Clinical scientists support hospital medical staff by advising on suitable tests to help diagnose a patient's condition. They interpret the test results, and suggest methods of treatment to doctors. Through research they develop and test new methods of diagnosis and treatment, and advise doctors on the use and purchase of commercial products and equipment.

They may be responsible for the management and work of a team of biomedical scientists, medical technical officers, medical laboratory assistants and clerical support staff. The job includes setting and maintaining quality and performance standards, and developing the service offered.

Clinical scientists often specialise. They can work in a variety of roles, including those listed below. 

Clinical biochemists analyse body fluids and tissues to aid diagnosis and advise on treatment of patients. Work includes screening to identify potential medical problems or abuse of drugs. There are opportunities to specialise in branches such as paediatrics or toxicology.

Clinical cytogeneticists/molecular geneticists study chromosomes and cellular DNA from samples of tissue or body fluids to diagnose genetic diseases. This helps doctors manage patients with genetic disorders, carriers or pre-symptomatic individuals or those with reproductive difficulties.

Clinical embryologists research infertility, including IVF treatment and assisted reproduction.

Clinical immunologists develop tests and treatments which manipulate the immune system to treat diseases such as AIDS, allergies and leukaemia.

Clinical microbiologists identify bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections in patients. Much of this work is for the Public Health Laboratory Service, helping with control and prevention of epidemics.

Clinical scientists in haemostasis and thrombosis identify specific imbalances in the blood between blood coagulation (clotting) and anti-coagulation factors, supporting the identification and treatment of conditions such as haemophilia and thrombosis.

Clinical scientists in histocompatibility and immunogenetics match the immunogenetic characteristics of potential donors and recipients of platelet therapy and organ and bone marrow transplants.

Audiological scientists identify certain neurological diseases and disorders of hearing and balance. They assess and develop methods of measuring and compensating for hearing loss, working directly with patients, mostly children and the elderly.

Medical physicists apply physical sciences to improve diagnosis and treatment of disease, and implement safety precautions in use of hazardous substances and procedures for patients and other healthcare workers.

Clinical engineers design and develop instruments for patient monitoring, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and research. They are also responsible for the quality assurance of patient-connected equipment in hospitals.

Hours and Environment

Clinical scientists usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. For some specialisms there may be some on-call, evening or weekend work.

Scientists in many of the specialist areas will be based in laboratories in large hospitals, or in a Public Health Laboratory.

Specialist equipment and computers are used. Clean and often sterile working conditions are often required for this work, so protective clothing and safety glasses are worn as necessary.

The work can involve sitting or standing for long periods. Some clinical scientists need to be mobile if their work includes fitting or monitoring equipment used directly with patients. Contact with patients varies widely depending on the specific area of work.

Skills and Interests

To be a clinical scientist you should:

• have a high level of ability and interest in the sciences and computing
• have an interest in medicine and in the development of new methods of patient care and treatment
• be accurate, able to concentrate for long periods
• have a high level of attention to detail when working in the laboratory and with sophisticated equipment
• have high ethical standards and the ability to take responsibility for making decisions
• have an enquiring mind and good problem solving skills to lead a research and development team
• have excellent oral and written communication skills
• be able to reassure nervous patients if working in branches where contact is likely.

Entry

To become a clinical scientist, you will need a first or upper second class honours degree in a subject related to the specialist area you want to work in. Relevant subjects include biochemistry, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, microbiology, physics, or any of the subjects directly related to medicine such as medical electronics.

Entry on to a science-based degree course is likely to require five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) including English language, maths and at least two sciences, plus two A levels/three H grades. An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

An MSc or PhD in your subject area can be an advantage when applying for trainee positions.

Training

To apply for a clinical scientist Grade A trainee position, you need at least a relevant degree qualification, as described in the Entry section. Initial training generally takes two to three years, however, this may vary depending on the specialism. Training is mainly in-service, supervised by a regional tutor, and includes placements in a different laboratories in teaching and general district hospitals. You are likely to be encouraged to study for an appropriate MSc qualification. The recruitment of trainees is organised centrally – see Further Information.

When you have successfully completed an approved training programme, you can apply for Grade B positions. At this level, you may be encouraged to study for other professional qualifications such as Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath), or a higher degree such as a PhD.

Clinical scientists must be state registered with the Clinical Science Board of the Health Professions Council (HPC). Entry onto the register requires a relevant degree (as described in Entry), completion of an appropriate MSc and training programme, followed by the achievement of the Certificate of Attainment awarded by the Association of Clinical Scientists (contact the Association for details of the Certificate).

Clinical scientists are expected to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) involving private study, attendance at conferences, and clinical and scientific meetings and workshops. CPD is often available through various professional bodies; see Further Information for contacts.

The NHS is developing a new National Occupational Standards Framework in Healthcare Science, which will shape the development of competence-based training for Healthcare Scientists. This will be used to augment existing education and training programmes leading to professional qualifications.

Opportunities

There are opportunities in the NHS, in the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries, and in private hospitals and research institutes. Clinical microbiologists may also work for the Public Health Laboratory Service.

Once appointed to a Grade B position, progression is based on merit and performance. Only a small number of clinical scientists are appointed to Grade C positions.

You can check the Further Information section for a list of professional bodies which represent the various specialist fields a clinical scientist can work in. Each organisation provides careers information and a professional membership scheme.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. Clinical scientists working in the NHS receive the following salaries:

Clinical scientists can earn between £19,200 and £24,800 a year.
Specialists can earn up to £31,000.
The most experienced clinical scientists, equivalent in status to a consultant, can receive up to £60,500.

An additional London allowance is paid. Salaries in the private sector may be linked to NHS scales but could be higher.

Further information

Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk Fairmount House
230 Tadcaster Road
York
YO24 1ES
Tel: 01904 610821 Park House
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866

c/o Association of Clinical Biochemists
130-132 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2TU
Tel: 020 7940 8960