Clinical engineer
Create medical technology to help injured and disabled people enjoy better health and greater independence.
Also known as: biomedical engineer, bio-engineer
About the job
What it's like
You’d design the amazing technology and medical implants which help injured or disabled people enjoy better health and greater independence. You might even work on creating technology to research disease!
You could work on the equipment used for keyhole surgery, design wheelchairs or create artificial limbs for people with disabilities.
You’d test equipment like:
walking aids
wheelchairs
speech synthesizers
As a clinical engineer, you can specialise in one of four areas:
clinical measurement
medical equipment management
engineering design and development
rehabilitation engineering
Clinical measurement
In clinical measurement, you’ll help to provide specialist diagnostic tests in clinical areas such as urology, ophthalmology, and cardiology.
Some typical tasks include:
carrying out diagnostic tests
monitoring and assessing the effects of treatment interventions
reporting findings back to the patient’s care team
implementing quality control procedures and and
making sure all work is carried out in line with national guidelines and relevant legislation
Medical equipment management
In medical equipment management, you’ll maintain equipment used to deliver healthcare services to make sure it’ is working properly and safe to use.
Some typical tasks include:
calibrating and maintaining medical equipment, including scanners, imaging machines, and monitoring systems
commissioning and acceptance testing of new equipment
advising patients and healthcare professionals on the correct use of equipment
Engineering design and development
Engineering design and development teams create bespoke medical devices to meet the needs of a range of clinical services. These teams have a range of expertise, which includes mechanical, electronic, and software devices.
Some examples include:
wearable electronic devices to monitor vital signs
3D printed moulds to help with patient positioning
web or mobile applications that perform calculations on clinical data
applications to present data to help with clinical decision making
Some typical tasks include:
extensive background research to understand the clinical problem the device is trying to solve, the users of the device, and the environment in which the device will be used
iterative design and development, including prototyping and evaluating different technologies and approaches to solving the clinical problem
comprehensive risk management to ensure the devices produced are safe, effective and meet the legal requirements for a medical device
Rehabilitation engineering
In rehabilitation engineering, you’ll manufacture or adapt assistive technology, including wheelchairs, artificial limbs and robotic aids to meet a person’s needs.
Some typical tasks include:
designing custom seating or headrests for posture support, so a patient can sit unaided in their wheelchair
assessment, specification and commissioning of specialist mobility controls for powered wheelchair users
developing artificial limbs or joints to help people regain control over their movement and improve their mobility
It'd be very important to keep up to date with scientific, engineering and medical research.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- developing a plan
- social conscience
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- designing
- creative
- written communication
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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Design and Technology
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Engineering Science
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Human Biology
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You’ll need an undergraduate honours degree (SCQF level 10) in one of the follow subjects:
Electronic Engineering
Engineering Systems
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Software Engineering
For entry to a degree (SCQF level 10) you need National 5 qualifications and four to five Highers. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting.
You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.
If you have a degree in a suitable engineering, healthcare or life sciences subject, you could take a specialist postgraduate course in bioengineering (SCQF level 11).
Your degree should be accredited by an engineering institute, such as the Institution of Engineering and Technologies (IET) or the Engineering Council.
Some universities offer an integrated masters (SCQF level 11) combining a degree and masters courses. Entry is the same as for a degree.
Clinical engineers working in the NHS must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
As a clinical scientist in clinical engineering, you’re expected to undertake continuous professional development activities. These help you:
keep your knowledge and skills up to date
maintain your registration with the HCPC
Qualifications and experience that demonstrates an understanding of engineering and health. This could be gained through:
Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 4/5)
Foundation Apprenticeship Engineering (SCQF level 6)
Skills for Work Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5)
Foundation Apprenticeship Scientific Technologies (laboratory skills) (SCQF level 6)
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