The Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme is an innovative five-year training programme offering an exciting career advancement opportunity for clinical scientists.
Developed jointly between the NHS, Medical Royal Colleges and scientific professional bodies for clinical scientists, the programme is equivalent to the standards of training for medical postgraduate trainees. The programme is work-based and is supported by an underpinning doctorate-level academic course. Successful completion makes you eligible to apply for available consultant clinical scientist posts.
Health Education England (HEE) commissions training posts in accredited training departments through two routes:
- Direct entry – new posts created specifically for the purpose of training and open to competition by application via the online Oriel recruitment system. Entry subject to meeting HSST standards, application is shortlisted and successful interview.
- In-service entry – existing posts supported by employers: only scientists nominated by their employer are eligible to apply via Oriel. Entry subject to meeting HSST standards and successful interview.
All applications must meet the criteria for HSST entry.
Salary: Locally determined by the employer to at least AfC Band 7.
Statutory Registration is an essential requirement. You must evidence one of the following on your Oriel application form that you meet one of the following entry requirements:
- Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist. Applicants who are eligible for Clinical Scientist registration, and have their application under way, may apply for the HSST programme but if appointed are not eligible to commence an HSST training position until registered.
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, IBMS Specialist Diploma and relevant MSc
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, who holds the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) Specialist diploma in Transfusion Science Practice and relevant MSc
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist having completed the CPSM logbook (prior to introduction of the IBMS Specialist Diploma) and relevant MSc
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, IBMS Specialist Diploma and IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, IBMS Specialist Diploma and completion of IBMS 2-part Fellowship Special Exam
- HCPC Registration as a Biomedical Scientist, IBMS Specialist Diploma and IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice
To apply to the programme and for more information about the opportunities available and details of the qualifications and experience you need, visit the HSST applicants section.
Click this link to view the key dates for HSST 2023 recruitment.