Clinical Scientist

Clinical scientists are healthcare experts who either work directly with patients or support clinical staff in their work, which can include clinical or laboratory work and testing, rehabilitation and basic and applied research. They specialise in a particular scientific area.

The work may include:

• conducting tests and interpreting the results to guide treatment
• devising scientific solutions to assist in the treatment of patients
• using research to develop and test new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Trainee clinical scientists working in the NHS (National Health Service) earn at least £20,710 and managers may earn up to £65,657.

Clinical scientists usually work a set number of hours a week, which may include on-call, evening and weekend work. Part-time work is possible. Work takes place in laboratories or specialist departments. Contact with patients varies widely between specialisms.

A clinical scientist should:

• have a high level of ability in science
• be able to cope with a high degree of responsibility
• be able to work in, and lead a team of professionals
• be capable of working accurately and with attention to detail
• have good problem-solving skills
• have a strong interest in science and medicine
• be concerned for the health and well-being of people.

Most clinical scientists are employed by the NHS. Other employers include the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries, private hospitals, research institutes and the Health Protection Agency.

On average, the NHS recruits between 130 and 150 new NHS clinical scientist trainees in England and Wales each year.

Entry is with a first or upper second class honours degree in a subject related to the specific clinical science specialism, such as biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, microbiology, physics and physiology. Many applicants to clinical scientist training have a postgraduate qualification, such as a Masters degree or PhD.

Training lasts two to three years and combines on-the-job learning with study for an appropriate professional qualification. After a minimum of four years in a training post, clinical scientists can apply for registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

Progression is to senior positions in the NHS that have equivalent status to that of a medical consultant. They usually involve the management of a large department or major departmental section. Clinical scientists may move into training or lecturing, or into technical support for sales and marketing. There are opportunities to work abroad.

Further details