Trainees — Scientist Training Programme

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About your time on the Scientist Training Programme

Everything you need to know about your time on the programme.

Introducing the Scientist Training Programme

The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a three-year programme of work-based learning, supported by a University accredited master’s degree.
What you can expect on the programme

A quick overview for trainees of each of the three years of the Scientist Training Programme.
NSHCS training standards – trainee responsibilities

Alongside your trainers’ responsibilities, you as the trainee have responsibilities, as you are an active participant in your own learning journey.
Your STP curriculum

Your training programme is made up of a series of modules detailed in the curriculum for your specialty. Your programme combines core, rotation and specialist modules, which can be found in the Curriculum Library.
STP Curriculum FAQs for trainees

Here you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the STP curriculum.

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Information about the different types of assessment you will experience while on the STP.

The different methods of assessment

Across its university and work-based components, the STP makes significant assessment demands.
NSHCS work-based assessment standards

The work-based assessment standards define how work-based assessments should be conducted and the responsibilities of trainees, trainers and assessors.
Changes to assessment

Find out more about the changes being introduced to the assessment of trainees on the new STP curricula.
STP progression monitoring

All trainees commencing on the STP from 2023 onwards are subject to a new process to monitor their progress.
About the Midterm Review of Progression

This guidance provides STP trainees with an overview of the Midterm Review of Progression, how and why it is used and what support is available.
Multi-Source Feedback

Trainees are expected to have completed 2 Multi-Source Feedback assessments by the time of completion.

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Information on the STP Final Year Assessment for trainees who started the programme from 2022 onwards.

The STP Final Year Assessment

The STP Final Year Assessment aims to ensure that trainees are safe to practise and ready to register as a Clinical Scientist.
STP Final Year Assessment dates

Important dates relating to the STP Final Year Assessment.
STP Final Year Assessment regulations

The STP Final Year Assessment operates under regulations and policies which set out the parameters for the assessment. It is recommended that trainees familiarise themselves with these parameters, in particular the timelines outlined by policies.
FAQs on the STP Final Year Assessment for trainees

Here are answers to some possible questions about the final year assessment relevant to STP trainees.

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Information and guidance about the IACC for trainees who started the programme before 2022 and Clinical Microbiology 2022 trainees.

Key dates for IACC 2025

Important dates and deadlines for trainees who are sitting the IACC in 2025.
Key dates for IACC 2024

Dates included are for written submissions, reasonable adjustments, interviews, results and appeals.
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Winter IACC 2024 interview assessment dates

Details of the IACC interview assessment dates by specialty for trainees and their training officers.
Independent Assessment of Clinical Competence

The Independent Assessment of Clinical Competence (IACC) assesses your readiness to practise as a newly qualified, threshold entry Clinical Scientist.
Case-based discussion scenarios for the IACC

Each specialty has 2 example CBD scenarios and example PowerPoint slides showing how the scenario will be viewed during the IACC.
Reflective practice for the IACC

This content, together with the reflective writing webinar, and the IACC guidance will help final year trainees prepare for the reflective writing part of their final assessment.

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Information and guidance about what is required to complete the Scientist Training Programme.

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STP Completion 2025

Information and guidance for STP trainees and training departments following the 2025 completion pathway.
STP Completion 2024

Information and guidance for STP trainees and training departments following the 2024 completion pathway.
STP Completion 2023

Information and guidance for STP trainees following the 2023 completion pathway.
STP Completion dates (all years)

Completion deadline dates for trainees on the Scientist Training Programme.
Important documents for STP completion (all years)

These are the documents you may need to refer to when completing on the Scientist Training Programme.
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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Guidance and resources to support you during your training.

Training support

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

Join your regional trainee network and make contact with other STP trainees in your area.
Guidance for trainees about study time

Clarification for trainees on how much protected private study time they are allowed while on their programme.
Guidance about the STP educational training support funding

Useful information for STP trainees and training officers about the educational training support funding.
Training support FAQs for STP trainees

Here are the answers to some finance and personal circumstances questions relevant to STP trainees.

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Guidance to help you become familiar with OneFile, your online e-portfolio.

How to guidance and videos for STP/ PTP/ ETP/ ASP trainees using OneFile

Get help with some of the common tasks in OneFile.
OneFile webinar recordings

Watch the latest webinars for trainees, training officers and supervisors, on the different elements of OneFile.
How to use the Turnitin Checker in OneFile – A guide for trainees

Familiarise yourself with the Turnitin feature in OneFile by following this guidance.

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A variety of guidance and resources to help you during your time on the Scientist Training Programme.

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STP Induction 2024 webinars and resources

Watch recordings of the STP induction day webinars, the post induction webinars or download copies of the presentation slides from the induction day.
Good training planning

Here you will find guidance and examples on creating a good training plan for trainees.
Guide to producing good competency evidence

Good competency evidence should show that you understand how to apply your knowledge, skills and experience.
STP podcasts

Listen to our series of podcasts aimed at giving essential advice and guidance to STP trainees and training officers
Online learning resources to support training for STP trainees

We've gathered together some online resources to help support your training. Take a look at what's available for your area.
Useful resources for STP trainees

Here you will find some useful resources and external links that are relevant for STP trainees.
Important documents for STP trainees

We've gathered together documents you made need to refer to whilst on the Scientist Training Programme.
Gwella Leadership Portal – Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)

Providing a range of leadership resources, materials and networks for all health and social care staff in Wales.