The 3 main components of the HSST curricula reflect the 5 domains of Good Scientific Practice (GSP):
- Clinical and scientific skills, values, behaviours and attitudes relating to professionalism and the delivery of scientific/clinical services (Domains 1 and 3)
- Scientific content (Domain 2)
- Contribution to research, innovation and leadership in healthcare science (Domains 4 and 5)
The 3 components, mapped to GSP, cover both professional and specialism-specific syllabuses and the related assessment programme. This includes an Innovation in Clinical Sciences (ICS) project. Together they comprise the curriculum for the attainment of the standards required, for a successful exit from the programme.
For those in physical sciences, physiological sciences and clinical bioinformatics, the Certificate of Completion of HSST will indicate that the underpinning doctoral programme/award (DClinSci or PgDip with previous PhD) and Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) has been achieved.
For those in life sciences, the Certificate of Completion of HSST indicates achievement of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath), the ICS project, work-based learning outcomes and the underpinning doctoral award (DClinSci or PgDip with previous PhD) has been achieved.
Details of the examination requirements for FRCPath are available on the Royal College of Pathologists website.