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What is the Scientist Training Programme?

Applications for Scientist Training Programme posts in Wales for September 2024 will open in January 2024. Please visit the STP applications area on our website for the most up to date information.

The modernised scientific career pathway for the NHS includes three ways to join the healthcare science profession: Assistant level, Graduate level (e.g. via Practitioner Training Programmes) and Postgraduate level via the Scientist Training Programme. Healthcare Science is the only NHS profession to have a direct and salaried training route to senior roles, and the STP is aimed at recruiting outstanding science graduates.

The STP is a three-year national training programme. Successful applicants to STP training posts in Wales are employed by an NHS Wales organisation for the duration of their training with a salary at Band 6 level (see here for NHS pay rates, currently from £33,706). Trainees also have their full academic and programme fees funded and can access a bursary of up to £2000. Funding is provided by Welsh Government and managed by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW).

The academic training on the STP includes completion of an accredited master's degree with a university in the UK alongside the National School of Healthcare Science’s work-based training, following one of the themes and specialties below:

  • Life Sciences: genetics (specialties of cancer genomics, genomics, genetic counselling), pathology (i.e. clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, haematology and transfusion science, histocompatibility and immunogenetics, histopathology), reproductive science (i.e. andrology, embryology)
  •  Physical Sciences: clinical engineering, medical physics (specialties of imaging with non-ionising radiation, nuclear medicine, radiation safety and diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy physics), pharmaceutical sciences, reconstructive science
  • Physiological Sciences: audiology, cardiac science, critical care science, gastrointestinal physiology, neurophysiology, ophthalmic and vision science, respiratory and sleep sciences, urodynamic science, vascular science
  • Informatics: bioinformatics genomics, clinical informatics (previously "bioinformatics health informatics"), clinical scientific computing (previously "bioinformatics physical science")

The particular specialties funded in Wales each year depend upon the workforce required by services across NHS Wales. Although specialties available can vary each year, the number of STP posts overall in Wales has significantly increased in recent years.

Trainees successfully completing the Modernising Scientific Careers Scientist Training Programme will be awarded a Certificate of Attainment by the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS), which will enable them to register as a Clinical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).


What are the STP entry requirements?

Applicants must have an honours degree (1st or 2:1) in a pure or applied science area relevant to the specialism for which they are applying. Applicants with a relevant 2:2 degree will also be considered if they have an MSc or PhD in the specialist area

Evidence of any research experience, e.g. higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific/academic capability, is also considered desirable.

Whilst this is not an exhaustive list, the most commonly accepted degrees are:

  • Life Sciences: biomedical sciences, biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry, (with genetic counselling accepting biological or equivalent sciences, nursing, midwifery or psychology)
  • Physical Sciences: pure or applied physics, engineering, applied mathematics, (with pharmaceutical sciences typically accepting chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, pharmaceutical science, pharmacy)
  • Physiological Sciences: physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology, sports science
  • Informatics: clinical bioinformatics, genetics, biology, computer science, health informatics, scientific engineering, mathematics

Applicants for reconstructive sciences will require registration with the General Dental Council as a dental technician before the start date of the programme.

Medical degrees are considered suitable for Life Sciences and Physiological Sciences.

Applicants must check the job description and person specification for the STP post to ensure that they can demonstrate how they meet the required criteria on their application.

 

How can I apply for the STP in Wales?

There is an annual application cycle at the start of each calendar year. Advertisements will appear on the NHS Jobs website (Trac) and individual Health Boards’ websites, and will also be listed on the HEIW website, here.

  • Applicants apply via NHS Jobs.
  • Overseas applicants must ensure that they are eligible to work in the UK, and must have the relevant visas for all 3 years in place before starting the programme.
  • Successful applicants are invited to an interview.
  • Those that are successful at interview are offered a three-year fixed term training contract with the respective Health Board or Trust in Wales.

 

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