Clinical Scientists
There are many different areas of science or engineering in which Clinical Scientists may specialise, including:
- Biochemistry
- Haematology
- Haemostasis and Thrombosis
- Histocompatability and Immunogenetics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Genetics
- Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering
Once qualified, Clinical Scientists register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .
The Health Professions Council
Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
tel +44 (0) 20 7582 0866
fax +44 (0) 20 7820 9684
Individual entry degrees are broken down as follows:
LIFE SCIENCES/PATHOLOGY
Life scientists employed in the NHS usually work in pathology laboratories. They work with tissue and other samples from patients and play a crucial role in both diagnosis of disease and monitoring treatment.
Clinical Biochemist
Clinical biochemists analyse and interpret data, mostly from blood plasma and other body fluids, and advise on the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
In order to enter the profession you will need a first or second class honours degree in chemistry or biochemistry - or one with a high proportion of these subjects.
Clinical Immunologist
Scientists in clinical immunology research new tests and treatments involving manipulation of the immune system. To become a Clinical Immunologist you will need a degree in biochemistry or biology which has a component of immunology.
Clinical Scientist in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
Histocompatibility scientists match donor and recipient for organ transplantation, including bone marrow transplant donors.
The usual entry requirement is a relevant science degree with experience in immunology.
Clinical Cytogeneticist & Molecular Geneticist
Clinical cytogeneticists use analysis of chromosome number and pattern in the diagnosis of genetic disease. Molecular geneticists chemically examine cellular DNA to identify genetic abnormalities. Both require a good degree in Life sciences or Genetics.
Clinical Microbiologist
Clinical microbiologists play an important role in the diagnosis, prevention and control of infections. They are also involved in developing improved diagnostic tests.
A good honours degree in microbiology is required to enter this field, or a general biological science degree with numerous microbiology options.
Clinical Embryologist
Clinical embryologists deal with fertility.
A good life science honours degree (possibly with an element of reproductive medicine/biology).
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Physical scientists help clinicians treat diseases and other disabling conditions through the use of electronic or other equipment. Specialised techniques, such as ultra violet or infra red photography are used to obtain permanent records for further analysis or for teaching and research.
Medical physicist
Medical physicists apply physical sciences to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. You will need a good degree in a physical science or engineering to become a Medical Physicist.
Clinical Engineer
Clinical engineers are specialists in the mechanics of the human body and design equipment for diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients.
A good degree in a physical science or engineering is normally required to become a Clinical Engineer.
CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY
Clinical physiologists use a range of physiological parameters to provide information on the extent of disease or disability.
Audiological scientist
Audiological scientists develop and apply techniques and equipment for detecting and compensating hearing loss, and for diagnosing neurological diseases.
The first degree may be a science degree, preferably with some knowledge of physics or behavioural science.
Cardiographer
Cardiographers are based in Cardiac Departments and operate the electrocardiograph (ECG) machines, which monitor the functioning of the heart.
Formal entry qualifications are not normally required, but candidates are encouraged to become Enrolled Members of the Society for Cardiological Science and Technology (SCST) and undertake the Certificate in electrocardiography examination.
You can contact your local NHS Trust for information about opportunities in your area.
For further information contact:
Society for Cardiological Science and Technology
9 Fitzroy Square
London W1P 5AH
Tel: +44 (0) 121 354 6812
E-mail:
[email protected]
Website:
www.scst.org.uk
Perfusionist
Clinical Perfusionists are highly skilled people who monitor the condition of the patient during surgery using the heart-lung machines. They require a high level of knowledge about how the human body works and the machines on which the patient will rely.
Minimum entry requirements are two A-levels in science subjects, and applications are welcome from people with higher qualifications or a science degree.
Contact the Personnel Department of your local Hospital to find out about opportunities in your area. Vacancies for trainee Perfusionists may be advertised in the New Scientist or Perfusionist.
For further information contact:
The Society of Perfusionists of Great Britain and Ireland:
E-mail:
[email protected]
NHS Trainee Clinical Scientist Scheme
Entry to this scheme is usally between November and early February each year. When the scheme is open you can apply via the NHS Trainee Clinical Scientist recruitment site .