Discover the rewarding career of a clinical physiologist, working with patients to improve their quality of life through diagnostic tests, innovative therapies and specialised care.
On this three-year degree, which is the only London course offering training in both cardiac and respiratorysleep physiology, students will build a strong foundation in human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and pathophysiology. Over the course of the degree students will spend 50 weeks on placement gaining hands-on experience. Students should be prepared to travel across Greater London and surrounding areas for placements.
In Year 1, students gain a foundational understanding of physiological sciences, with a focus on clinically relevant information. The programme is designed to prepare students for clinical practice, undertaking clinical training at various sites, including cardiology and respiratorysleep departments. By the end of the year, you will select your specialty.
During placements, students will perform routine cardiac and respiratory procedures like ECGs, blood pressure measurement, spirometry, and pulse oximetry under supervision.
Year 2 focuses on students' chosen specialism, to deepen knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, heart attacks, heart failure and sleep apnoea. Students undertake specialised placement experience and practice more advanced procedures, such as measuring gas exchange, lung volume, and sleep studies (respiratorysleep), or ambulatory ECG and blood pressure monitoring, and assisting with cardiac exercise tests (cardiology).
In Year 3, students will focus on applying skills to prepare for professional practice. On clinical placements students will be performing advanced procedures like cardiac catheterisation, device implants, and CPAP therapy for sleep apnoea. Dissertation will involve clinical audit or research, with opportunities for data collection and analysis.
Upon graduation, students will be eligible to register with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) and apply for NHS clinical physiologist roles.
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