Clinical scientist
Clinical scientists research and develop techniques and equipment to help prevent, diagnose and treat illness.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
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.
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
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- an NHS training programme for non-graduates
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
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
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.
Registration
- 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.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.