The direct entry route
The direct entry route is open to anyone who meets the entry criteria. As a direct entry applicant you can apply for posts advertised directly by any employer.
As a trainee on the Echocardiography Training Programme, you will complete the full-time 18 month programme and be employed by an NHS Trust. Your fixed term training contract will be salaried at AfC Band 6 per annum and you will also attend University to complete a fully funded, part time Post Graduate Certificate.
The in-service route
The in-service route is only open to existing NHS staff working in a cardiac department, who meet the qualification requirements and have been nominated by their employer. Your employer will apply for a post via the ‘Expressions of Interest’ survey and will be notified by the commissioners if successful. Your employer will need to evidence your suitability for the programme.
If you currently work in the NHS but do not have the in-service arrangements in place, you can apply to the Echocardiography Training Programme via one of the direct entry posts.
Both direct entry and in-service posts are ‘supernumary’ and employers will need to release trainees from other duties in order to complete the programme.