Cardiac Physiologist
Perform ECGs, echocardiograms, cardiac monitoring, and device checks to help diagnose and manage heart conditions — an AHCS-registered Healthcare Science role at the core of cardiology services.
Low
High
3 years via BSc Cardiac Physiology; Healthcare Science degree apprenticeship (4–5 years, earn while you train) available in some NHS trusts
BSc Cardiac Physiology (3 years) or Healthcare Science (Cardiac Science) degree apprenticeship; AHCS registration as Clinical Physiologist (Cardiac Science) is expected by NHS employers. The BSc-level degree apprenticeship is the growing entry route in many NHS trusts.
possible
What you do
Cardiac physiologists (registered with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) as Clinical Physiologists in Cardiac Science) investigate and monitor the electrical and mechanical function of the heart. Core techniques include 12-lead ECG recording and interpretation, resting and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Holter (24–48 hour ECG) monitoring, exercise tolerance testing, and cardiac device checks (pacemakers, implantable loop recorders, defibrillators). Experienced cardiac physiologists perform transthoracic echocardiography, measuring cardiac dimensions and function using ultrasound, and may be trained in more advanced imaging including stress echo and transoesophageal echocardiography. You work in cardiac investigation units, inpatient cardiology wards, outpatient clinics, and cardiac catheterisation laboratories. Reporting of echocardiograms and other investigations is an extended role available to senior practitioners.
Why this career is resilient
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality and hospitalisation in the UK, creating a high and sustained demand for cardiac diagnostic services. The NHS Long Term Plan prioritised cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, committing to expanding diagnostic capacity. Echocardiography is a complex skilled technique requiring extensive supervised training to perform safely; it cannot be outsourced or automated. The Healthcare Science workforce in cardiac science is consistently flagged as a shortage area by NHS England. AHCS registration and the structured career pathway within Healthcare Science create strong workforce barriers.
A typical day
Morning in an NHS cardiac investigation unit: perform and report three 12-lead ECGs, download and analyse two Holter monitors for ambulatory arrhythmia review, and set up a patient with a 7-day cardiac event recorder following palpitation episodes. Afternoon: a clinic of six echocardiograms, including one complex patient with known aortic stenosis for serial assessment, followed by device clinic checks on three pacemaker patients.
Routes in
Full-time college course
Study full-time at a further education college, usually for 1–2 years. You will need to fund yourself or apply for a student loan (available for Level 4+ courses).
Apprenticeship
Earn while you learn: work with an employer and study part-time, leading to a nationally recognised qualification. Typically funded by the government and your employer.
Pay and costs
Earning potential: NHS trainee/newly qualified: Band 5 (£29,970–£36,483). Experienced cardiac physiologist: Band 6 (£37,338–£44,962). Senior/specialist/echocardiographer: Band 7 (£46,148–£52,809). Private sector roles broadly comparable; independent echocardiography reporting can attract premium rates.
Training costs: BSc Cardiac Physiology: standard university tuition fees; student loans available. NHS Learning Support Fund may apply — check eligibility for Healthcare Science programmes. Healthcare Science apprenticeship: fully employer-funded with no tuition fees. AHCS registration fee on qualification — check AHCS website for current fee.