How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which may help when looking for work or an apprenticeship.
Courses include:
- applied science
- biology, chemistry, maths or physics
- T Level in Healthcare Science
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You can apply to do a Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You can also do a Healthcare Science Associate Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you have A levels or equivalent qualifications.
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with classroom learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You may have an advantage when applying for jobs or an apprenticeship if you have volunteering experience in health or social care.
You can also find volunteering opportunities through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need:
- good literacy, numeracy and IT skills
- an understanding of medical terminology
- some experience of working in a healthcare or lab setting
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Registration
you could register with the Academy for Healthcare Science to demonstrate your professional skills and competence
Further information
You can find out more about working as a healthcare science assistant from Health Careers.