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For the NHS Scientist Training Programme you’ll need a 1st or 2.1 either in an undergraduate honours degree or an integrated master’s degree in a relevant pure or applied science subject. If you have a relevant 2.2 honours degree, you’ll also be considered if you have a higher degree in a subject relevant to the specialism for which you are applying. Evidence of research experience is desirable. Experience of working in a caring role (e.g. through previous professional work such as nursing/midwifery or in a voluntary capacity) is highly desirable, and candidates are unlikely to be shortlisted onto the STP without this. As genomic counselling involves working with individuals in emotive circumstances, it can be helpful to spend some time working in similar settings anyway, prior to training to help determine whether this is the right career for you.

Genetic/genomic counsellors are covered by Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. As a trainee genetic/genomic counsellor, your starting salary would typically be AfC band 6. Once qualified and working as an autonomous practitioner, you would typically receive a salary at AfC band 7-9.Staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. There may occasionally be unsociable hours but this is unusual. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

A career in genetic/genomic counselling is well suited to those with a strong interest in genetic science but also with well-developed people skills who would prefer to work in a patient-facing role to combine genomics education and counselling. Many of those who apply for the training for genomic counselling have undertaken short counselling courses.You’ll need excellent communication and counselling skills to support and empower people at emotionally difficult times as they adjust to the genetic condition in them or their family.

With further training, experience or both, you may be able to develop your career and apply for vacancies in areas of further specialism, management, research or teaching. Genetic/genomic counsellors have a structured career progression that takes them to principal and then consultant positions (AfC band 8a-9).

There are no set entry requirements but employers expect good literacy and numeracy. They may ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) in maths and Englis and an interest and ability in one or more areas of arts or crafts, such as art, music, drama, cookery, gardening, photography etc. They may also ask for a qualification in health or social care and experience in working in the arts in a care or therapy setting. This could be from paid or voluntary work. Some staff enter by working as healthcare assistants or occupational therapy assistants in jobs which may include creative therapies. You will be given the training you need to do the job, including an introduction to the department and its procedures. You will also have training in relevant issues such as mental health or disability.

Creative therapies support staff working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. Job titles vary and it all depends on the exact role you're working in. However, you would typically start on AfC band 2 or 3. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions. Most staff in roles related to the creative therapies in the NHS work standard hours which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings or weekends. Terms and conditions will usually be different for creative therapies support staff working outside of the NHS.

Staff in roles related to the creative therapies need to be creative, patient and caring, able to motivate people, accepting of other people’s lifestyles, willing to work with people from all walks of life, happy to talk to and work with groups, flexible, able to work in a team but use their own initiative, able to follow procedures and able to deal with people with challenging behaviour. They also need arts and crafts skills, good communication skills and good organisational skills.

You could apply for more senior roles - such as an activities team leader or supervisor, or train as an art, music or dramatherapist, or as an occupational therapist.