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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

7. 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 UCAS points (BCC/BBC)
Useful links:

8. 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:

9. 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

10. 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

11. Thank you for your interest Questions?