• Introduction
• Why Biochemistry?
• What do we do?
• Inside the lab
• In-Service Training
• Career Path
• Registration
• FAQ

Training to be a Clinical Scientist

In-service Training

As indicated earlier, Clinical Biochemists in Trainee and Senior posts will spend time studying for further professional qualifications, generally the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath). Possession of FRCPath is regarded as an indication of an individual's competence to take independent charge of a hospital Department. Candidates without a higher professional qualification are unlikely to be promoted to Consultant level (Band 8/9). The examining body for the Royal College of Pathologists requires candidates to have a period of experience in a laboratory recognised for training before admission to the examination for Fellowship.

An ideal training laboratory would provide wide-ranging experience in most aspects of the subject, with opportunities for secondment to specialised laboratories. Adequate library facilities, a good record of scientific publications and a group of senior staff with higher professional and academic qualifications are also important. Not all laboratories are recognised as providing sufficiently broad experience, and new entrants should ask about accreditation for training before accepting a post. The Association for Clinical Biochemistry assesses and approves Pre Registration training schemes, and also runs a series of national training courses and organises scientific meetings both regionally and nationally to enable clinical biochemists to maintain professional development. In many areas of the country, local courses are organised which provide training and enable new entrants to meet other trainees. Clinical Biochemists also attend and participate in national and international scientific meetings in their areas of specialist interest. Study leave and financial assistance with training and scientific activities are available in most cases.

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