Clinical engineer
Design and develop medical technology to diagnose and treat patients. You'll help people live healthier, more independent lives.
Also known as: bio-engineer, biomedical engineer
About the job
What it's like
In this career, you'll create and look after innovative medical technology and devices. You'll think big, work with cutting-edge tech and get hands-on to test, maintain and improve equipment. It combines a wide range of expertise: science, technology, design and engineering.
Your work will change patients' lives. You could work on improving imaging devices so doctors can diagnose conditions earlier. Or you might design wheelchairs or artificial limbs for disabled patients, helping them live more independently.
You'll work in the healthcare industry. That could be for the NHS in healthcare facilities, digital teams or research teams. You could also work for medical technology companies, universities, private healthcare facilities or charities.
There are four areas you can specialise in as a clinical engineer.
1. Clinical measurement. You'll provide specialist physiological tests to help diagnose a wide range of conditions. For example, to check heart, lung, kidney or eye function.
2. Medical equipment management. You'll make sure equipment used to deliver healthcare services is working properly and safe to use.
3. Engineering design and development. You'll create bespoke mechanical, electronic or software medical devices. For example, wearable tech that monitors vital signs or 3D printed anatomical moulds.
4. Rehabilitation engineering. You'll manufacture or adapt assistive technology to meet a person’s needs. This includes wheelchairs, artificial limbs and robotic aids.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
NHS Scotland Careers – how to become a clinical engineer
Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine – careers information for clinical engineering
Institution of Engineering and Technologies – support and information about engineering careers
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES) – routes into engineering
Engineering Council UK – learn about engineering qualifications
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Clinical engineer'
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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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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)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
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.
To work with NHS Scotland as a clinical engineer, you'll need to get an honours degree in a relevant engineering subject.
You can then apply for their training scheme. That involves gaining a postgraduate qualification and learning about specialisms over three years.
If you work outwith the NHS, you'll likely still need a degree. Explore some of the routes you could take to get into this career.
University
To apply for the NHS Scotland trainee scheme, you'll need an honours degree in either:
Electronic Engineering
Engineering Systems
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Software Engineering
Other degrees that might be useful for this career include:
Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Medical Physics
Physics
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job, such as a clinical engineering technologist. You could also progress to more advanced study.
Useful subjects include:
Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Computing: Software Development
Electronic Engineering
Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find college courses.
Scottish Widening Access Programme (SWAP)
If you're an adult looking to get back into education, consider the Scottish Widening Access Programme (SWAP). It offers routes to university by learning at college first.
If you don't have a degree and have been out of education for at least three years, you could be eligible. You can read more about eligibility on the SWAP website.
See what's available using our course search.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
Explore relevant MAs on Apprenticeships.scot, such as:
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but will also go to uni. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
Explore relevant GAs on Apprenticeships.scot, such as:
Volunteering in a relevant role can help when applying for jobs or courses. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Doing a work placement through the NHS can provide valuable healthcare experience that'll help you apply for college, university or a job.
To work in the NHS as a clinical engineer, you need to get into their training programme after getting your degree. This is the Scottish Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Training Scheme.
You’ll complete a master’s degree in your first year. In the second year, you’ll work in different clinical engineering specialisms. In your final year, you’ll focus on your chosen specialism.
After completing your training, you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
When you're working in the industry, you'll need to complete continuous professional development activities. These help you:
keep your knowledge and skills up to date
maintain your registration with the HCPC
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Clinical engineer'
