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Modernising Scientific Careers                                           
The entire healthcare science workforce has been reviewed by the Department of Health in consultation with education providers, workforce planners and healthcare science departments.  The outcome of the consultation, including responses has now been published.  The Modernising Scientific Careers The UK Way Forward is now available, coinciding with the development of new curricula for each area of healthcare science.  

The structure of the workforce has been modified into healthcare science assistants (bands 1-3), healthcare science associates (band 4), healthcare science practitioners (bands 5 and 6 ) and healthcare scientists (bands 7, 8 and 9).   
Plans are now proceeding with the education providers to offer the new HCS degree programme from September  2011.  In addition, work is underway at developing the bands 1-4 roles within healthcare science.  This will include the new apprenticeship programmes aimed at diploma level and foundation degree level.  Currently, Solent University are working with the cardiac Network to develop a Healthcare Science Associate in Cardiology

The new full-time degree programme is here in Southampton.  The Bsc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Cardiology) has recruited full-time and part-time students onto the programme.  Students are being introduced to the under pinning knowledge of working in a healthcare environment and cardiac physiology.  The full-time students will venture out into a cardiac department in early December, for an insight into all the procedures performed by a cardiac physiologist.  Placements will begin in the New Year.  Cardiac Departments across the region will be taking students on placement to help them develop their clinical skills.  

Basingstoke, Portsmouth and Southampton hospitals have worked very closely with the University of Southampton in developing the programme to ensure the training meets the needs of the patients, students and provide a career pathway .


The new curricula can be found at nhsnetworks website

Undergraduate Education (Practitioner Training Programme)

Post Graduate Education

The post graduate programme or Scientist Training Programme (STP) will involve a  three year rotational programme studying a MSc in Healthcare Science.  Posts, when available, will be advertised nationally on the NHS jobs website.  Successful applicants will be employed on a three year fixed contract.

The new STP curricula can be found at the nhs networks website.