Clinical scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.

University

You'll need a first or upper second class honours (2:

• 1) degree in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in. For example

Practitioner Training Programme

Alternatively, you could apply for the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) to get a degree in healthcare science.

Scientific Training Programme

Once you have your degree, you could apply for the NHS Scientific Training Programme (STP) . This programme will train you to become a qualified clinical scientist with a master’s degree.

There are 2 different ways to apply for the Scientific Training Programme depending on your current circumstances.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to start by doing a higher or degree apprenticeship.

You could do a:

• healthcare science associate higher apprenticeship
• healthcare practitioner degree apprenticeship
• clinical science degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• knowledge of biology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• science skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• complex problem-solving skills
• maths knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to read English
• analytical thinking skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Clinical scientists research and develop techniques and equipment to help prevent, diagnose and treat illness.

There are 4 main areas of clinical science. You could work in clinical bioinformatics , life sciences , physical sciences and biomedical engineering or physiological sciences .

Depending on your area you could:

• research, develop and test methods of diagnosing and treatment
• collect and analyse complex data to help develop treatments
• assess different parts of the body to diagnose abnormalities
• advise medical staff of how to use products and equipment
• investigate the causes of illness or death
• study cells or diagnose and analyse blood disorders

Location : You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory or at a university.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £68,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• go on to study for a PhD
• apply for the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme (HSST)
• become a consultant or move into management
• become a higher education lecturer