Gastrointestinal physiology [2] concerns any part of the digestive tract from the oesophagus to the anus and also of the liver, biliary tract and the pancreas.
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, 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 clinical scientist with some relevant experience.
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.
You’ll need a mature, calm, confident but sympathetic approach; confidence with technology, systems and processes; an interest in science and technology; meticulous 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.
Related roles
Nuclear medicine [7]
Doctors in nuclear medicine use radioactive substances to examine, diagnose and treat patients with life-threatening or chronic conditions.
Training usually starts with a five year first degree in medicine. 2 years foundation doctor training, 2 years core training (CT1-2), followed by 6 years specialists training (ST3-8). This period of training will include 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 doctor in nuclear medicine 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 excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, and patients and their families. You'll be emotionally resilient, have excellent problem-solving and diagnostic skills and work well in teams and under pressure. You'll also be very organised for the benefit of patients.
In 2021, there were 63 consultants in nuclear medicine in NHS England. In addition, there were 16 applications for three specialty training places. You could specialise or conduct research or
teach medical students and postgraduate students in training.