Cardiographer
Cardiographers are Medical Laboratory Assistants who work in the Cardiac Department of a hospital, operating the electrocardiograph (ECG) machines used to monitor the functioning of the heart. They support the work of Cardiology Physiologists by performing routine recordings of the electrical activity of the heart at rest (electrocardiograms), which constitute a significant proportion of the workload in a Cardiac Department. They also assist their technical colleagues in the attachment of recorders, which record the electrocardiogram for 24 hours and prepare patients for ECG exercise testing.
Entry Requirements
Cardiographers do not usually require formal entry qualifications, but are encouraged to become Enrolled Members of the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) and undertake the Certificate in Electrocardiography Examination.
Training
Trainees are given mostly on-the-job training, starting with general safety instructions and how the job role fits in the day-to-day working of the hospital. Trainees then move on to specialised individual training. Certificates of Competence can be awarded for the safe performance of various duties.
Career Prospects
There is a single grade for all Medical Laboratory Assistants. However, employers may award extra salary scale points for posts that require additional skills and responsibilities.
An MLA post is not a route to qualifying as a Biomedical Scientist. However, should an assistant have the motivation, they will be encouraged to become a trainee biomedical scientist.
How to apply
Click here to view current NHS Scotland vacancies for Medical Laboratory Assistants.
Vacancies are also advertised in local and national press.
Further Information
For more information on careers in Cardiography, please contact the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology
