How to become a Critical Care Technologist – Key Basics

ABOUT THE ROLE

Critical Care Technologists (CCTS) are multi skilled and adaptable with wide-ranging functions, evolving with changes in technology, patient therapy and service needs, all of which they actively participate in. Using sophisticated and relevant equipment for the maximum benefit of each patient, CCTs are an integral part of the multi disciplinary team delivering care to critically ill patients. The key component of their work is that it allows the medical and nursing staff to focus their own components of patient care, and not upon the technology. Routine daily functions of the role may include:

Physiological monitoring and patient support
Responding quickly to changing patient needs
Usage of diagnostic techniques to assess patient needs
Ensuring consistent support for patients who are transferred between hospitals
Training medical & nursing staff with new technologies

EMPLOYABILITY

Critical care technologists (CCTs) need to be interested in electronics although there’s a lot of interaction with patients too, some of whom will be critically ill. Technologists need to be able to work well under pressure and concentrate for long periods. They need to be confident speaking in front of people and demonstrating things. Other important key attributes include

An understanding of human physiology and how technology supports human functions when they are damaged or compromised is essential.
A thorough understanding of clinical conditions and procedures
As the role is multifunctional, a CCT needs the ability to prioritise the various demands
Patience as the job can involve standing or sitting for long periods

CAREER ENTRY

Strictly speaking there are no formal entry requirements, though most hospitals would expect a good basic secondary education and a mature approach to work. Four or more GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) may be required, if you want to qualify for more advanced work later on. However, most critical care technologists will enter with higher qualifications, such as

A levels, especially science subjects; Scottish Highers; Vocational A levels / GSVQ Level III; BTEC national diploma in electronics; A degree in engineering or life science subject.

In the near future, the degree in clinical physiology with specialisms in critical care technology will be the preferred route of entry and qualification will include Health Professions Council registration as mandatory.

EMPLOYERS AND SALARIES

The majority of the approximately 300 NHS Critical Care Technologists work in Accident and Emergency (A&E) Departments in larger hospitals. A few work in private hospitals.