What is the difference between direct entry and in-service posts?

Posts are available in accredited training departments either as new posts created specifically for the purpose of training (direct entry) or as in-service posts, through already existing clinical scientist posts.

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In-service

This route is available to you, if you are already employed by the NHS in the scientific specialty you are applying for. You will remain employed by your current employer throughout the programme. You should be employed, at a minimum, as an Agenda for Change Band 7 Clinical Scientist, for the duration of the programme. You will be eligible for this route only if you are nominated by your employer and your employer has an allocated training post in place.

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Direct entry

This route is available to you, if you are applying to the training programme from outside the NHS. If selected, you will follow the programme full-time for five years under a fixed-term training contract with your host organisation. You should be employed, at a minimum, as an Agenda for Change Band 7 Clinical Scientist, for the duration of the programme. You can also use this route as an NHS employee, but you would have to resign from your existing post when you start the programme.

Last updated on 19th January 2023