Clinical molecular geneticist : Training

As of 2011, in England and Wales, a new graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (SPT) 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.

Trainees will be employed by an NHS trust and will join a three-year, fixed-term training programme combining workplace learning and study for a Masters degree. This training period will involve broad-based training in a range of different departments, before specialisation in the last 18 months of training. For more information, see the Training as a clinical scientist page on the NHS Careers  website.

Once this training period has been successfully completed, clinical molecular geneticists are eligible for mandatory registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC) .

Continuing professional development (CPD) is an essential part of continued training, and clinical molecular geneticists are expected to gain further relevant qualifications, such as membership of The Royal College of Pathologists .