Clinical scientist
Clinical scientists research and develop techniques and equipment to help prevent, diagnose and treat illness.
Also known as: Healthcare scientist
- Starter salary£49,000 a year
- Experienced£65,000 a year
- Typical hours38 to 40 a week
What you'll do
There are 4 main areas of clinical science . Depending on your area you could:
- analyse data from genetic material to trace how diseases develop
- research and test methods to improve diagnoses and treatments
- assess abnormalities in different parts of the body
- study cells or diagnose and analyse blood disorders
- investigate the causes of illness or death
- instruct medical staff on how to use instruments and equipment
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory or at a university.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a clinical scientist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- an NHS training programme for non-graduates
University
You can do a degree to start your training as a clinical scientist.
Subjects include:
- life sciences
- biology or biochemistry
- genetics
- biomedical science
- medical physics
After completing your degree, you can apply for the NHS Scientific Training Programme (STP) . During the 3-year programme, you'll combine employment in the NHS with study for a postgraduate master's degree.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on a higher or degree apprenticeship, such as:
- Healthcare Science Associate Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Healthcare Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Clinical Science Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship
When you finish your apprenticeship, you can apply to join one of the NHS training programmes and continue your training to become a clinical scientist.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Other routes
If you do not have a degree, you could apply to join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) .
During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed in the NHS and study for an accredited university degree in healthcare science.
If you work as a healthcare science associate in the NHS, you may be able to apply for a place on the PTP.
Career path and progression
With experience you could:
- apply for the NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme
- become a consultant clinical scientist or move into healthcare management
- work in research and study for a PhD
- teach in higher education
Career tips
You would be expected to have an understanding of how the NHS values would apply in your work.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Guides for this industry
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