Entry requirements, skills and interests (clinical biochemistry)

You'll need a relevant honours degree to enter clinical biochemistry as a career.

Entry requirements

There are currently two entry points into clinical biochemistry.

After a relevant degree

You can apply for a place on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme for which you must have a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.

If you have a 2.2 honours degree or better in any subject, you will also be considered if you have a higher degree* that is relevant to the specialism for which you are applying.

(*Higher degree as defined on page 17 of The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies Please note this does not include postgraduate diplomas or postgraduate certificates.)

Because of the extensive variation in degrees available it isn’t possible to provide a definitive list of relevant degrees for entry to the STP. For STP positions in the life sciences (which include clinical biochemistry), the most commonly accepted degrees will be in biomedical sciences, biology, microbiology, genetics or biochemistry.

For all candidates, evidence of research experience (e.g. in the form of a higher degree or equivalent evidence of scientific and academic capability) is considered desirable.

For full details of entry requirements for the STP, including qualifications, scientific skills, transferable skills and physical requirements, please see the person specification on the National School of Healthcare Science’s website.

As a registered clinical scientist

With experience as a registered clinical scientist, you can apply for Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST).

It can be advantageous to have gained some experience of working in a relevant environment before applying for a place on a course or job vacancy. You should always check with the course provider/employer to see what sort of experience is preferred or required.

Find out more about the training you’ll receive and registration for a career in clinical biochemistry.

  • To work in clinical biochemistry, you’ll need:

    • an interest in science and technology, a good academic background and an ability to update and test your knowledge against experience
    • good communication skills and be able to liaise with the healthcare team and also to advise and reassure patients
    • to be comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment
    • meticulous attention to detail and produce highly accurate work even when under pressure
    • good interpersonal skills as you may have direct contact with patients and you must respect their privacy, be sympathetic and have a friendly and professional attitude towards them
    • to be able to work as part of a team.

    If you work in a role with responsibility for resources (such as staff, budgets or equipment) you'll need excellent leadership skills and be able to use your initiative within the remit of your job role.

    If you're applying for a healthcare science role or training position either directly in the NHS or in an organisation that provides NHS services you'll be asked to show how you think the NHS values apply in your everyday work.

    The NHS values form a key part of the NHS Constitution.

    Find out more about the NHS Constitution.

Make a comment or report a problem with this page

Help us improve

This form is for you to tell us about something that could be improved about the website or if there's anything wrong, incorrect or inaccurate with what you see. 

If you have a query about a career in the NHS, please visit our contact us page and call or email us.