Clinical biochemist
Clinical biochemists carry out complex analytical work. They analyse and interpret data relating to patients' samples to assist with the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Clinical biochemists work with other heath professionals, such as biomedical scientists, to detect changes in the complex biochemistry of body fluids, for example, increases in glucose levels in diabetes mellitus.
They develop and implement new techniques, interpret results and liaise with and advise clinical staff. They are responsible for the evaluation and quality assessment of diagnostic tests and play a role in developing and managing hospital and community analytical services.
A typical laboratory processes several thousand samples per day. Of these, a few hundred results will be abnormal and need to be scrutinised by a clinical biochemist. Other work activities include:
As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (STP) replaced the previous Clinical Scientist Training Scheme. The recruitment for the healthcare scientist training positions takes place early in the year for the September intake. Recruitment usually begins in February, with a closing date in mid-March.
NHS Trusts will offer 200 training posts in life sciences, physics and engineering and physiological sciences. Successful candidates will join a three-year training programme of workplace-based learning and a Masters degree in their specialist subject.
There is a single timetable for recruitment as well as national guidelines and assessment centres to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and equally. Candidates can apply for the training posts at the NHS Jobs website while the selection process is organised by local trusts.
Details of all training posts are available on NHS Jobs and will be advertised in New Scientist Jobs . Further details of the scheme and a list of all the job roles are available on the NHS Healthcare Scientist Training Programme (STP) page on the NHS Careers website.
Scotland is also adopting the new training programme but will still be recruiting by specialist subject, rather than on a national basis for the time being. Training will be provided by individual NHS boards. Details of each training scheme can be found at Clinical Scientist Pre-Registration Training Schemes Scotland and can also be found in the New Scientist .
The following subjects may prove advantageous:
Entry is not possible without a degree or with a foundation degree only.
A higher degree, while not essential, is extremely desirable. Many successful candidates have a relevant research-based MSc or PhD. Trainee clinical scientists follow an approved four-year training programme and attend an MSc course during that time. Accredited MSc courses in clinical biochemistry are currently offered by four universities: Birmingham, London, Surrey and Manchester.
Study periods are conducted on a day-release or block-release basis depending on the university - check the individual institutions for more details. The number of pre-registration places varies each year according to the amount of funding available and competition for places is high.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Most laboratories are highly computerised so computer literacy is essential.
Laboratory experience and an insight into the workings of a hospital laboratory is very important so arrange a visit to a local hospital laboratory before you apply. Even better, investigate the possibility of short-term work experience in a clinical biochemistry laboratory. Contact the consultant or principal clinical biochemist in your local trust hospital of The National Health Service (NHS) . Before applying, seek the advice of your regional tutor of The Association for Clinical Biochemistry (ACB) . Your careers service should be able to provide you with details.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The four years of basic training scheme for trainee clinical biochemists involves a formal programme, with rotation between teaching and district general hospitals. This is overseen by a regional tutor, and leads to a certificate of successful completion.
During these four years, study can be done either full time or part time and usually leads to an MSc or postgraduate diploma.
Following at least four years in a pre-registration post, and having been awarded the certificate of competence by the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) , trainees are eligible to apply for state registration as a clinical biochemist, with the Clinical Science Board of the Health Professions Council (HPC) .
Career progression is from trainee clinical biochemist (Band 6) to post-registration (Band 7) up to the position of consultant clinical scientist (Bands 8 and 9). Promotion is directly linked to passing exams during pre-registration and post-registration periods. Post-registration positions are advertised nationally and often require relocation.
Progression to the top of Band 7 is based on merit including the completion of relevant specialised postgraduate research and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Networking at all levels is part of successful career development in this role. Maintaining a professional profile by presenting research at meetings, undertaking work exchanges abroad and applying for research grants is also recommended.
As a post-registration clinical biochemist you would assume a more supervisory role and carry fuller responsibility for the work of the laboratory. There are also opportunities to specialise in particular areas, such as:
Further study and training is likely to follow, with the expectation that clinical biochemists attain membership of The Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) or a PhD. The MRCPath is taken in two parts: Part I after a minimum of three years' training and Part II during the post-registration period of training. The MRCPath allows clinical biochemists to proceed to higher post-registration positions and finally to a consultancy post. Most consultancy posts carry independent responsibility for managing a laboratory and for advising the health authority on policy issues. The status is comparable to that of a hospital consultant.
Career expectation should be to progress to a consultant, becoming a head or deputy head of a department.
There are also opportunities for management roles within the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ) and in the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries ranging from pure research, through to technical support for sales and marketing, to medical information specialists and senior management posts.
Lecturing in higher education institutes is also possible.
Registration is compulsory in order to work as a clinical biochemist. Most clinical biochemists are employed in clinical biochemistry, clinical pathology or clinical chemistry departments in the National Health Service (NHS) (see NHS Careers ). The NHS recruits staff into more than 70 careers, employing 5% of the workforce in England (more than one million staff) with many more in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A willingness to move around is important during the early part of your career with the NHS, as posts are geographically widespread and posts will not necessarily be vacant in your current hospital when you come to the end of your training.
Some opportunities also exist in industrial companies, particularly diagnostics pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, where clinical testing of drugs is an important part of the work.
Most trainee clinical biochemist vacancies are advertised through the NHS Clinical Scientists Recruitment Scheme . The closing date for applications is early in the year. Those health services not using this scheme advertise vacancies in ACB News and the national press.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies.
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