In the NHS, a healthcare science assistant helps colleagues in a variety of fields of healthcare science. For example, they will analyse samples taken from the patient’s blood, urine, or other bodily fluids to aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. They will also collect heart rate measurements, assess the patient’s breath, and assist in determining the patient’s heading and balance concerns.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- label, sort and store specimens
- help with tissue and fluid sample analysis
- put together chemical solutions
- load and operate machines
- use a computer to input and analyse data
- dispose of hazardous waste
- sterilise equipment
- maintain stock levels.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £18,545 per year.
- Experienced healthcare science assistants can earn up to £24,881 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 40 to 42 hours per week, including evenings and weekends on a rota.
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a laboratory or at a GP practice.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice actuary include:
- Level 2 Healthcare Science Assistant – Entry requirements for this level include some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship. This qualification will take 12 months to complete.
Skills
On a healthcare science assistant apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- knowledge of biology
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to work well with others
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently.
Professional development
You will get the necessary training to do the job. This will include an orientation to health and safety and an introduction to the department and its working procedures. Some of your training will be targeted to your specific job role.
You can pursue qualifications such as the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Healthcare Science if you work as a healthcare science assistant.
As a healthcare science associate, you may be able to pursue qualifications such as the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Certificate in Healthcare Science.
The National School of Health Care Science is establishing healthcare science apprenticeships at two levels: level 2 (for healthcare science assistants) and level 4 (for healthcare science associates) (NSHCS).
Career prospects
If you have previous experience, apply for a job as a healthcare science associate.
You may use your degree to become a healthcare scientist or biological scientist or apply to the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.
You could become a cardiology technician, cardiographer, cervical cytology screener, or phlebotomist by training.