What is Healthcare Science?

Healthcare Science is a profession which covers a broad range of disciplines in healthcare. There are more than 50 separate specialisms, and Healthcare Scientists are involved in 80% of all clinical decisions within the NHS. Healthcare Scientists work mainly within the NHS, but also within academia, research and private industry.

There are three main areas of Healthcare Science, and these are:

Life Sciences & Genomics

Life Sciences includes professionals working within Pathology and Genomics laboratories. It also includes Reproductive Science and Genomic Counselling. Healthcare Scientists working in these areas are usually registered as Biomedical Scientists or Clinical Scientists with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Healthcare Scientists working in these areas work with a range of colleagues, including Pathologists, Associate and Assistant Practitioners, Anatomical Pathology Technicians and Admin & Clerical staff.

Physiological Sciences

Physiological Sciences includes professionals working in a wide range of specialisms, including Cardiac Physiology, Audiology, Gastrointestinal Physiology, Neurophysiology and Respiratory Physiology. Healthcare Scientists working in these areas may be registered as Clinical Scientists with the HCPC, or they may hold voluntary registration. Healthcare Scientists working in these areas tend to be in patient facing roles and work with a range of colleagues, including specialty doctors, Nurses and Physiotherapists.

Physical Sciences & Clinical Engineering

Physical Sciences includes professionals working within Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering. Healthcare Scientists working in these areas may be registered with the HCPC as a Clinical Scientist, or they may hold voluntary registration. Healthcare Scientists working in these areas work with a range of colleagues, including Radiologists and other specialty doctors and Radiographers.

More information can be found about all of these areas, and the roles that Healthcare Scientists perform within them on the NHS Careers website