Haematologist
Haematologists are concerned with the study of blood, blood-forming tissues and blood-related diseases. Their work is usually carried out in specialist departments of hospitals where they interpret test results to diagnose blood-based abnormalities.
They look at the size, structure, function and amount of different types of blood cells and produce reports and scientific analyses to show their findings. The majority of haematologists work in laboratories in biomedical roles, but others work in blood transfusion centres or in clinical roles where they have direct contact with patients. Working with other clinical professionals will also be part of a haematologist’s job.
Doctors can also specialise in haematology but this is a very different career route, see hospital doctor for more information.
Haematology is a constantly developing specialist area of medicine and provides scope for clinical and laboratory experience. Work activities may involve:
In addition to the above, clinical haematologists prescribe specific types of treatment for individual patients. However, the level of patient contact for haematologists in some roles has reduced as work has become more lab-based.
Haematologists at more senior levels may perform additional activities such as:
There are two main routes into haematology, either as a trainee clinical scientist or as a trainee biomedical scientist.
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 the New Scientist . 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.
To go down the biomedical scientist route, a degree in biomedical science which has been accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) is required. A graduate with another life science degree may still be able to enter the profession via this route but may have to top up their degree with some biomedical modules as prescribed by the IBMS.
Entry into the profession is not possible with an HND alone. Those without a first degree who have GCSEs (or equivalent qualifications) and/or work experience, may however be able to secure trainee or assistant positions in healthcare science. They may then progress onto the haematologist role if an employer is able to provide time off and financial support to study for an accredited degree.
Entry to training schemes is competitive. Gaining good academic results and relevant work experience is helpful. An MSc or a PhD in a relevant subject area may be advantageous when applying for trainee positions. Being able to offer additional skills and experience, such as involvement with research projects and publications, may also be useful.
In addition to appropriate subject knowledge and skills, candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
To work as a biomedical scientist in the NHS you need to be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) . In order to become registered, you must carry out a period of in service training in a laboratory setting. A portfolio of evidence will be created over this period to show you have reached the required level of competence. This then allows you to apply for the award of Certificate of Competence which acts as evidence that you have met the HPC standard of proficiency. This in turn permits an application to become registered with the HPC.
Integrated (or co-terminus) degrees that are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) allow students to meet the requirements for registration with the HPC as part of the course. Clinical laboratory placements are a compulsory part of the integrated degree and someone who completes one does not need to do the in service training.
Trainee clinical scientists continue to study and train for qualifications once they are in a post. They follow a period of structured study which can be done either full or part time alongside practical training, which takes place in various laboratories and is overseen by a regional tutor. This period of study may last for up to three years and leads to an MSc or postgraduate diploma. It also allows for entry to the first stage of membership with the relevant professional body. A Certificate of Competence from the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) and registration with the HPC can be applied for once the study period has been completed and the candidate has been in post for at least four years.
A small number of specialist scholarships are available to haematologists undertaking training at different levels. Visit the website of the British Society for Haematology for further information.
Because of ongoing developments in research and analysis techniques, it is important that haematologists continually update their skills. The Health Professions Council (HPC) has a set of guidelines on professional development that must be followed.
Career progression to professional grade, following successful completion of a training period, frequently involves moving to other hospitals or regions of the UK. Further study and training is likely to follow, with the expectation that haematologists undertake professional qualifications with a relevant professional body or study for an MSc or PhD.
Advancement within the professional grade is based on merit and can be encouraged through 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.
Specialist areas available to experienced haematologists include:
Promotion to principal scientist roles becomes a possibility after several years’ experience at a professional grade. The role of a senior haematologist is likely to involve the management of a large department or major departmental section and advanced budgeting and administration skills are often required.
In addition, haematologists in senior roles usually perform additional teaching activities as training officers and may work in university departments in both research and teaching capacities.
The main employer of haematologists in the UK is The National Health Service (NHS) . The NHS employs approximately 1.4 million staff in a diverse range of occupational areas and is the largest employer in Europe. Many haematologist trainees are employed by an NHS teaching hospital and are seconded to suitable training bases at local hospitals. Some are taken on directly by the hospital in which they will train.
The National Blood Service (NBS) , which is a part of the NHS, is the other main employer of haematologists in the UK, though the number of vacancies available is very small compared with the rest of the NHS. The NBS supplies blood and associated products throughout England and North Wales. Its equivalent in Scotland is the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service in Ireland. Their clinical scientists provide specialist support to hospitals and engage in research aimed at improving blood safety.
Opportunities for haematologists may exist with independent/academic laboratories, within the pharmaceutical industry and with government agencies such as the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) .
Overseas opportunities may exist with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) .
For trainee recruitment schemes for healthcare scientists, see particularly the NHS Clinical Scientists Recruitment Scheme, NHS Jobs, Careerscene and scientific press. Individual hospitals may also advertise vacancies and training positions.
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