Infection science focuses on such areas as clinical microbiology, immunology, parasitology and virology.
There are two entry points - with A-levels in at least two subjects (including science) or equivalent level-3 qualifications to apply for an accredited BSc degree in healthcare science (infection sciences) to enter the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP) or through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) for which 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
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. If you work in infection sciences, you will typically be in a post between AfC bands 5 and 9, depending on the precise role and level of responsibility. As a healthcare science practitioner, you’d usually start on band 5, with opportunities to progress to more senior positions. 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. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
An interest in science and technology, good communication skills, comfortable using modern technology and complex equipment, attention to detail, good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a team.
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.
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Psychiatrists working in intellectual disability assess and treat people with intellectual or learning disabilities.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine and two years of foundation training. You'll then do three years of core training (CT1-CT3), followed by three years of specialist training (ST3-ST6). This period of training will include completing your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.
Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends. You’ll first earn a salary when you start your foundation training after medical school. The basic salary ranges from £29,384 to £34,012. Once you start your specialty training as a intellectual disability psychiatrist employed by the NHS, you can expect to earn a salary of at least £40,257, which can increase to between £84,559 and £114,003 as a consultant.
You'll need compassion, empathy and the ability to understand and respect people with intellectual disability. Excellent listening skills, patience and the willingness to build relationship with patients and carers are essential. You'll also need emotional resilience and good problem solving and decision making skills. Excellent communication skills and good team working are also needed with the. ability to lead and manage others effectively.
In 2021, there were 254 consultants in psychiatry of intellectual disability working in the NHS in England. In 2020, there were 30 applications for 52 training places. You could specialise or conduct research, teach medical students or postgraduate students in training or get involved in research at universities, the NHS or private sector.
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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, such as physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology or sports science (if there is significant scientific content). 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. To apply for Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST), you’ll need to be a registered and experienced clinical scientist.
NHS staff will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern. Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. Trainee clinical scientists train at band 6 level, and qualified clinical scientists are generally appointed at band 7. With experience and further qualifications, including Higher Specialist Scientist Training, you could apply for posts up to band 9. Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.
An interest in science and technology, a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach, confidence using modern technology and complex equipment, attention to detail and able to work as part of a team.
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.