Job Description
A Healthcare science assistant supports colleagues across different areas of healthcare science in the NHS. They will analyse samples taken from patient's blood, urine or other bodily fluids to help prevent, diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, take readings of patients heart, measure patients breath and help identify their heading and balance dysfunction.
Entry Requirements
There are a number of routes into a career in healthcare science. These include:
Apprenticeship
You may be able to enter a healthcare science assistant role through an apprenticeship at level 2, level 4.
- Minimum of Level 1 English and attempt a Level 2 English
- Minimum of Level 1 Maths and attempt a Level 2 Maths
Take a look at our diagram which sets out the different healthcare science career and training pathways.
Find out more about healthcare science apprenticeships on the National School of Healthcare Science website
NHS Practitioner Training Programme
The PTP leads to an approved and accredited degree in in one of five themes of healthcare science:
- cardiovascular, respiratory and sleep sciences (cardiac physiology, respiratory and sleep sciences)
- neurosensory sciences (audiology, neurophysiology, ophthalmic and vision science)
- pathology sciences (blood sciences, infection sciences, cellular sciences, genetics science)
- medical physics (radiotherapy physics, radiation physics, nuclear medicine)
- clinical engineering (medical engineering, radiation engineering, renal technology, rehabilitation engineering)
Use our course finder to search for approved healthcare science degree courses.
Applications for first degrees are made through UCAS.
Search for degree apprenticeship vacancies in healthcare science on the NHS Jobs website and the Government's Find an apprenticeship website
Find out more about the PTP on the National School for Healthcare Science website.
Entry requirements for healthcare science degree courses vary because each university sets its own entry criteria. You are likely to need two or three A-levels (or equivalent level three qualifications) including one or two science subjects or maths, plus supporting GCSEs. Contact universities directly to find out whether qualifications equivalent to A-levels and GCSEs are acceptable. Our course finder lists accredited degrees in healthcare science.
Career Tips
Even where this is not specified, it would be an advantage if you have worked in health or social care, either in paid employment or voluntary work. Find out more about gaining experience.
Required Skills
- The ability to plan and do research
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- An analytical mind
- Able to lead and motivate others
- A willingness to keep up to date with new medical research
- Excellent communication skills
- Self motivation
Salary Range
£18,005 to £24,157
