Whilst some scientist roles within the NHS are strictly post-graduate entry only, healthcare scientists have several career entry points, some even without many formal qualifications. And more new routes to career entry are being developed as a result of the NHS Modernising Scientific Careers programme.
Assistant Entry
Starting work as a healthcare science assistant or healthcare science associate allows you to combine ‘on the job’ training with study, so avoiding student debts. With just a few good GCSEs or NVQ equivalents and/or previous work experience you will be eligible for a range of assistant jobs. This work may be in hospital wards, outpatient departments with clinical staff and equipment or laboratories.
Importantly, whilst your training may involve attending day release or short residential courses, you will still receive a salary. A training programme can last from between a few months to two years, and you could eventually go on to join a degree course.
Cadet Schemes
A cadet schemes is a two-year training programme that will give you experience of the many roles within healthcare science in order to help you decide which specialty you like best. You will receive a salary whilst learning and receive the support you need to gain the minimum qualifications required in your chosen area.
Undergraduate Entry
If you have passed A Levels, or equivalent Level 3 qualifications you may apply for a trainee position in a healthcare science role. However, as the new accredited 3-year full-time BSc Healthcare Science degrees become established for entry through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP), places will diminish. This degree combines academic study with practical experience in the NHS, though the hospital work is unpaid unfortunately.
Graduate entry
Opportunities in healthcare science are open to graduates from many science disciplines. If you have received a first or upper second degree in a relevant science subject, then you are eligible to apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) – a salaried 3-year programme of in depth training in a specialist area to work at the forefront of research and knowledge. The STP includes practical experience and academic study leading to a specialist diploma or MSc.
Postgraduate entry
A post-graduate qualification aggregated to a relevant 2:1 science degree can be a very advantageous entry method. Additionally, a consultant level, Higher Specialist Scientific Training programme is being developed.
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