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Overview of Clinical Immunology in the NHS

Clinical Scientists in Immunology currently train ‘on the job’ in the NHS. Trainees enter the Immunology training scheme with a good degree in science and perhaps also a PhD. They work in an NHS diagnostic laboratory and learn all about the assays offered by Immunology laboratories, including the techniques used, the underlying science, and the clinical implications. The training scheme includes a part-time MSc in Medical Immunology.

The training scheme prepares trainees to apply for state registration as a Clinical Scientist. This is a protected title that can only be used by registered professionals and is awarded by the Health Professions Council.

Pre-registration Training

How do I apply for a training post in Clinical Immunology?

In England and Wales, pre-registration training posts are advertised on the website of The Recruitment Centre for Clinical Scientists or on the NHS jobs website. Training posts are usually advertised early in the year (Jan/Feb), and candidates need to have a relevant science degree. For further information or to apply, please visit the Recruitment Centre website. Recruitment is different in Scotland and Northern Ireland – please contact Dr Liz Furrie for advice on jobs in Scotland and Dr. Alistair Crockard for advice on jobs in Northern Ireland.

Pre-registration training in Clinical Immunology

The pre-registration training scheme in Clinical Immunology is overseen by the Immunology Professional Committee of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry.

Trainees are based at one hospital and have a designated supervisor who is responsible for over-seeing their training. Trainees may expect to spend the majority of their time at the bench, particularly in the first two years, learning the various tests offered by Immunology laboratories. They also attend an MSc in Medical Immunology, and may go on placements to other hospitals or laboratories at the discretion of their supervisor in order to gain a broad experience of Clinical Immunology. Trainees are expected to learn the various assays offered by routine Immunology laboratories and to understand the scientific basis of these assays and their clinical implications.

Trainees should fill in the training logbook over the course of their training and collect supporting evidence as well as writing case studies to illustrate learning points. There is an annual assessment day at which all pre-registration trainees present their logbooks and evidence of progress and discuss their training to date.

At the end of their training, trainees are awarded the Certificate of Competence. To obtain this, trainees present their completed log book and a supporting file of evidence including case studies and have an oral examination. Trainees may apply for their Certificate of Competence at any time after 2 ˝ years training at their supervisor’s discretion.

In order to be registered as a Clinical Scientist, trainees apply for the Certificate of Attainment which is awarded by the Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS). There are two routes for applying for this certificate. Route 1 requires four complete years of training in the NHS. Route 2 requires three complete years of training in the NHS and a relevant PhD. For each route, a portfolio of evidence is created according to the guidelines on the ACS website and submitted to the ACS. The applicant is then examined by two Immunology Assessors. Once the ACS Certificate of Attainment has been awarded, the successful applicant can submit this to the Health Professions Council for registration.

Post-registration Training

Post-registration training in Clinical Immunology

Registered clinical scientists in Immunology are employed directly by their NHS Trust and contribute to the day-to-day running of the Immunology laboratory. Provision for study and training varies between posts. The post-registration training scheme provides a framework to help trainees prepare for the FRCPath exams and consists of a curriculum created by the ACB Education Committee and the Royal College of Pathologists Joint Committee on Pathology Training and a logbook. Details for the FRCPath exams can be found on the Royal College of Pathologists website.