How to become a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology

What is a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology?

Clinical scientists in genetics and molecular pathology analyse genetic preparations to identify alterations and abnormalities. They test for genetic abnormalities in both prenatal and postnatal samples and can provide information on:

• Carrier status – identify individuals who may be at risk of passing on a genetic disorder to their children.
• Diagnosis – identify people with inherited and acquired conditions.
• Prognosis and therapeutics – provide prognostic information and suggest treatment options where relevant.

Starting your career as a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology

Choosing subjects at school

School subjects that could lead to a career as a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology include:

• English
• Maths
• Biology
• Biology
• Chemistry

Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about subjects offered at your school.

Education and training pathway

There are different education and training pathways to becoming a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology.

Clinical scientist training programme

As a trainee, you’ll complete a 3-year programme of work-based learning. During the programme, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and experience you need to become a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology.

You must have a relevant undergraduate honours degree at SCQF level 10 to apply to a clinical scientist training programme in genetics and molecular pathology. Subjects include:

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Sciences

Once you complete the programme, you’ll register as a clinical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

You can apply for training opportunities on our recruitment website.

Clinical scientist equivalence recognition

If you already have significant professional NHS experience in genetics and molecular pathology or have completed a training programme that does not directly lead to registration as a clinical scientist, you can apply for equivalence recognition.

It is a route you can take to demonstrate that you already have the skills, knowledge, and experience to become a clinical scientist in genetics and molecular pathology.

You’ll submit a portfolio of work to the Academy for Healthcare Science or the Association of Clinical Scientists for assessment and attend an interview. If successful, you can register with the HCPC as a clinical scientist.

Find out more about clinical scientist training and equivalence recognition on the NHS Education for Scotland Healthcare Science website.

Learning and development

As a clinical scientist, you’re expected to undertake continuous professional development activities to:

• keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• maintain your registration with the HCPC

Clinical scientists must meet the HCPC’s standards for CPD. Learn more about the HCPC’s guidance on CPD activities.

Career progression

During your career, you can also work towards additional qualifications, such as the Royal College of Pathologists examinations in these specialties:

• Genetics
• Molecular Pathology

Gaining qualifications could lead to more senior roles or the chance to advance into specialised practice areas.

Professional bodies

To work in the NHS as a clinical scientist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Other professional bodies and societies include:

• Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS)
• Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS)
• Royal College of Pathologists
• British Society of Genetic Medicine (BSGM)
• Association for Genomic Science (ACGS)