostic Service
Assist in the provision of more complex aspects of the Clinical Respiratory and Sleep Diagnostic Services
Undertake the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Degree Apprenticeship (provided by UWE, Bristol) and the ARTP Practitioner Examination.
On successful completion of training the post-holder will be eligible for registration as a Clinical Physiologist.
About us
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as part of the multi-disciplinary respiratory medicine team to provide a comprehensive and efficient service of the highest quality.
The Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner will train to perform routine Respiratory & Sleep investigations, presenting and checking results, and writing reports.
- The post holder will also assist senior colleagues in more advanced/complex procedures
Diagnostic Testing
- To perform a range of routine respiratory investigations and interpret as necessary
- (including Spirometry, Full PFTs, Walk Tests, Plethysmography, FENO, Methacholine Challenge & Overnight Oximetry).
- To assist with other non-routine tests (e.g. Exercise, Sleep Studies, etc).
- To assist in running the physiologist-led sleep service and ILD clinics.
- To produce technically accurate results in accordance with local and national guidelines, adhering to safety and infection control policies.
- Be competent in manipulating lung function and general computer software to ensure accurate results and clear reports.
- Administrative duties, including stock control and managing inpatient and outpatient appointments. (Allocating resources, including staff, to ensure efficient use.)
- Be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance, calibration and infection control of all lung function equipment.
Professional
- Maintain a high standard of clinical practice including CPD and achieve the standards required for registration at the end of training.
- To recognise the limits of your abilities and therefore be able to ask questions of your line managers.
- To be reliable, punctual and flexible at all times and maintain a smart appearance.
- To participate in departmental audit and research projects including publication at national level.
Teaching & Training
- Undertake the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Degree Apprenticeship (requires attendance at UWE, Bristol).
- To provide education and training on respiratory diagnostic procedures to other healthcare professionals when deemed competent (in particular supporting the delivery of spirometry testing in outpatient departments and primary care locations).
- To attend and present at departmental educational meetings.
Departmental
- To contribute to service development including regular department meetings.
- Develop and review departmental protocols and guidelines in accordance with published evidence and best practice.
- To assist with the daily administrative duties and maintenance of departmental records.
- Inputting data and generating reports from the various departmental databases.
- Appropriate use of hospital information systems including timely uploading of test results.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work as part of the multi-disciplinary respiratory medicine team to provide a comprehensive and efficient service of the highest quality.
The Apprentice Healthcare Science Practitioner will train to perform routine Respiratory & Sleep investigations, presenting and checking results, and writing reports.
- The post holder will also assist senior colleagues in more advanced/complex procedures
Diagnostic Testing
- To perform a range of routine respiratory investigations and interpret as necessary
- (including Spirometry, Full PFTs, Walk Tests, Plethysmography, FENO, Methacholine Challenge & Overnight Oximetry).
- To assist with other non-routine tests (e.g. Exercise, Sleep Studies, etc).
- To assist in running the physiologist-led sleep service and ILD clinics.
- To produce technically accurate results in accordance with local and national guidelines, adhering to safety and infection control policies.
- Be competent in manipulating lung function and general computer software to ensure accurate results and clear reports.
- Administrative duties, including stock control and managing inpatient and outpatient appointments. (Allocating resources, including staff, to ensure efficient use.)
- Be responsible for the maintenance, quality assurance, calibration and infection control of all lung function equipment.
Professional
- Maintain a high standard of clinical practice including CPD and achieve the standards required for registration at the end of training.
- To recognise the limits of your abilities and therefore be able to ask questions of your line managers.
- To be reliable, punctual and flexible at all times and maintain a smart appearance.
- To participate in departmental audit and research projects including publication at national level.
Teaching & Training
- Undertake the Healthcare Science Practitioner (Physiological Sciences) Degree Apprenticeship (requires attendance at UWE, Bristol).
- To provide education and training on respiratory diagnostic procedures to other healthcare professionals when deemed competent (in particular supporting the delivery of spirometry testing in outpatient departments and primary care locations).
- To attend and present at departmental educational meetings.
Departmental
- To contribute to service development including regular department meetings.
- Develop and review departmental protocols and guidelines in accordance with published evidence and best practice.
- To assist with the daily administrative duties and maintenance of departmental records.
- Inputting data and generating reports from the various departmental databases.
- Appropriate use of hospital information systems including timely uploading of test results.
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- GCSE Grade C or above in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science
- A-level Grade C or above in Biology or Chemistry, and a pass in another science subject (or equivalent)
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Ability to work both alone and in a team
- Able to demonstrate academic commitment
Desirable
- Previous work experience NHS or working with public/ patients
- Working within a multi-disciplinary environment
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Commitment to undertake degree course
- Able to travel to/from, or stay in, Bristol during university blocks
Desirable
- Understand patient confidentiality and treating patients with respect and sensitivity
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Well organised; able to prioritise workload and deliver work within set time limits
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and appearance
- A general understanding of Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology
Person Specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential
- GCSE Grade C or above in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science
- A-level Grade C or above in Biology or Chemistry, and a pass in another science subject (or equivalent)
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Ability to work both alone and in a team
- Able to demonstrate academic commitment
Desirable
- Previous work experience NHS or working with public/ patients
- Working within a multi-disciplinary environment
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential
- Commitment to undertake degree course
- Able to travel to/from, or stay in, Bristol during university blocks
Desirable
- Understand patient confidentiality and treating patients with respect and sensitivity
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Well organised; able to prioritise workload and deliver work within set time limits
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and appearance
- A general understanding of Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
