Clinical scientist pre-registration training
Our postgraduate scientist trainee cohort includes Pre-registration Clinical Scientists and Practitioner-level (graduate) staff undertaking advanced-practice scientist development.
For Clinical Scientists, we commission around 20 supernumerary trainees annually to ensure that NHS Scotland has a direct entry pathway for able science applicants. Training involves either 3-year STP or an equivalent Maters-level programme.
All postgraduate scientist trainees are subject to NES Quality Assurance processes, including Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) monitoring.
Find information for postgraduate trainees and supervisors on our HCStraining website.
Appointments in Scotland, 2026
Training commencement expected 1st of September, 2026.
Training positions are advertised by the host training department, and not through NHS Education for Scotland directly.
These and other posts will be advertised on NHS Scotland's Job Train site (Search filter "Healthcare Sciences"). Please see links embedded below, where available.
|
Healthcare Science theme / disciplines 2026 intake |
Summary |
Host NHS Board* |
Contact details |
| Biochemistry | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
| Cardiac Science | 1 post | Lothian | TBC |
| Clinical Perfusion | 1 post | Lothian | TBC |
| Genetic Counselling | 1 post | Lothian | TBC |
| Genomics and Molecular Pathology | 1 post | Tayside | TBC |
| Genomics and Molecular Pathology | 1 post | Greater Glasgow and Clyde | TBC |
| Genomics and Molecular Pathology | 1 post | Grampian | TBC |
| Genomics and Molecular Pathology | 1 post | Lothian | TBC |
| Haematology | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
| Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering | 6 posts | Various – please see advert for details |
Closes 20/02/26 |
| Microbiology | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
| Neurophysiology | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
| Reconstructive Science | 1 post | Lothian | TBC |
| Reproductive Science | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
| Respiratory and Sleep Physiology | 1 post | Greater Glasgow & Clyde | TBC |
*The Host NHS Board may be the trainee's employer, but training placements can be anywhere in Scotland, determined by service need. (+1 refers to service funded posts)
Find information for postgraduate trainees and supervisors on our HCStraining website.
These and other posts will be advertised also on NHS Scotland's Job Train site (Search filter "Healthcare Sciences").
Training details
Supernumerary clinical scientist trainees
NHS employed, commissioned in Scotland by NES. Trainees join a 3-year postgraduate-level scheme to develop competencies necessary to meet the Health and Care Professions Council requirements.
In-service trainees
May be directly supported by NHS Boards.
Recruitment in other parts of the UK is administered by the National School for Healthcare Science.
Assessment
On completion of training, registration as a clinical scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council is possible.
STP trainees
Are subject to continuous assessment, recorded on the National School for Healthcare Science One File Tool. STP Trainees must complete specified rotations in their STP theme, pass the relevant Clinical Science MSc and pass their Objective Final Structured Assessment.
Non-STP trainees
Must demonstrate equivalence to STP learning outcomes by means of a portfolio and viva voce organised through the Academy for Healthcare Science. Alternative training pathways follow similar principles. These are organised by the Association of Clinical Scientists and the Institute of Biomedical Science.
Last updated: Friday, January 30, 2026