Career options in Neurophysiology Andrea Beale Senior Clinical Scientist (Neuro) Gloucestershire Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

What is Neurophysiology? A discipline within Healthcare Science Involved with the measurement of nervous system function to aid with the diagnosis/treatment/management of neurological disorders A range of tests are performed on patients of all ages, both inpatient/outpatient. Tests are mainly performed in a dedicated environment but can also be carried out at the patient’s bedside/ITU/SCBU/theatres Tests include EEG, EP, NCS & EMG The department consists of a small team including consultant Neurophysiologists, Clinical scientists, Clinical Physiologists/practitioners, assistants.

Electroencephalography (EEG) EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain Routine recordings take up to 1 hour. Longer recordings are sometimes required (ambulatory EEG/Video Telemetry/sleep studies/sleep deprived) EEGs are mainly used in the investigation of epilepsy/seizures, but may also be used in other conditions such as ; dementia, encephalitis, brain tumours, metabolic disorders.

Evoked Potentials (EPs) There are three main types of EP used to measure the integrity of nerve pathways. These are mainly used in the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis EPs are also used in intra-operative monitoring at some specialist centres.

Nerve conduction studies & Electromyography (NCS/EMG) NCS - Test the function of peripheral nerves mainly in the limbs Involves passing a small electric current across a nerve and recoding the response at another point along the nerve or from a muscle. EMG – Test the function of nerves/muscle and neuromuscular junctions

PTP (Practitioner Training Programme) Undergraduate training scheme (BSc in Healthcare science) There are five themes available to study at PTP level Neurophysiology is part of the Neurosensory sciences theme which also includes Audiology and Ophthalmic & vision science Qualify as a healthcare science practitioner Universities currently offering the PTP for Neurophysiology are Manchester Metropolitan University and Middlesex University Entry requirements 260-280 UCAS points (BCC/BBC) Useful links: http://www.nshcs.org.uk/nhs-practitioner-training-programme http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/education-and-training/nhs-practitioner-training-programme-(ptp)/ http://www.mdx.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/healthcare-science-neurophysiology http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2016/12842/

STP (Scientist Training Programme) Post graduate training scheme (MSc in Healthcare science) – leading to a more senior scientist role (NHS funded) There are ten themes available to study at STP level Neurophysiology is part of Neurosensory Sciences Qualify as a Healthcare scientist (Neurophysiology) Universities currently offering the STP for Neurophysiology are Aston University and University of Manchester (MAHSE) Direct or In-Service entry (requires a 1st or 2:1 in a relevant pure/applied science) Useful links: http://www.nshcs.org.uk/nhs-scientist-training-programme http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/healthcare-science/education-and-training/nhs-scientist-training-programme-(stp)/ http://www.aston.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught-programmes/school/life-health-sciences/msc-clinical-science-neurosensory-sciences/

HSST (Higher Specialist Scientific Training) A five year work based and doctoral level training scheme Qualify as a consultant clinical scientist Entry requirement – working as a clinical scientist with funding provided by NHS These programmes are currently under development

Benefits of working in Neurophysiology Opportunities for continuing progression and development in an expanding field Skills acquired; communication, technical, clinical, interpretation, team work, academic & practical, leadership Flexible working arrangements in many centres A rewarding career with a diverse range of work: Wide range of clinical skills Research/development Elderly, Adult, Paediatric, Neonatal Work as part of MDT Outpatient/Inpatient services/theatres

Thank you for your interest Questions?