Trainees — Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

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About the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme

This section introduces you to the Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme.

Routes through the programme

Here are the different ways you can progress through the HSST.
Your HSST curriculum

Your programme is made up of a number of modules which detail the academic and work-based content, and, where appropriate, the assessment strategy for the module.
The academic part of the HSST

Guidance about the academic part of the programme for HSST trainees.
Approval process for prior PhDs

Find out if your prior PhD can be used towards the programme.

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This section covers the different types of assessment you will experience during your time on the programme.

What will I be assessed on?

A blend of methods is used to ensure effective capture of robust evidence relating to the three components of the HSST programme.
Building your portfolio of evidence of activity in the workplace

Work-place based evidence should be based around real life scientific and clinical activities, relevant to the workplace and specialism.
Annual review of progression

We will conduct an annual review of progression (ARP) towards development as consultant clinical scientists with all trainees on the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme.
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Key dates for the Annual Review of Progression (ARP) 2022

Important dates and times for HSST trainees participating in the ARP.
Annual review of progression common issues

Here is some guidance for common issues highlighted by the annual review of progression.
Outcome statements for the HSST Annual Review of Progression

A HSST trainee will receive one of these six outcome statements for their Annual Review of Progression.
Using Multi-Source Feedback (MSF) as an assessment tool

While on the HSST programme you can use our multi-source feedback (MSF) service in order to initiate MSF assessments and generate MSF reports.

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Here you will find details and guidance on the final assessment.

IAPS – the HSST final assessment

The Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) is the final examination for HSST trainees, prior to becoming a Consultant Clinical Scientist.
IAPS Dates for 2022

These are the IAPS 2022 dates for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees in their final year.
Guidance on the Independent Assessment of Professionals Skills for HSST trainees

This guidance provides details on the different elements of the HSST final assessment.
Guidance on booking and preparing for the IAPS

The Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) is the final examination for Physical, Physiological and Bioinformatics HSST trainees, to assess readiness to practice at Consultant Clinical Scientist level.

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In this section you will find details and guidance about completion criteria and exiting the HSST programme.

Evidence for certification and completing the programme

The bespoke nature of the programme means that evidence of successful completion will vary depending on the pathway taken by the trainee through the 5-year programme.
Guidance for trainees about HSST completion

Information about the end date, the timing of your HSST final assessment and how to obtain your completion certificate.
Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) Completion podcast

Listen to this podcast and make sure you are on track for completing the HSST.
Definitions for HSST completion

Details about some of the definitions used when we talk about completion.
Using the Exceptional Extenuating Circumstances policy to apply for an extension of time or change to training

Trainees can apply for an extension of time or change to training via the EEC policy when circumstances affect their ability to continue training.

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This section includes resources to help you during your time on the programme.

How to guidance and videos for HSST trainees using OneFile

Get help with some of the common tasks in OneFile.
Training planning resources for HSST trainees

Your training plan is a bespoke plan, which is particular to you and the environment you work in.
Guidance on workplace evidence for HSST trainees

This guidance will help you when planning a submission and give you advice on collecting and creating evidence for your e-portfolio.

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This section includes details on extra support during your time on the programme.

Training support

We want you to have the best training experience, but you should also take care of your health and wellbeing.
HSST Trainee networks

These trainee networks are available to support HSST trainees.
COVID-19: HSST trainee information

Information for HSST trainees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
COVID-19: HSST applications for interruption

Information about applications for interruption to training due to COVID-19 Pandemic