AAPT
Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology http://www.aaptuk.org/
ABHS
Association of Biomedical Healthcare Scientists
ACB
Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine http://www.acb.org.uk/
ACC
Association for Clinical Cytogenetics https://www.cytogenetics.org.uk/index.html
ACE
Association for Clinical Embryologists https://www.embryologists.org.uk/
ACEM
Association of Clinical Electron Microscopists http://www.acem.org.uk/
ACPE
Association for Clinical Physiology Education
ACPRC
Association for Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care https://www.acprc.org.uk/
ACS
Association of Clinical Scientists http://assclinsci.org/acsHome.aspx
ADSHG
Addison’s Disease Self Help Group
AESP
Accredited Expert Scientific Practice
AGIP
Association of Gastro Intestinal Physiologists https://www.bsg.org.uk/bsg-sections/association-of-gi-physiologists.html
AHCS
Academy for Healthcare Science https://www.ahcs.ac.uk/
AHPO
Associations of Health Professionals in Ophthalmology http://www.ahpo.net/
Andrology
Andrology is the branch of Reproductive Science focusing on male sexual health.
ANS
Association of Neurophysiological Scientists (previously EPTA) https://www.ansuk.org/
AoRMC
Academy of Royal Medical Colleges https://www.aomrc.org.uk/
AOSP
Association of Ophthalmic Science Practitioners
APT
Association of Pharmacy Technicians UK https://www.aptuk.org/
AQP
Any qualified provider (organisations providing NHS services that are owned outside of the NHS)
ARNS
Association of Respiratory Training Nurse Specialists https://arns.co.uk/
ART
Association for Renal Technologists https://www.renaltech.net/
ARTP
Association for Respiratory Technology and Physiology http://www.artp.org.uk/
ASP
Accredited Scientific Practice
Audiology
Clinical Scientists in Audiology assess hearing and balance functions and help to identify associated disorders.
AURPO
Association of University Radiation Protection Officers https://aurpo.org.uk/
AVR
Accredited Voluntary Register – a form of professional registration for those groups not covered by statutory requirements
BAA
British Academy of Audiologists (now incorporates BAAT – British Association of Audiological Technicians and BSHT – British Society of Hearing Therapists)
BARS
British Association of Retinal Screeners https://www.eyescreening.org.uk/pages/
BBTS
British Blood Transfusion Society https://www.bbts.org.uk/
BHF
British Heart Foundation
BIPP
British Institute of Professional Photographers http://www.bipp.com/
BIR
British Institute of Radiology https://bir.org.uk/
BLF
British Lung Foundation
BMS
Biomedical Scientist (a protected title regulated by the HCPC)
BNMS
British Nuclear Medicine Society https://www.bnms.org.uk/
BriSCEV
British Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision https://briscev.org.uk/
BSc
Bachelor of Science degree
BSc (Hons)
Bachelor of Science degree with Honours
BSCN
British Society for Clinical Neurophysiology http://www.bscn.org.uk/
BSE
British Society of Echocardiography https://www.bsecho.org/home/
BSH
British Society for Haematology https://b-s-h.org.uk/
BSHAA
British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists https://www.bshaa.com/
BSHI
British Society for Histocompatability and Immunogenetics https://bshi.org.uk/
BSHT
British Society of Hearing Therapists) https://www.baaudiology.org/
BTEC
Business and Technical Education Council (an awarding body for vocational qualifications)
BTS
British Thoracic Society
Cardiac Science
Cardiac sciences are concerned with the heart. Cardiac Scientists carry out diagnostic, monitoring and analytical procedures for patients ranging from babies to the elderly. They also assist in interventional procedures.
CBD
Case Based Discussion
CCG
Clinical Commissioning Group (part of the healthcare commissioning system in England)
CCHSST
Certificate of Completion of Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme
CCSTP
Certificate of Completion of Scientist Training Programme
CCVRS
Critical Care, Cardiac, Vascular, Respiratory and Sleep Sciences
CEng
Chartered Engineer
CF 2-4
Career Framework 2-4 (Healthcare Science assistant and associate roles)
Clinical Biochemistry
Clinical Bioinformatics (Genomics)
Clinical Bioinformatics (Health Informatics)
Clinical Bioinformatics (Physical Sciences)
Clinical Engineering
Including: Rehabilitation Engineering, Clinical Measurement and Development and Device Risk Management and Governance
Clinical Immunology
Immunology is the study of the immune system and the immune system is how all animals, including humans, protect themselves against diseases.
Clinical Scientists working in immunology help to diagnose, monitor and treat patients with a range of immune system disorders, including:
- Allergies
- Autoimmune disorders, where the body’s defence system attacks itself (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
- Primary immunodeficiency – where part of the immune system is missing or doesn’t function as it should
- Antibody deficiency
- Cancers
Clinical Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of organisms (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) that cause infections. Clinical Scientists within in this field, identify and characterise organisms with support and advice on the most effective drug to use for treatment, including hospital acquired infections.
Clinical Pharmaceutical Science
Clinical pharmaceutical science involves the manufacture and supply of radioactive substances used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
CMAS
Clinical Movement Analysis Society https://cmasuki.org/
CMGS
Clinical Molecular Genetics Society https://www.clingensoc.org/
CoA
Certificate of Attainment
CoC
Certificate of Competence
CoE
Certificate of Equivalence
CP
Clinical Physiologist
CPA
Clinical Pathology Accreditation
CPD
Continuing Professional Development
CPhys
Chartered Physicist
CPPD
Continuing Professional and Personal Development
CQC
Care Quality Commission
CRadP
Chartered Radiation Protection Professional
CRB
Criminal Records Bureau (now replaced by the Vetting and Barring Service – VBS)
Critical Care Science
Critical care refers to specialised care for patients with life-threatening conditions; typically compromising of one or more organs that are failing and Clinical Scientists specialising in this field are responsible for a range of life support monitoring and therapeutic systems.
CS
Clinical Scientist
CSci
Chartered Scientist
CSO
Chief Scientific Officer
CVRS
Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Sleep
DBS
Disclosure and Barring Service
DH
Department of Health
Direct entry
Trainees recruited to STP or HSST through a national competitive framework, usually (but not always) from outside the NHS. Successful candidates are employed on fixed term training contracts of employment.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
DOP
Direct Observation of Practice
DOPS
Direct Observation of Practical Skills
EA
Environment Agency
EACH
Evaluation of Array Comparative Genomic Hybridisation
EIB
England Implementation Board
EngTech
Engineering Technologist
EP
Education Provider
ETSG
Education and Training Scrutiny Group (a subgroup of HCS ING responsible for the oversight of curriculum and accreditation decisions for the MSC programme)
EU
European Union
FDS
Faculty of Dental Surgery
FOM
Faculty of Occupational Medicine
FPH
Faculty of Public Health
FPM
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine
FRCPath
Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists
Gastrointestinal Physiology
Gastrointestinal Physiology studies specialise in the study of gastrointestinal function and disease.
Genomic Counselling (formerly Genetic Counselling)
Genomics (formerly Genetics)
GSP
Good scientific practice
Haematology and Transfusion Science
Clinical Scientists working within Haematology & Transfusion Science play a major role in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with disorders of the blood and bone marrow. It can be generally split into three sub-disciplines which include:
- Transfusion
- Haemostasis/coagulation
- Diagnostic haematology
HCPC
Healthcare Professions Council
HCS
Healthcare Science
HCSING
Healthcare Science Implementation Network Group
HCSPB
Healthcare Science Programme Board
HEE
Health Education England
HEEAG
Health Education England Advisory Group
HEFCE
Higher Education Funding Council for England (funds undergraduate university courses in England)
HEI
Higher Education Institute (University)
HEWM
Health Education West Midlands
Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
Histopathology
Histopathology is the microscopic examination of tissue samples.
HNC
Higher National Certificate
HSE
Health and Safety Executive
HSSR
Higher Specialist Scientific Register
HSST
Higher Specialist Scientific Training
IACC
Independant Assessment of Cinical Competence
IAPS
Independent Assessment of Professional Skills
IBMS
Institute of Biomedical Science https://www.ibms.org/home/
iCEPSS
Improving Quality in Clinical Engineering and Physical Science Services (a service accreditation system in the Physical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering)
ICT
Information and Communications Technology
IEng
Incorporated Engineer
IHEEM
Institute of Healthcare Engineering and Estate Management https://www.iheem.org.uk/
IM
Internal Moderators (Professional body)
IMI
Institute of Medical Illustrators https://www.imi.org.uk/
IMPT
Institute of Maxillofacial Prosthetists and Technologists https://impt.co.uk/
IPEM
Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine https://www.ipem.ac.uk/
IPS
Institute of Physiological Sciences
IQIPS
Improving Quality in Physiological Diagnostic Services (a service accreditation system in the Physiological Sciences)
ISAS
Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme
ISO
International Standards Organisation
IV
Internal Verifier Scientific Training
LDA
Learning and Development Agency
LETB
Local Education and Training Board
MAHSE
Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education
MBE
Member of the British Empire
Medical Physics
Including: Imaging with Ionising Radiation, Imaging Non Ionising Radiation, Radiation Safety Physics and Radiotherapy Physics
Molecular Pathology
MOU
Memorandum of Understanding
MPE
Medical Physics Expert
MSC
Modernising Scientific Careers
MSc
Master of Science – a masters-level degree
MSF
Multisource Feedback
Neurophysiology
Neurophysiology studies how the brain and peripheral nerves function in order to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders.
NGGEC
National Genetics and Genomics Education Centre
NHS
National Health Service
NHS Constitution
There are six values in the NHS Constitution, and by living these values we can ensure the best possible care for patients:
- Working together for patients.
- Respect and dignity.
- Commitment to quality of care.
- Compassion.
- Improving lives.
- Everyone counts.
NHS England
National body commissioning health services in England
NIHR
National Institute for Health Research
NLIAH
National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare
NSHCS
National School of Healthcare Science
OBE
Order of the British Empire
OCE
Observed Clinical Event
OIA
Ophthalmic Imaging Association http://www.oia.org.uk/
OSCE
Objective Structured Clinical Examination
OSET
International Organisation of Societies for Electrophysiological Technology https://uia.org/s/or/en/1100013243
OSFA
Objective Structured Final Assessment
PC
Personal Computer
PCR
Polymerase Chain Reaction
PHE
Public Health England
PPI
Patient and Public Involvement
PSA
Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (previously CHRE) – the organisation that oversees the regulators in health and care
PTP
Practitioner Training Programme
QA
Quality Assurance
QAA
Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education
QAF
Quality Assurance Framework
QC
Quality Control
QM
Quality Management
RCCP
Registration Council for Clinical Physiology
RCGP
Royal College of General Practitioners
RCOA
Royal College of Anaesthetists
RCOG
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
RCOphth
Royal College of Ophthalmologists https://www.rcophth.ac.uk/
RCP
Royal College of Physicians
RCPath
Royal College of Pathologists
RCPCH
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
RCPE
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
RCPI
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
RCPSG
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
RCPSYCH
Royal College of Psychiatrists
RCR
Royal College of Radiologists
RCS
Royal College of Surgeons of England
RCSEd
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
RCSI
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
RCT
Register for Clinical Technologists
Reproductive Science
RESMaG
Rehabilitation Engineering Services Management Group
Respiratory and Sleep Sciences
Respiratory & Sleep Sciences involves the diagnosis and treatment of lung disease and sleep disorders.
In Respiratory Sciences, Clinical Scientists work with patients who have lung, chest wall, airway or blood oxygenation problems such as asthma, fibrosis, emphysema, respiratory muscle disease and pulmonary vascular disorders.
RPA
Radiation Protection Adviser
RSci
Registered Scientist
RSciTech
Registered Science Technician
RWA
Radioactive Waste Adviser
SCCT
Society for Critical Care Technologists http://www.criticalcaretech.org.uk/
SCoR
Society of Radiographers (this is the trade union and professional body for the diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy workforce in the UK) https://www.sor.org/
SCST
Society for Cardiological Science and Technology http://www.scst.org.uk/pages/default.asp
SEPA
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
SET
Standards of Education and Training
SHA
Strategic Health Authority
SIG
Special Interest Group
SMART
Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-based
SoP
Standards of Proficiency
SOPS
Standard Operating Procedures
SRP
Society for Radiological Protection https://srp-uk.org/
STEMNET
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
STP
Scientist Training Programme
SVT
Society for Vascular Technology https://www.svtgbi.org.uk/
SWOT analysis
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats
TRG
Trainee Representative Group
UK
United Kingdom
UKAS
United Kingdom Accreditation Service (this is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services)
UKRG
United Kingdom Radiopharmacy Group https://www.bnms.org.uk/ukrg/general/ukrg-homepage.html
Urodynamic Science
Urodynamic science is the investigation of urinary-related difficulties.
Vascular Science
Vascular Scientists use non-invasive techniques to image and assess the blood flow of patients with diseases of the arteries and veins.
WBA
Work Based Assessors
WDC
Workforce Development Confederation
WPBA
Workplace Based Assessments
