Healthcare Science Week: Starting out in respiratory science

Finding a future in healthcare science

This year, we are sharing the journeys of 2 of our respiratory scientists. Laura and Carly both entered healthcare science from different academic backgrounds. However, they've found the exact same rewarding career path through our practitioner training scheme.

Laura's career journey

Laura started with a degree in sport and exercise science. She discovered healthcare science right at the end of her university journey. Originally planning to do a master's degree, she successfully applied for a trainee respiratory scientist role instead.

Laura secured her spot in respiratory science despite having no previous clinical experience. Laura describes her role as a perfect blend of STEM thinking paired with lots of patient interaction. She spends lots of time with patients, building rapport and learning from their experiences.

Her work spans respiratory care and other clinical specialities too. These include cardiology, neuroscience, immunology, and transplant medicine.

Laura told us: “When I studied sport science, I didn't realise how well those skills would fit into a hospital setting. I'm so glad I get to use my scientific knowledge every day. It's so rewarding to spend time chatting with my patients and putting them at ease.”

During the respiratory science training programme, Laura passed the Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology (ARTP) practitioner qualification. She also completed the Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) equivalence route and is now a qualified respiratory scientist.

Carly's story

Carly came to us from a background in pharmacology. She knew she wanted to work in a hospital, but hadn't quite found a clear direction. After working as an insulin pump coordinator, she discovered the supported training route into respiratory science.

Carly said, "Coming from pharmacology, I knew I wanted to help patients, but I wasn't sure exactly how. This training route gave me the perfect chance to build my clinical skills. I've found it so rewarding to get to know people during their respiratory tests."

She immediately saw the chance to apply her scientific knowledge while developing her clinical expertise. Carly began her accelerated 2-year training back in 2022. She now works closely with patients undergoing a wide range of important respiratory tests.

These tests range from spirometry and gas transfer to much more advanced assessments. Senior staff perform complex procedures like cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) and mannitol challenges, and Carly loves learning from them. 

Carly really enjoys the long, meaningful patient interactions her role brings every day. This includes hearing their stories and helping them achieve the very best results they can. Looking ahead, she hopes to expand into specialised testing and clinical research.

The Practitioner Training Programme

Both trainees highlight the massive strengths of our practitioner training scheme.

• Learn while you earn—It's a structured programme combining academic learning with hands-on clinical experience.
• Career progression routes—You'll get access to ARTP practitioner exams, PTP equivalence, and pathways to advanced 
• A strong trainee community—We offer national events, networking opportunities, and a shared celebration of your achievements.

Their experiences reflect a highly supportive and dynamic learning environment. It empowers our trainees to develop confidence, competence, and a strong professional identity.

Find out more about the practitioner training programme equivalence routes and support.