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The Healthcare Sciences encompass over 50 specialisations and sub-specialisations which involve the application of science, technology and engineering, to health and health care. These specialisations are listed below. The Healthcare Sciences play a large role in medical diagnosis and investigation and the delivery/monitoring of specialised therapies. Healthcare science is also involved in research and development, product design, procurement, testing and maintenance of specialised equipment, data tracking, laboratory management, quality assurance, and teaching. Some roles involve working directly with patients, while others are laboratory-based. The HCS workforce includes: HCS Assistants and Associates, Healthcare Science Practitioners, Clinical Scientists, and other roles specific to the HCS specialisation. HCS teams work in hospital departments, laboratories, community clinics and private companies. They work in collaboration with the wider healthcare team.

Healthcare Science specialisations: clinical bioinformatics (including genomics, physical sciences and health informatics), life sciences (including andrology, cancer genomics, clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, genomics, genomic counselling, haematology/transfusion science, histocompatibility and immunogenetics, histopathology, microbiology and reproductive science), physical sciences and biomedical engineering (including clinical engineering, rehabilitation engineering and reconstructive science), clinical pharmaceutical science, medical physics (including nuclear medicine, radiotherapy physics, radiation safety, imaging -ionising, imaging -non-ionising, MRI and ultrasound), and the physiological sciences (including audiology, cardiac science, critical care science, gastrointestinal physiology, neurophysiology, ophthalmic and vision science, respiratory and sleep science, urodynamic science and vascular science).

Healthcare Science (HCS) Jobs

Healthcare Science Practitioners work in hospitals, laboratories, community clinics and in the private sector. They are responsible for the analysis and of a wide range of diagnostic tests and investigations which help to guide medical assessment and care. They work in teams to provide HCS scientific and technical services. They have undertaken a BSc (with honours), either via university or as part of a Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) with the NHS. Depending on their specialisation, Healthcare Science Practitioners work in areas such as pathology, haematology and blood transfusion, physics and medical imaging, medical engineering, clinical informatics and IT, or cardiac sciences, among many others. There is an extensive list of HCS specialisations and sub-specialisations. They work with specialised equipment, either in a laboratory setting and/or a clinical healthcare setting with patients. They analyse data, interpret tests, manage safety and quality assurance, consult with clinical scientists and medical specialists, and sometimes manage teams of assistants. HCS Practitioner roles generally require AHCS/RCCP or HCPC registration, or application via an apprenticeship/NHS PTP 3-year training program. Many roles offer post-graduate training and professional development opportunities.

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Clinical Scientists work and specialise in an area of Healthcare Science, of which there are many. These HCS areas can be split into 4 main groups including: clinical bioinformatics, life sciences, physical sciences and biomedical engineering, and physiological sciences. Each group encompasses multiple specialisations and corresponding occupations. Clinical Scientists from all fields work within multidisciplinary teams and maybe responsible for managing teams of HCS assistants and practitioners. Depending on their specialisation, they may work in laboratory settings, testing specimens, analysing results, and discussing results with medical specialists. They may also work for private companies, or directly with patients and medical staff in hospital departments. They may be responsible for quality assurance, innovation and improvement, and education and training. Clinical scientists have completed an applied science or engineering degree at honours or master’s level. They can apply to undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), AHCS awards, and can register with the AHCS, HCPC, and/or relevant specialty register.

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Consultant Clinical Scientists have senior and lead positions within their Healthcare Science specialisation. They manage teams, laboratories and the delivery of HCS services. They research and develop techniques and equipment, within their specialty area, which help prevent, diagnose and treat illness. They work in hospital departments and laboratories, in clinical and tertiary settings, including community clinics and research institutions, and in the private sector. Consultant Clinical Scientists are experts in their field and specialise in HCS fields from clinical bioinformatics, the life sciences, physical sciences, biomedical engineering or physiological sciences. They have completed university and postgraduate training to a masters or doctoral level, including NHS Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme. They have many years of experience and are registered with AHCS, HCPC, or their relevant specialty register.

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Healthcare Science Assistants and Associates work in hospital departments, laboratories, and science departments, in the public and private sector. They work within the wider HCS team and healthcare team, supporting the delivery of HCS services and patient care. Some roles involve laboratory work, while others involve working directly with patients. Healthcare science assistants and associates set up, clean and maintain equipment, order stock, enter data, run tests, and assist in research, investigation, and patient monitoring and care. There are many different roles across the many HCS specialisations, including that of cardiographer, new-born hearing screener, medical laboratory technician, or phlebotomist. These roles have no set entry requirements, with apprenticeships and on-the-job vocational training opportunities available.

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