Histopathology comes from the Greek word 'histos' meaning tissue.
If you work in histopathology, you’ll be involved in the microscopic examination of tissue samples.
Working life
You’ll receive, dissect and prepare tissues for examination and diagnosis to reveal the structure of tissues and cells. This enables clinicians to see what the likely course and outcome of a disease such as cancer will be.
You’ll work in a laboratory setting as a clinical scientist, where you’ll use traditional chemical stains, immunological procedures and, increasingly, new molecular specialist techniques, to help distinguish healthy tissue from abnormal tissue, cells and infective agents.
Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. As a clinical scientist in histopathology, you could be earning between AfC bands 6-9, depending on your role and level of responsibility. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, you could apply for posts up to band 9.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern.
Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
With further training or experience or both, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for vacancies in areas such as further specialisation, management, research, or teaching.
Healthcare science staff often work at the forefront of research and innovation, so that patients are continually receiving the very best healthcare. For example, in histopathology, healthcare science staff are involved in researching causes and treatments of different types of cancer.
When you’re looking for vacancies check vacancies carefully to be sure you can meet the requirements of the person specification before applying and to find out what the application process is.
For the NHS STP is an annual recruitment cycle. Applications usually open in early January for the intake in the following autumn and should be made through the National School of Healthcare Science website, where you can also find information about the programme and the recruitment process.
Job vacancies in organisations delivering NHS healthcare can be found on the NHS Jobs website
Volunteering is an excellent way of gaining experience (especially if you don’t have enough for a specific paid job you’re interested in) and also seeing whether you’re suited to a particular type of work. It’s also a great way to boost your confidence and you can give something back to the community.
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