Previous
Anatomical pathology technologist
How to become an assistant practitioner in life sciences
You can become an assistant practitioner in life sciences by doing a Modern Apprenticeship or applying for a vacancy on our recruitment website.
What is an assistant practitioner in life sciences
Assistant practitioners in life sciences carry out essential tasks in the laboratory, such as:
- preparing biological samples for analysis
- updating written and electronic records
- stock control
- assisting in the maintenance of laboratory equipment
- making sure that the laboratory is a clean and safe working environment
They work in lots of different areas of the clinical laboratory service, including:
- infection sciences
- blood sciences
- cell sciences
- gene sciences
Assistant practitioners in life sciences are also known as healthcare science support workers or biomedical science support workers.
Starting your career an assistant practitioner in life sciences
Choosing subjects at school
To become an assistant practitioner in life sciences, useful school subjects include:
- English
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Maths
Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about subjects offered at your school.
Work placements and volunteering
You may find it helpful to get some healthcare experience by doing a work placement or volunteering. You’ll get training, increase your knowledge, and learn new skills. This could help you when applying to college or a new job with NHSScotland.
Education and training pathway
Modern Apprenticeship
A Modern Apprenticeship is one route to a career as an assistant practitioner in life sciences in the NHS.
During the programme, you’ll complete an industry-recognised qualification. You’ll also learn about operating procedures, health and safety, and laboratory equipment.
Learn more about the Life Sciences and Related Science Industries Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF level 6.
You can also apply for vacancies on our recruitment website.
Get to know the role
As an assistant practitioner, you’ll assist in the smooth running of a busy hospital laboratory.
Your main tasks may include:
- Open and label biological samples from hospital wards and GP practices.
- Assign biological samples for the requested tests.
- Register patient biological samples on the laboratory information management system.
- Maintain work areas so that the laboratory is a safe and clean working environment.
- Maintain stock control, including consumables and reagents.
- Safely dispose of biological waste from the lab.
You'll need these skills:
- communicating
- collaborating
- focusing
- caring
- teamwork
You could work with the following:
- biomedical scientists
- clinical scientists
- associate practitioners
- healthcare science practitioners
- hospital porters
As an assistant practitioner, you’ll work in a hospital laboratory.
Jack's story
Jack is a Modern Apprentice Assistant Practitioner in Life Sciences at NHS Lothian. Discover what it's like to work in a hospital lab as Jack shares his story and career future plans.
Learning and development
You will be encouraged to develop your career in NHSScotland. You'll receive training on the following:
- standard operating procedures
- quality management policies
- external quality assessment and internal quality control
- laboratory and hospital health and safety
- risk management
You could also complete additional qualifications, including the following:
- HNC Applied Sciences at SCQF level 7
- HNC Bioscience at SCQF level 7
- Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Certificate of Achievement Part 1
Career progression
You could become an associate practitioner in life sciences. Essential learning and training include:
- HND Applied Biological Sciences at SCQF level 8
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 2
Find out more about the role of an associate practitioner in life sciences.
Professional bodies
As an assistant practitioner in life sciences, you can join the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).
Careers in healthcare science
Discover the range of healthcare science careers you can choose in the NHS.
Healthcare science
NHSScotland Careers blog
Our blog includes how-to guides, case studies, and career resources.
Discover more