How to become a clinical neurophysiology scientist

1. Complete a degree in health or science

The journey to becoming a clinical neurophysiology scientist starts with gaining a degree in health or science. This degree can be a bachelor’s degree in a health or science-related discipline from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.

2. Complete a postgraduate degree in clinical neurophysiology

At the University of Sydney, we offer three postgraduate coursework options in Clinical Neurophysiology for healthcare professionals and graduates with a science background. These are the only postgraduate courses of this kind in Australia.

Our courses include:

• Graduate Certificate in Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)
• Graduate Diploma in Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)
• Master of Science in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)*

Our range of clinical neurophysiology postgraduate coursework degrees have been designed for scientists, trainee scientists and those with appropriate qualifications seeking to work in diagnostic neurophysiology laboratories and clinics.

You will develop a solid understanding of the theoretical principles and practical applications of commonly used techniques in clinical neurophysiology, as well as the knowledge and skills needed to work in a clinical environment.

We also offer three postgraduate coursework programs for clinicians with a medical degree:

• Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)
• Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)
• Master of Medicine (Clinical Neurophysiology)

These courses are designed for practising and trainee anaesthetists and neurologists. If you are interested in becoming an anaesthetist, find out how here.

_{* To enrol in the master’s course, you must have previously completed 12 months of relevant clinical experience.}

3. Learn in a distinctive teaching environment

As teachers, academics, and practicing clinical neurophysiologists, our focus is on producing clinical neurophysiologists who excel in patient care and foster positive interactions within multidisciplinary teams.

You will learn from leading local and international anaesthetists, neurologists and neurophysiology scientists. The course is flexible in structure, as it is delivered largely online with some face-to-face teaching featuring practical experience in simulated diagnostic and perioperative settings.

4. Start your new career

A degree in clinical neurophysiology has the potential to open several career paths, primarily within healthcare and academic research.

Graduates who become clinical neurophysiology scientists typically work in hospitals, specialised neurology clinics and private practice.

There is also the potential to specialise in disorders such as epilepsy by using neurophysiological techniques to diagnose and manage seizures.

If you’re considering going into the research field you may become a clinical research scientist to better understand and treat neurological disorders using neurophysiological methods.

Alternatively, you could work in academia as an academic researcher, where you may teach medical students and residents, conduct research in clinical neurophysiology, and publish findings in scientific journals.