Healthcare Science Assistant

Typical Salary

£18,005 To £24,157

Typical Hours

40 to 42 a week

evenings / weekends on a rota

How To Become a Healthcare Science Assistant

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could take a college course, like a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science to help improve your chances of finding work.

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You can do an intermediate apprenticeship in healthcare science.

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

You can apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need:

good literacy, numeracy and IT skills
an understanding of medical terminology
some experience of working in a healthcare or lab setting

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

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

Day To Day Tasks

As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:

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

Working Environment

You could work in an office, in a laboratory or at a GP practice.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

You may have an advantage if you've worked or volunteered in a health or social care role.

You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice. Do-it also has information on voluntary opportunities in your area.

Tips & Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join organisations like the Academy for Healthcare Science for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a healthcare science assistant from:

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.