Presentation by Alexander Read, STP Trainee in Clinical Biochemistry, December 2017

1. @NHS_HealthEdEngwww.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk @NSHCS
The Scientist Training Programme
Alexander Read
STP Trainee in Clinical Biochemistry

2. www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk @NSHCS @NHS_HealthEdEng
What are healthcare scientists?
Scientists make a difference to people's lives... and so
can you:
• Healthcare scientists make a real difference to
patients every day
• Make up only 5% of the NHS workforce but are
involved in 80% of all clinical decisions
• Are developing some of the most amazing clinical and
technological advancements in healthcare

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What are healthcare scientists?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJsIQuhn1zs

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The Scientist Training Programme
• Co-ordinated by the National School of Healthcare
Science (NSHCS) in collaboration with employers,
academic providers, professional bodies,
commissioners and the Academy for Healthcare
Science
• NSHCS currently supports nearly 1000 STP trainees in
over 500 NHS departments across England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland

5. @NHS_HealthEdEngwww.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk @NSHCS
What is the Scientist Training
Programme?
• Postgraduate entry programme leading to more senior scientist
roles
• Trainees employed for the duration of their training and are
subject to same terms and conditions as other employees
• Trainees paid a salary while training
• Postgraduate training for the STP leads to a specifically
commissioned and accredited master's degree and certification
of achievement of work based training
• Successful completion of training leads to statutory registration
with the Health and Care Professions Council

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Entry Requirements
• Applicants must have a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or
an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to
the specialism for which they are applying.
• Applicants with a relevant 2.2 honours degree will also be considered if they
have a higher degree* in a subject relevant to the specialism for which they
are applying.
• For all candidates evidence of research experience, e.g. in the form of a higher
degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability, is
considered desirable.
*Higher degree as defined by the The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies, link as
follows; http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf (p.17). Please note this does not
include Postgraduate diplomas or Postgraduate Certificates.

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Structure of the STP

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Accredited Universities
• Aston University
• King’s College London
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• Newcastle University
• Queen Mary University of London
• Swansea University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Salford
Find out more http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/accreditation-landing-
page/accreditation-for-heis/stp-programmes

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STP Themes & Specialisms

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Careers in Healthcare Science Pathway
Associates and
Assistants
(HCSA)
Learning and
Development
Framework
Practitioner
Training Prog.
(PTP)
Integrated BSc
Healthcare
Science
Practitioner
(HCSP)
Senior Clinical
Scientist (ASE**)
Clinical Scientist
Higher Specialist
Scientific Training
(HSST)
Scientist Training
Programme
(STP)
Regulation as a Healthcare Science
Practitioner*
Regulation as a Clinical Scientist
***Higher Specialist Scientific
Register
Consultant Clinical Scientist
Appointment
Potential
equivalence route
Graduate direct entryDirect entry
* As Biomedical Scientist or via proposed Approved Voluntary Register
** Accredited Specialist Expertise
***Proposed
Employer led Regulation
Potential
equivalence
and
progression
route
Potential
equivalence
and
progression
route

11. @NHS_HealthEdEngwww.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk @NSHCS
The Key Stakeholders

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Funding
NHS COMMISSIONED
 Commission and fund posts with
employers
 Monitor progress and provide
support and networks at a local
level
LEAD COMMISSIONER
 Funds MSc
 Allocates trainees to Universities
 Manage University contracts

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Education Providers

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Professional Standards and Registration

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Application to the STP
• Opens early in the year, usually January
• Training starts – September
• Advertised on www.jobs.nhs.uk
• Apply at http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-
programme/applying-to-the-programme
• Health Careers - www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/stp
• Highly competitive process – do your research and plan well

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STP Application Numbers

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Find out more….
Employers may hold Open
Days throughout application
period
Lots of info and case
studies available
http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.u
k/join-programme/nhs-
scientist-training-
programme

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Questions?