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Healthcare Science Associate (Band 4)

The job involves handling various pathological specimens, and carrying out screening, diagnostic, and monitoring tasks under the guidance of senior healthcare scientist staff and clinical scientists.

The aim is to generate precise, timely, and relevant analytical information. The individual should be able to work with individually, without supervision when required. Additionally, the position requires the flexibility to work hours that align with the service requirements.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a Healthcare Science Associate include:  

  • to process and store samples and enter patient demographic details as required 
  • to process samples and perform diagnostic tests on a range of samples received within the lab using automated, semi-automated and manual investigations
  • manage own workload adjusting plans according to unforeseen circumstances/priority samples 
  • to assist maintaining stock levels of laboratory reagents
  • to refer samples to other laboratories as required
  • communicate professionally with other healthcare professionals and staff from external organisations and deal politely with all service users
  • to collaborate with all staff members as necessary to ensure effective communication and progress in addressing routine and complex situations
  • to participate in meetings and feedback information/suggestions for improvements in local policies and procedures. 
  • to assist in the evaluation of new equipment, techniques, and protocols
  • to be proactive in maintaining the quality management system by following the laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and participate in audits and internal and external quality control schemes
  • to maintain competencies and mandatory training
  • to comply with the code of practice of the department in respect of all matters regarding Health & Safety
  • to carry out any other suitable responsibilities that correspond with the position, as assigned by senior technical staff and laboratory section leads

Skills

Essential 

  • Ability to communicate information to clinicians, staff and others  
  • Ability to supervise and train others  
  • Able to use equipment and resources appropriately and cost effectively 
  • Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy for processing material on slides, fine adjustments to specialist equipment
  • Knowledge of laboratory procedures to graduate level or equivalent acquired through CPD, short courses and ongoing training 
  • Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety and the importance of Internal Quality Control, External Quality Assurance Schemes

Desirable 

  • Understanding of clinical governance processes, clinical audit and achieving quality targets
  • Delegation skills
  • Knowledge of accrediting and regulatory bodies, Quality Management Systems, Audit and Statistical Analysis

Salary

£23,949 to £26,282 per year pro rata plus shift enhancement where appropriate. 

Working hours

You will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, including flexible cover of late shifts, nightshifts weekends and bank holidays as determined by the needs of the 24/7 service.

Employers

Employed in the NHS. 

Work experience

Essential 

  • Previous experience in laboratory work
  • Previous experience with operating laboratory analysers 
  • Previous experience with manual analytical techniques 

Desirable 

  • Previous experience in an NHS environment

What to expect:

This is a fast-paced patient facing role which requires good problem-solving and technical ability. Healthcare Science Associates usually work without direct supervision but have access to senior healthcare scientist staff as required.  

A significant part of this role involves the use of computers and laboratory analysers and equipment associated within the laboratory. 

Healthcare Science Associates follow departmental policies and procedures to maintain departmental standards and ensure patient safety. They also follow role specific United Kingdom Accreditation Service recommended procedures for practice. 

Career Progression

Progression to Band 5 Healthcare Science Practitioner (Life Sciences) is possible with further study. You would need to complete an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree or apprenticeship (or HCPC approved Healthcare Science/Life Sciences degree) and successfully complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an IBMS approved training laboratory.  

University of Sunderland Healthcare Science Practice Apprenticeship Institute of Biomedical Science NHS Health Careers

How do I become a Healthcare Science Associate?

Apply online through multiple websites, such as NHS Jobs and GOV.UK’s “find an apprenticeship” service.

NHS Jobs Find an Apprenticeship

Routes to become a Healthcare Science Associate:

To become a Healthcare Science Associate, it is necessary to complete either an appropriate Apprenticeship, BTEC first certificate or similar in science or a foundation degree in science. 

University of Sunderland BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Integrated Foundation Year

University

Accredited BSc in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent, HCPC professional registration 

Typical offer is 120 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A Levels, T Levels, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate. Level 3 qualifications must include Chemistry or Biology. 

Entry Requirements:

  • Dependant on the qualification route but usually 5 or more GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths, English and Science or equivalent.
  • Science A-levels may also be required, especially if applying for Foundation Degree Route. Check individual university requirements for further details. 
  • Programmes will also require enhanced DBS disclosure and checks.  
University of Sunderland BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science with Foundation Year University of Sunderland BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science UCAS

Apprenticeship

The programme is work based and, as such, is subject to the apprentice being employed by an organisation throughout the duration of the programme. The employer must confirm apprentices comply with the apprentice eligibility criteria including funding requirements. 

Entry Requirements:

A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent (e.g. 1 x AVCE double award) including biology or chemistry. 

You will require three passes at GCSE grade C or above, which must include Mathematics and English Language, or a minimum of Level 2 Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology. 

You would require successful completion of an Access to Higher Education course that is accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency. You would also require a minimum of grade C in GCSE in Mathematics and English Language or equivalent. 

If English is not your first language, we require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. 

University of Sunderland Healthcare Science Practice Apprenticeship Find an Apprenticeship NHS Jobs

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