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Clinical scientist, haematology

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Clinical scientists working in haematology help diagnose and manage disorders of the blood and bone marrow

You'll prepare, carry out and analyse tests for patients with blood-related conditions such as:

  • anaemia
  • haemophilia
  • leukaemia and other blood-related cancers
  • sickle cell disease
  • other bleeding and clotting problems.

You'll interpret and report results to clinicians, advising on further testing where necessary. You will also typically be involved in blood transfusion science, determining blood group status, for example.

Clinical scientists working in haematology are usually based in specialist hospital departments as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes healthcare science staff and haematology doctors.

Areas of haematology

There are three main sub-disciplines of haematology:

  • diagnostic haematology - identifying and monitoring blood disorders through the analysis of blood samples
  • haemostasis and coagulation - investigating bleeding and clotting disorders and assessing how well blood clots
  • transfusion science - ensuring the safe matching and provision of blood and blood products for transfusion.

You'll typically work in:

  • blood transfusion centres
  • clinical settings, where you may have direct contact with patients
  • hospital laboratories.

For more information on the different areas of haematology, see the National School of Healthcare Science.

Doctors can also specialise in haematology, but this is a different career route. See hospital doctor for more information.

Working as a clinical scientist in haematology

You'll need to:

  • provide advice on the selection, preparation and analysis of haematological tests and laboratory techniques (manual and automated)
  • review and interpret data to identify abnormalities in blood cells and clotting
  • validate results, ensuring the quality and accuracy of analysis, and report findings to clinicians
  • recommend and carry out further tests to support diagnosis, including contributing to the development of new tests or services where required
  • liaise with doctors and other healthcare professionals about test results and patient care and treatment plans
  • advise on appropriate treatments and use of haematology services
  • perform blood grouping and cross-matching for transfusions
  • maintain accurate records and produce clear, quantitative reports
  • contribute to research, clinical audit and service development to improve outcomes in blood-related diseases.

With experience, you may also:

  • teach or train medical and laboratory staff and students
  • manage laboratory resources, budgets and service targets.

Clinical scientist salaries

  • Jobs in the NHS are usually covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) Pay Rates, which consist of nine pay bands. Salaries for trainee clinical scientists typically start on £39,959 (Band 6), depending on your employer and location.
  • Once qualified, you're likely to be employed on a salary of £49,387 to £56,515 (Band 7).
  • With experience and further qualifications, your salary can range from £57,528 to £129,783 for the most senior posts (Bands 8 and 9).

Those working in London and the surrounding areas may receive a high-cost area supplement of between 5% and 20% of their basic salary.

Salary levels for clinical scientists working for private companies, universities, government bodies and other organisations may vary.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does a clinical scientist in haematology work?

Working hours are typically a standard 37.5 hours per week, although you may be required to work a shift pattern.

Flexible and part-time work is generally available following successful completion of training.

How do I become a clinical scientist in haematology?

Training is through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), a three-year, full-time, programme combining work-based learning with funded part-time study for a Masters in blood sciences.

To get a place on the STP you'll need a first or 2:1 undergraduate degree or integrated Masters in a relevant life science, such as biochemistry, biology, biomedical science or biosciences. Research experience, for example through a Masters or PhD, is also desirable. You may also apply if you have a 2:2 in any subject plus a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in a relevant subject.

Applications are made via Oriel, typically in January. The process includes an online situational judgement test, application and interview. You can only apply to one specialism, and availability depends on NHS workforce needs.

If successful, you'll be employed as a trainee clinical scientist on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the programme and paid a salary. The first year of training is spent on rotation in a range of settings before specialising in years two and three.

After completing the STP, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion (CCSTP) and can apply for registration as a clinical scientist with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).

For full details about the STP, see the NSHCS website. There are separate training routes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Alternative routes to registration are available via the:

If you don't have a degree, you could train as a healthcare science practitioner through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP). If your course is approved by the HCPC and accredited by the IBMS, you can also apply for statutory registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist.

Key skills for a clinical scientist working in haematology

You'll need to have:

  • advanced laboratory analysis skills for processing and analysing blood samples
  • data interpretation skills to identify blood abnormalities and support diagnosis of blood disorders and cancers
  • diagnostic decision-making skills to determine further testing and contribute to clinical outcomes
  • transfusion science skills, including blood grouping and cross-matching for safe transfusion practice
  • research and critical appraisal skills to evaluate scientific evidence and improve haematology services
  • sustained concentration and attention to detail for accurate analysis, validation of results and laboratory record keeping
  • data handling and laboratory IT skills to manage, analyse and present results, alongside technical communication skills to explain findings and advise clinicians and other healthcare staff.

Do I need clinical science work experience?

Entry to the STP is competitive, so it's important to understand the programme, your chosen specialism and the role of a clinical scientist in haematology. Gaining insight into a hospital laboratory setting can strengthen your application, for example by arranging a visit to a haematology department or speaking to current trainees. If the chance arises, attend an open day for your specialism to gain a better insight into the role and STP programme.

Relevant laboratory experience is valuable, such as short-term placements in haematology departments or course-based placements during a degree or Masters. Where lab experience is difficult to secure, voluntary work with patients can also be useful, helping you demonstrate your understanding of healthcare environments and patient care. Additional experience, such as involvement with research projects and publications, can strengthen your application.

You may need to be proactive in gaining experience - being active in a university society, having a part-time job or getting involved in youth groups, for example, can also provide you with transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and time management.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who employs clinical scientists in haematology?

The main employer of haematology staff in the UK is the NHS. As a trainee clinical scientist, you're usually employed by an NHS teaching hospital and are seconded to suitable training bases at local hospitals. Once qualified, you may be taken on by the hospital in which you trained (although there is no guarantee).

You could also work for:

Opportunities may also exist with:

Look for job vacancies at:

Where can a career in haematology clinical science lead?

There is a structured career pathway, and you can progress through NHS grades by gaining experience and completing further training, research or specialist study. You may develop expertise in areas such as haemostasis, immunohaematology, paediatric haematology, transfusion medicine or haemato-oncology. Promotion is based on experience and qualifications and may require geographical mobility depending on available opportunities.

With at least one year of post-registration experience, you may apply for the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme to become a consultant clinical scientist and achieve Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). This five-year, funded programme includes doctoral-level study. As your career develops, you may also take on supervisory or managerial responsibilities, or move into roles in clinical research, education or advisory work with organisations such as NICE or the Department of Health and Social Care.

You'll need to keep up to date with developments in haematology and transfusion science throughout your career and continue to build your technical, research and leadership skills. Undertaking continuing professional development (CPD) is essential to maintain registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and improve your career prospects. Activities may include workplace training, attending conferences and workshops, reading scientific literature, and presenting or publishing research. Membership of the British Society for Haematology (BSH) provides access to training, networking and career opportunities.