Clinical scientist

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

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.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career Tips

When looking to join an NHS training programme or an apprenticeship, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further Information

You can find out more about how to become a clinical scientist from Health Careers.

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

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory or at a university.

You may need to wear protective clothing.