Routes into healthcare science
In this section you will find information and resources which support the transition from support worker to registered Healthcare Scientist including:
Framework
The Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers is designed to promote consistency of skill level at a given point in the career framework. The NHS Education for Scotland (NES) Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Worker framework is based on that developed by the NMAHP programme. The Framework supports the development of core knowledge, skills, and behaviours in 4-Pillars of practice and enables profession specific and specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours to be added for HCSWs working at Levels 2-4.
Whilst this HCSW framework is interpreted through the 4-Pillars of Practice developed by NMAHAP, it aligns to established Healthcare Science frameworks (Appendix 4) used in Scotland: The Common Core List - applicable across the Healthcare Science workforce; and Good Scientific Practice that specifically applies to training at all levels as part of the Modernising Scientific Careers programme, using the 4-Pillars approach preserves alignment across the wider NHS support worker workforce.
You can access the framework and supporting documents including FAQs, Healthcare Science Support Worker descriptions and worked examples from the links below:
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Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers Download (221 KB)
Development and Education Framework for Levels 2 – 4 Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers
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Frequently asked questions in support of the Healthcare science support worker framework and supporting resources
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Guidance and signposting in relation to Healthcare Science Healthcare Support Workers level 2-4 learning
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Worked examples of learning for Healthcare science healthcare support worker
Case study : Jack's story
How a pre-employment training programme helped Jack discover a career in healthcare science.
Jack loved Biology and Chemistry at School. He liked the idea of working in a laboratory but wasn't sure where to start. Find out how a modern apprenticeship is helping him towards his dream job of becoming a biomedical scientist.
Discovering a career in healthcare science
When Jack was at school, he wasn’t sure which career path to take. He studied National 5 Biology and Higher Chemistry, which gave him a good base-level scientific knowledge.
Jack was interested in a science career where he could make a difference. His Jobcentre Plus work coach helped him find a work-based training programme when he finished school.
During the 6-month programme, Jack was lucky enough to get some experience working in a hospital lab. He then applied to do a Life Sciences and Related Science Industries Modern Apprenticeship with NHS Lothian.
Jack’s Life Sciences and Related Science Industries Modern Apprenticeship
Jack is a modern apprentice biomedical science support worker. He goes to college one day per week and works in the hospital laboratory or does his college assignments the rest of the time.
The Modern Apprenticeship is helping Jack gain an HNC in Applied Sciences at SCQF level 7. Jack is also getting valuable work experience and is supported by his manager, colleagues, and the laboratory training team.
Working in the hospital laboratory
Jack works in a hospital lab, receiving and processing biological samples and logging them into the computer system. He takes calls from GPs, doctors, and nurses in the hospital, who may want to request more tests on a sample or confirm test results.
During his shift, Jack also makes sure the laboratory is clean and tidy and helps keep the equipment in good working order. The modern apprentice explained:
“It’s a great feeling knowing I’m helping to get samples processed as efficiently as possible so patients get an accurate diagnosis.”
When it’s busy in the lab, or Jack is working on a weekend or back shift, he needs to use initiative and critical thinking skills. This helps to make sure the lab’s workflow runs smoothly, and biological samples are processed on time.
Why you should consider a Modern Apprenticeship
Jack says the Modern Apprenticeship is giving him the opportunity to build up his biomedical science knowledge. He has improved his communication skills and become more confident, which will also help him in his future science career journey.
Jack added:
“I recommend doing a Modern Apprenticeship to others. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and learn work-based skills that can help you get the job you want. It’s already helping me take a step closer to my career goal of becoming a registered biomedical scientist.”
Listen to Jack's story below:
Resources
Feedback
If you have any feedback on this page please contact the Healthcare Science Team at hcs@nes.scot.nhs.uk