Healthcare Scientist

Healthcare Scientists help prevent, diagnose and treat illness using their knowledge of science and their technical skills. They use their expertise to help save lives and improve patient care in a supporting role or in direct contact with patients.

You will work in four main areas - life sciences, physiological sciences, physical sciences and biomechanical engineering and bioinformatics.

Healthcare Scientists can work in laboratories and use a variety of highly specialised equipment to analyse body tissue, blood and other bodily fluids. However, many healthcare scientists such as those in the physiological sciences and some in physical sciences and biomechanical engineering will have a lot of direct patient contact and work in clinics or on wards.

Healthcare Scientist is also known as Scientist.

Role Characteristics

Analyse samples, data and test results
Use advanced laboratory and diagnostic equipment
Support the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses
Solve complex scientific problems
Work closely with healthcare professionals
Improve services through research and innovation

Skills

Attention to detail
Creative thinking
Following instructions
Operating equipment
Problem-solving
Using technology

Day in the life

Watch this video to learn about the role of a Healthcare Scientist.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

GCSEs

BTEC, T-Level or A-Levels

An apprenticeship

Undergraduate degree

How to become

To become a Healthcare Scientist, you will need a degree in a relevant scientific subject. There are many ways to access university-level education and you can explore lots of current opportunities in the section below.

You might:

Study A Levels, BTECs, or T Levels – useful subjects might include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Health and Social Care, Applied Science or Engineering. Explore some current opportunities below.
Complete an Access to Higher Education course – a college course designed for adults who want to access higher education but don't have the traditional requirements like A Levels.
Complete a Foundation course – a year-long university course designed to prepare you for studying science, healthcare science, biomedical science, engineering or related subjects if you do not have the required qualifications or grades to go straight into a degree.

You will then be ready to study at a university level. This can include:

Studying an undergraduate degree in Healthcare Science, Biomedical Science, Clinical Science, Life Sciences, Physics, Engineering, Genetics, Audiology or another relevant scientific subject.
Complete a Degree Apprenticeship – gain experience in the workplace while also studying a qualification in Healthcare Science or a related scientific discipline.

Alongside education, you may also want to build some relevant work or voluntary experience in healthcare, laboratories, research environments, science projects, hospitals, or community health settings and think about developing your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, analytical and attention-to-detail skills.

To work in some Healthcare Scientist roles, you may need to be accredited or registered with a relevant professional body depending on your specialism, such as the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or other recognised professional organisations.

Where can this role lead

As a Healthcare Scientist, there are many opportunities to specialise and progress within health and care. Depending on your interests, you could work in areas such as laboratory science, medical engineering, genetics, physiology, imaging, informatics or research. With experience, you may progress into senior scientific, research, education, consultancy or management roles, helping to develop new treatments, technologies and ways of improving patient care.

Location

Hospitals

Working hours

Casual Hours
Flexible Hours
Full Time
Irregular Hours
Part Time
Weekdays

Opportunities

BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses

Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College

Organisation: Leeds City College

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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels

T Level Science (Applied Laboratory Skills and Technical Science)

The T Level in Science is an exciting two-year qualification designed for students who are passionate about laboratory work, experimentation, and the practical application of scientific principles.

Organisation: Bradford College

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Volunteering

Volunteering in Health and Care

Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care

Organisation: Volunteering Opportunities

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Work Experience

Healthcare Science Careers - Virtual Work Experience

Explore key areas of healthcare science, from life sciences and physiological sciences to bioinformatics, learning how these fields work together to improve care.

Organisation: NHS England

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Undergraduate Degree

BSc Physics

Studying a physics degree at Leeds will give you the opportunity to delve into the fundamental laws of nature and participate in research alongside expert academics and researchers at the forefront of the field.

Organisation: University of Leeds

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