Train to be a consultant clinical scientist

To train to be a consultant clinical scientist in any pathology specialty, you’ll first need to become a registered clinical scientist, and then complete a five-year Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme – or demonstrate that you have achieved equivalent education, training and experience.

Higher Specialist Scientist Training will equip you with both the knowledge and practical experience you need to oversee a pathology laboratory or service. With the support and supervision of your senior colleagues, you’ll gradually gain more independence, and will have opportunities to teach, take part in research, conduct clinical audits and lead on quality improvement activities.

Registering as a Clinical Scientist

To become a clinical scientist, you can either:

• train via the Scientist Training Programme (STP)
• train as a biomedical scientist and then use your existing knowledge and experience to gain either an IBMS certificate of attainment or a Certificate of Equivalence from the Academy of Healthcare Science.

You’ll then be able to apply for registration as a clinical scientist with the HCPC.

Training to be a consultant

Once you’re registered as a clinical scientist with the HCPC, you can apply to a training post on a Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme, registering as a trainee with the National School for Healthcare Science. Your training will last five years. As part of it, you’ll need to pass the College’s FRCPath Part 1 and Part 2 examinations in your chosen specialty.

What will my training look like?

Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) will equip you with specialist skills and knowledge to manage a pathology laboratory or service. This will involve experiential working in the specialism, gaining practical and clinical skills, and observing, assisting and discussing aspects of practice with senior and consultant scientific and medical staff, patients and other members of the multi-professional team.

The core HSST training programme will develop your understanding of diagnosis, patient management and the meaning of Good Scientific Practice (GSP). You’ll need to demonstrate key aspects of professional competency, including using your communication skills effectively and working with standards of evidence-based medicine.

As a clinical scientist you will also be expected to seek out and organise experiential or opportunistic learning opportunities for yourself, such as attending team and directorate meetings in your specialty, teaching undergraduates and other health professionals, or completing doctoral-level research.

Learn more about HSSTs for different specialties