Clinical scientist
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Training to become a clinical scientist, I had the choice of specialising in life sciences and working in a lab, or physical sciences and working in medical physics or clinical engineering departments. I chose life science and focus on microbiology – studying bacteria and viruses to help prevent and control infections and diseases.
Top skills
An interest in science and technology and a good academic background
Excellent attention to detail
Strong analytical and experimental skills
Other specialisms that clinical science could lead to:
Blood sciences
Transplant sciences
Genomics
Microbiology
Reproductive sciences
Medical physics
Clinical engineering
What training do I need to become a clinical scientist?
A degree in a cognate life science discipline if you want to specialise in life sciences, or a degree in a cognate physics or engineering discipline if you plan to specialise in physical sciences. Then you must complete a three-year NHS Scientist Training Programme.