Apprentice cardiac physiologist Review

I do ECGs in inpatient and outpatient settings. I also fit 24 hour holter monitors and 24 hour blood pressure monitors. Additionally I analyse 24 hour holter monitor. I am also training to assist in cardiac cath lab procedures, conduct exercise stress tests, and tilt tests. I also carry out general duties in the department like cleaning and helping patients.

I have learnt how to read and analyse ECGs from having absolutely no knowledge when I started the jobs. this also allowed me to learn how to analyse holter monitors. Additionally I have learned how to take automatic and manual blood pressure measurements. I have also hugely developed my communication skills with patients and coworkers.

I really enjoy my apprenticeship. There can be a bit of uni work at times which is somethings difficult to manage but my employer gives me lots of study time do that I don’t have to do too much work outside of my normal working hours. I would recommend this apprenticeship.

At work my programme is really well organised. I get the experiences and exposure to new tests when I need it and I receive appropriate and detailed workplace training. At uni my course is generally well organised and changes are usually communicated well however sometimes there is a lack of communication from the uni.

I receive lots of support from my employer. I receive plenty of study time so I can do my uni work without having to do it outside of my normal working hours. I also receive exposure to all the tests I need, and detailed workplace training in lots of areas.

Sometimes the training from uni feels irrelevant to my actually job. Most of the relevant teaching is delivered at work.

Yes

The team I work with is brilliant and very supportive. Everyone cares about their job and about the patients.

Do your research into what the job involves.