Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Working Life

Clinical Measurement Physiologists  (previously known as Neurophysiology Technicians ) set up and operate electrical equipment to record the electrical activity of the brain and nervous system.  
 
An electroencephalograph (EEG) machine can be used to transfer information from the patient onto a kind of graph. Technicians make factual analyses of data that can then be used to aid the diagnosis of brain disorders such as epilepsy, brain tumours and strokes. 

Under the umbrella of Clinical Measurement Physiologists, there are 5 distinct professions: Cardiac, Gastrointestinal, Neurophysiology, Respiratory and Vascular. 
 
Neurophysiology technicians also test the reactions of patients to specific stimuli such as flashing lights or sounds. This helps in the assessment of hearing and vision, as well as neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis.  
 
In some cases, they assist specialist doctors with tests that look at the way the body's nerves and muscles are working. These tests can help in the diagnosis of diseases such as muscular dystrophies and nerve dysfunction. They may examine patients in a clinical department, intensive care, or even in the operating theatre.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct tests or studies such as electroencephalography (EEG), polysomnography (PSG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), and intraoperative monitoring (IOM).
• Indicate artifacts or interferences derived from sources outside of the brain, such as poor electrode contact or patient movement, on electroneurodiagnostic recordings.
• Explain testing procedures to patients, answering questions or reassuring patients, as needed.
• Monitor patients during tests or surgeries, using electroencephalographs (EEG), evoked potential (EP) instruments, or video recording equipment.
• Attach electrodes to patients, using adhesives.
• Conduct tests to determine cerebral death, the absence of brain activity, or the probability of recovery from a coma.
• Measure patients' body parts and mark locations where electrodes are to be placed.
• Calibrate, troubleshoot, or repair equipment and correct malfunctions, as needed.
• Measure visual, auditory, or somatosensory evoked potentials (EPs) to determine responses to stimuli.
• Summarise technical data to assist physicians to diagnose brain, sleep, or nervous system disorders.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

The main path to qualification as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist in Ireland is through TU868 Clinical Measurement Science at Technological University Dublin, which provides training and practice placements in the area of Clinical Measurement Physiology. You may explore pathway in development towards a career in physiology among other disciplines.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: laboratory assistant, general management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: applied science, physiology and health science, applied laboratory science, laboratory techniques, biomedical, pharmaceutical science, biotechnology, pre-university science, animal anatomy and physiology, sports studies, physiology and massage.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Lab Technician, Lab Analyst.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: clinical measurement science, chemical and biochemical engineering, biological and chemical sciences, science, chemistry, chemical sciences, pharmacology, animal bioscience, applied biology, nutrition, health science, health science and physiology, sports science, exercise physiology.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: cognitive science, management, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, therapeutics structured.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €76k

Salaries vary based on employer (state/ private), location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed

Last Updated: April, 2023

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists; Biological scientists; Biochemists; Physical scientists; Social and humanities scientists; Natural and social science professionals n.e.c.; Conservation professionals; Environment professionals; Research and development managers.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• IICMP Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology

  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here