The role of a NHS Respiratory Physiologist is pivotal in ensuring patients with respiratory disorders receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Respiratory Physiologists, sometimes referred to as Clinical Physiologists, specialise in conducting lung function tests, managing ventilatory support, and providing essential data that supports patient care teams in hospitals across the UK. This role not only demands technical proficiency but also requires empathy, precision, and excellent communication skills. Salaries for NHS Respiratory Physiologists typically start from £26,000 to £35,000 for entry-level positions, rising to £45,000 or more for experienced and senior practitioners, reflecting the level of expertise required.
Whether you are a graduate starting your first position, or a seasoned professional aiming for a senior role, crafting a CV that stands out is the first step to securing your dream NHS position. Below, we will guide you through a comprehensive NHS Respiratory Physiologist CV template example, offering tips, advice, and strategies to make your application interview-winning.
Understanding the NHS Respiratory Physiologist Role
Before diving into your CV, it’s crucial to fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of this position. NHS Respiratory Physiologists are typically involved in:
Conducting pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, gas transfer, and lung volume assessments.
Operating ventilatory support equipment and monitoring patients’ respiratory function.
Collaborating closely with respiratory consultants, nurses, and multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
Interpreting test results and compiling accurate clinical reports.
Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards and maintaining calibration of medical devices.
This role is highly technical yet patient-focused, requiring both precision and compassion. Including these responsibilities in your CV ensures your application is aligned with NHS expectations.
Structuring an Interview-Winning NHS Respiratory Physiologist CV
A well-structured CV is your first opportunity to impress NHS recruiters. Here is a step-by-step structure to follow:
1. Contact Information
Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile. Ensure it is clear and professional.
2. Professional Summary / Personal Statement
Start with a concise, engaging paragraph that summarises your experience, skills, and aspirations. For example:
“Dedicated Respiratory Physiologist with over 5 years’ experience in advanced pulmonary diagnostics and patient care within NHS hospital settings. Skilled in spirometry, CPET, and ventilatory management, committed to delivering accurate clinical data to enhance patient outcomes.”
Focus on your unique value, using action-oriented keywords such as ‘diagnostic’, ‘ventilatory support’, and ‘patient-focused’.
3. Key Skills Section
Highlight your technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills. Include:
Pulmonary Function Testing (spirometry, gas transfer, lung volumes)
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
Ventilatory Support Management
Clinical Data Interpretation
Patient Communication & Education
NHS Protocol Compliance
Use bullet points for easy readability, and ensure these skills match the keywords in the job description.
4. Professional Experience
List your roles in reverse chronological order. For each position, include:
Job title, organisation, and dates
Key responsibilities and achievements
Any quantifiable impact (e.g., number of patients managed, improvements in patient outcomes)
Example:
Respiratory Physiologist | University Hospital NHS Trust | Jan 2019 – Present
Conducted over 1,500 pulmonary function tests annually with a 99% accuracy rate.
Assisted in the development of ventilation protocols for critical care patients.
Delivered training sessions for junior physiologists, enhancing team efficiency by 20%.
Focus on results and achievements, not just duties.
5. Education and Qualifications
Include your academic background and professional certifications, particularly:
BSc or MSc in Respiratory Physiology, Clinical Physiology, or related fields
HCPC Registration (Health and Care Professions Council)
Any specialist courses (e.g., CPET certification, advanced ventilatory management)
Graduates should highlight academic achievements, placements, and research projects, while senior candidates should emphasise continuous professional development (CPD) and certifications.
6. Professional Development & Memberships
Include memberships in professional bodies like:
Association for Respiratory Technology & Physiology (ARTP)
British Thoracic Society (BTS)
This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional growth.
7. Optional Sections
Publications & Research Projects
Conferences & Workshops
Volunteer Experience relevant to respiratory care
Tips for Graduates Crafting an NHS Respiratory Physiologist CV
As a recent graduate, your focus should be on relevant clinical placements, internships, and transferable skills. Highlight:
Laboratory skills, including pulmonary testing techniques
Familiarity with electronic health record systems
Communication and teamwork experiences during rotations
Academic projects demonstrating analytical and diagnostic skills
Even without extensive NHS experience, you can create a strong CV by showcasing potential and enthusiasm for the role.
Tips for Middle-Level and Senior Respiratory Physiologists
Experienced professionals should focus on:
Leadership and mentoring roles
Process improvements or innovations you’ve introduced
Complex diagnostic cases you’ve handled
Collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams
Evidence of CPD and advanced training
At this level, your CV should demonstrate impact and authority within your field.
Do’s and Don’ts for an NHS Respiratory Physiologist CV
Do:
Tailor your CV to each job description
Use clear, professional formatting
Include measurable achievements
Highlight NHS-specific skills and compliance knowledge
Keep your personal statement concise and impactful
Don’t:
Include irrelevant personal information
Use vague statements without evidence (e.g., “I am a hard worker”)
Submit a CV with spelling or grammatical errors
Overcomplicate formatting – simplicity wins in NHS applications
Ignore ATS (Applicant Tracking System) keywords from the job posting
Optimising Your CV for Google and NHS Recruiters
To make your CV Google-friendly and recruiter-ready, ensure:
Keywords like “NHS Respiratory Physiologist”, “pulmonary function tests”, “ventilatory support”, “clinical physiologist” appear naturally in your CV
Use action verbs like conducted, managed, implemented, and analysed
Maintain concise bullet points for achievements
Highlight numerical results where possible, as NHS recruiters respond to metrics
Final Thoughts and Advice
Creating an NHS Respiratory Physiologist CV is about more than listing experience – it’s about showcasing your value to patients, teams, and the hospital system. Graduates should emphasise potential, middle-level candidates should demonstrate impact, and senior professionals should highlight leadership. Always ensure your CV is clear, structured, and tailored to the NHS, with a balance of technical expertise and human compassion.
Take Action Now – Make Your CV and LinkedIn Shine
If you want a professional edge and the confidence that your CV will get shortlisted, don’t leave it to chance. I’ve helped hundreds of NHS candidates land interviews and secure roles. Book an appointment today to have your CV and LinkedIn profile professionally optimised. Your dream NHS position is within reach.
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