Interested in a Career in Clinical Measurement Physiology?
Clinical Measurement Physiology (CMP) is a healthcare science profession specialising in the investigation, measurement and assessment of physiological functions within the human body.
Clinical Measurement Physiologists work as part of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, carrying out specialised diagnostic investigations and therapies that support the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of patients.
If you are considering a career in Clinical Measurement Physiology, are exploring education and training options, or are already working in healthcare and would like to learn more about the profession, the information below will help direct you to the appropriate resources.
What is a Clinical Measurement Physiologist?
Clinical Measurement Physiologists are healthcare science professionals who perform and interpret a range of specialised physiological measurements and diagnostic investigations and therapies.
They work closely with patients and other healthcare professionals and play an important role in providing accurate physiological information to support clinical decision-making and patient care.
Clinical Measurement Physiologists work across a number of specialist professions within hospitals and other healthcare settings.
Areas of Clinical Measurement Physiology
Clinical Measurement Physiology encompasses a number of specialist disciplines:
Cardiac Physiology
Cardiac Physiologists specialise in investigations relating to the heart and cardiovascular system. Their work may include electrocardiography (ECG), cardiac monitoring, echocardiography, exercise testing and cardiac rhythm management.
Gastrointestinal Physiology
Gastrointestinal Physiologists carry out specialised investigations to assess the function of the gastrointestinal system . These investigations can support the diagnosis and management of a range of gastrointestinal conditions.
Neurophysiology
Neurophysiologists specialise in investigating the function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Investigations may include electroencephalography (EEG), nerve conduction studies and other specialist neurophysiological tests.
Respiratory Physiology
Respiratory Physiologists assess how the lungs and respiratory system are functioning. They perform a range of investigations, including pulmonary function testing and other specialised respiratory assessments.
Vascular Physiology
Vascular Physiologists specialise in the assessment of blood flow and circulation. They use non-invasive diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound, to investigate arteries and veins and assist in the diagnosis and management of vascular conditions.
Further information may be found at our About page
How Do I Become a Clinical Measurement Physiologist?
Entry to practice as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist in Ireland is via a third level QQI level 8+ course since 2005. Courses exist at both under graduate level and at accelerated graduate entry level allowing several routes of entry for those interested in a career in Clinical Measurement Physiology.
If you are considering studying Clinical Measurement Physiology, we recommend reviewing programmes that are approved by the IICMP: Approved Qualifications
Programme providers can provide further information regarding course entry requirements, applications, programme content and available places.
Who are the IICMP?
The Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology is the sole representative professional body for Clinical Measurement Physiologists working within Ireland. The Institute was founded in 2004 with the goal of strengthening the profession and supporting growth in all areas of educational, clinical and professional development and conduct while also continuing to lobby for state regulation as a matter of utmost priority.
Part of these duties include setting the entry to practice professional standards that practitioners should meet and developments in recent years include the creation and publication of defined entry to practice threshold standards Link and a code of conduct and ethics link for those currently working within the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need to become a Clinical Measurement Physiologist?
Entry to practice as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist in Ireland is via a third level QQI level 8+ course since 2005. Courses currently approved for entry to practice can be found at Approved Qualifications. If your course is not listed here or the qualification was obtained internationally, you may be able to apply through the IICMP accreditation and recognition of qualification pathway IICMP Accreditation and Recognition of Qualifications for accreditation of your qualification.
We recommend reviewing IICMP-approved programmes and contacting the relevant education provider for information on programme-specific entry requirements.
Which Clinical Measurement Physiology programme should I choose?
The IICMP recommends that prospective students review programmes that are approved by the IICMP: Approved Qualifications
Before applying, you should also review the programme’s entry requirements, course content and clinical training arrangements directly with the education provider.
I already have a degree. Do I need to complete another full degree?
This will depend on your existing qualification and the area of Clinical Measurement Physiology you wish to pursue.
Existing qualifications do not automatically provide eligibility to practise as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist. Additional education, training or clinical experience may be required depending on the individual pathway. Graduates entry pathways are available to holders of a cognate discipline degree. Individual course entry requirements should be clarified directly with the education provider.
I already have a degree or healthcare qualification, what are my options?
Graduate entry courses which offer an accelerated pathway to qualification as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist are available to applicants who hold a primary degree in a cognate areas. Each HEI has individual entry requirements for their programmes and we recommend contacting them directly to discuss these.
I qualified outside Ireland. What should I do?
If you hold a relevant qualification obtained outside Ireland and are seeking recognition of your qualification, please refer to the IICMP’s Accreditation and Recognition of Qualifications information: IICMP Accreditation and Recognition of Qualifications
The information provided there explains the relevant process and documentation requirements.
What area of Clinical Measurement Physiology is right for me?
Each profession focuses on a different area of human physiology and involves different types of diagnostic investigations and patient care.
We recommend reading about Cardiac, Gastrointestinal, Neurophysiology, Respiratory and Vascular Physiology and considering which area best aligns with your interests and career goals.
Where do Clinical Measurement Physiologists work?
Clinical Measurement Physiologists work primarily within healthcare settings, with the majority of CMPs being employed in acute hospital settings, including both public and private hospitals and specialist clinical services such as community health hubs. Other career opportunities exist in fields such as working with medical device companies and in academia.
Can the IICMP tell me if I am eligible for a particular university programme?
Entry requirements are determined by the individual education provider. If you are interested in a particular programme, you should contact the education provider directly regarding admission requirements.
The IICMP can provide information on programmes approved by the Institute and direct you to relevant professional information and resources.
I am in transition year and would like to arrange work experience, can the IICMP help with this?
Unfortunately, the IICMP cannot arrange work experience or hospital placements as each hospital has its own policies regarding these for GDPR and patient safety purposes. Some hospitals offer TY talks or healthcare taster workshops and your career guidance counsellor may be able to arrange this locally.
My preferred Clinical Measurement Physiology course is not currently IICMP accredited, what do I do?
HEIs are required to undergo a programme approval process with the IICMP to obtain or renew IICMP programme approval for each individual course type offered i.e. Bsc., Msc. or PG Cert. We encourage HEIs to enter this process so that students are automatically eligible to take up full IICMP membership upon graduating.
If a HEI or specific course is currently not listed on the IICMP approved qualification list it is possible to apply for IICMP accreditation and recognition of qualification as an individual applicant through the accreditation and recognition pathway. This pathway assesses all relevant clinical measurement qualifications obtained outside of the approved list against the published entry to practice standards.
We also encourage contacting the HEI or your head of course directly to determine if they have entered into the IICMP programme approval process. Further information on this process for HEIs may be found at our programme approval and monitoring page link
How do I become an accredited member of the IICMP?
Accredited membership is available to eligible applicants upon presentation of the following:
- A qualification from the approved qualifications list available here
or
- An IICMP letter detailing that IICMP approval and recognition of a relevant qualification presented for assessment has been obtained.
If you do not fall into either category, you may apply for IICMP accreditation and recognition of qualification here. Obtaining accreditation and recognition of a qualification will allow joining as an accredited member.
Useful Links and Next Steps
If you are considering a career in Clinical Measurement Physiology, the following resources may help you decide on your next step:
ICMP-Approved Programmes: IICMP-Approved Programmes
Accreditation and Recognition of Qualifications: Accreditation and Recognition of Qualifications
IICMP Membership: IICMP Membership Plans
IICMP Programme Approval & Monitoring: Programme approval and monitoring
Still Have Questions?
If you have reviewed the information above and are unsure which resource or pathway is relevant to your circumstances, please contact the IICMP, using the contact form below.
When contacting us, it is helpful to include details of your existing qualifications, where your qualification was obtained and the area of Clinical Measurement Physiology you are interested in. This will help us direct your enquiry to the appropriate information or team.
