A Detailed Guide to the NHS Scientist Training Programme 2024: with Tips
Updated April 9, 2023
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- What Is the NHS STP?
- Who Can Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme?
- Why Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)?
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- When to Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme 2024?
- What Is the 2024 NHS Scientist Training Programme Application Process?
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- NHS STP Situational Judgment Test Example Questions
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- How to Prepare for the NHS STP
- What Happens After You Successfully Complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
This article explains the basics of the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), including entry requirements and what you might expect as you embark on this three-year course.
An outline is given for the application process of the STP, along with what you can expect as you progress.
The situational judgement test, which you will be expected to take if you pass the early stages, is explained – as well as detailed example questions for this test are offered with a summary of what the ideal answers would be in each scenario.
Several frequently asked questions are also addressed in this article and some final tips for the entire process are given to help you through.
What Is the NHS STP?
The NHS STP, or the NHS Scientist Training Programme, is a three-year work-based training programme designed to prepare science graduates for a career in healthcare science within the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
The programme is run by the National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) and is highly competitive, with a limited number of places available each year.
Trainees are employed by the NHS, and they spend the majority of their time working in clinical or research settings, under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals.
In addition, trainees attend formal classroom-based teaching and complete academic assignments, leading to a professional doctorate qualification upon successful completion of the programme.
The NHS STP offers training in a wide range of healthcare science specialisms,l including:
- Clinical bioinformatics
- Clinical engineering
- Clinical immunology
- Medical physics, and many others
The programme is designed to develop trainees' knowledge and skills in these specialisms, and to provide them with the competencies, practical experience and professional development needed to pursue a successful career in healthcare science.
The NHS STP is highly regarded within the healthcare industry, and it offers a range of benefits to trainees, including a competitive salary, job security and excellent career progression opportunities.
It is an excellent option for science graduates who are looking to develop their careers in healthcare science and who are passionate about improving patient care within the NHS.
Who Can Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme?
The STP is open to both recent graduates and those who have been working in relevant industries for some time.
Due to its competitive nature, strong evidence of research experience is preferred in the Scientist Training Programme application.
Those applying for the STP must have:
- (or expect to obtain) a 1st or 2:1 class undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science-based subject
- Relevant work experience or a strong interest in healthcare science
- Eligibility to work in the UK
It is also possible for you to apply with an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject that is relevant to your applied specialism.
Potentially, applicants with a 2.2 honours degree in any area will be considered if they also have a higher degree relevant to the specialism for which they are applying.
In addition, selection is based on a rigorous assessment process.
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Why Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)?
The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) prepares graduates for a wide range of roles within healthcare science, and the specific role you can apply for will depend on your area of specialization.
Here are some of the types of roles that graduates of the NHS STP can apply for:
- Clinical Bioinformatics Scientist
- Clinical Biochemist
- Clinical Engineer
- Clinical Immunologist
- Clinical Scientist (Genomics)
- Clinical Scientist (Haematology)
- Clinical Scientist (Microbiology)
- Clinical Scientist (Neurosensory Science)
- Clinical Scientist (Reproductive Science)
- Medical Physicist
- Rehabilitation Engineer
- Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist
- Radiation Protection Adviser
Graduates of the NHS STP are also equipped with transferable skills that can be applied to a range of healthcare-related roles, including research, management and teaching.
Many STP graduates go on to pursue senior roles within healthcare science, such as consultant clinical scientists or laboratory managers.
It's worth noting that the specific roles available may depend on the current vacancies and requirements of the NHS and individual employers. However, the NHS STP is widely recognized as a prestigious and rigorous training program, and graduates are in high demand across the healthcare industry.
In addition, there are several compelling reasons why you might want to apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP):
Professional Development
The STP offers a structured and intensive training program that will help you develop your knowledge and skills in healthcare science.
You will receive on-the-job training, formal classroom-based learning and mentoring from experienced healthcare professionals.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will have a professional doctorate qualification that is widely recognized and respected in the healthcare industry.
Career Progression
The STP is designed to prepare you for a career in healthcare science, and the program is highly respected by NHS employers.
As an STP graduate, you will be well-equipped to apply for a wide range of roles within healthcare science, including senior positions such as consultant clinical scientists and laboratory managers.
Job Security
The healthcare industry is growing, and there is a strong demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Completing the STP will give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your job security.
Job Satisfaction
A career in healthcare science can be incredibly rewarding, as you will be directly involved in improving patient outcomes and contributing to the development of new medical technologies and treatments.
Financial Support
The STP offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as financial support for tuition fees and other expenses. This can be particularly beneficial if you are planning to pursue further education or training.
Overall, the STP is an excellent opportunity for science graduates who are passionate about healthcare and are looking to develop their careers in this field.
The program offers a combination of academic learning and practical training that is designed to prepare you for a successful career in healthcare science.
When to Apply for the NHS Scientist Training Programme 2024?
For employees already in service, the application window for the NHS Clinical Scientist Training Programme is between 21 February to 18 April .
For direct entry applicants, the opening date for 2023 was 9 January and that window closed on 23 January.
The assessment period for the SJT was from 6:00 a.m. on 31 January to 2 February 11:59 p.m.
Virtual interviews will happen for 2023 from 15 May (after shortlist and longlist outcomes are released and sub preference/location choices are opened and closed).
It’s worth noting these dates, because for 2024 the application dates will likely be similar.
There will probably be an informational STP Applicants webinar in January of 2024 to further help you plan your application for next year.
What Is the 2024 NHS Scientist Training Programme Application Process?
When you apply for Scientist Training Programmes, the NHS recruitment questions come in two stages.
- Online application
- SJT
You may also be required to take other aptitude tests and sit for group and individual interview, often at an assessment center.
You will be using the Oriel online portal to receive information through the application process, including shortlisting details (this happens after applicants are sorted using algorithms based on your scores and location preference) and to find out if you have passed each stage.
Online Application
This online application is designed to be rigorous.
As well as basic information on yourself and your educational/work history, you can expect questions you need to answer to be around your values and your passion for science and technology.
You may also be asked about your motivations for the STP and how you have been working on your career development.
If you pass this stage, you will be invited to take an online test.
Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
You’ll then take an online situational judgement test.
Situational judgement tests are a helpful tool used by recruiters and organisations to evaluate a person’s behavioural and cognitive abilities.
They check these with hypothetical work-related situations and create a psychological assessment to see if you are suited for the job you are applying to.
It takes 50 minutes to do this particular psychometric test, but you must assign 90 minutes in total, as there is a non-disclosure agreement as well as a tutorial before the test.
There may also be a survey afterwards. Twenty-five scenarios are given with multiple-choice answers presented for each question.
There is no negative marking in the SJT, so you are expected to attempt all questions.
NHS STP Situational Judgment Test Example Questions
Here are some examples to help you prepare.
NHS STP Programme – SJT Example Question
1. Katie and Laura are working on a hospital ward, sharing assignments. After working for a month together, it is obvious that Katie is taking the quickest and easiest tasks, leaving the harder and more challenging tasks to Laura.
If Laura decides to speak with Katie about her concerns regarding how they are distributing the tasks, how would you rate that action?
a) Very appropriate action to take
b) Appropriate, but not ideal
c) It’s neither appropriate nor inappropriate
d) Inappropriate, but not too significant
e) Very inappropriate action to take
2. Amina is working really hard on a lab project. She finds that she is falling behind, despite her best efforts. The deadline is quite soon.
What would be the best thing for her to do in this case?
a) Pull an all-nighter three times in one week to get it all done
b) Ask a colleague for advice
c) Speak to her line manager about getting extra support
d) Take her work home and ask her flatmate to help with some of it
e) Try and keep the delay a secret
3. You are working in a department where recent advances in techniques mean that inpatient stay has dropped from five days to just two. This means that the numbers on your ward are significantly reduced and you now have some free time available. It also means that learning opportunities for you have also been reduced as a result.
What do you do? Rate each of these following options from 1 to 5 (where 5 is Very Appropriate and 1 is Very Inappropriate).
a) Try and keep things tidy in the common areas, but otherwise keep your head down
b) Use the extra time to nap and keep yourself fresh for when you’re needed
c) Ask your manager for extra work, even if it’s out of your rotation
d) Spend the time reading up around the newest developments in your field
e) Complain that you’re being underutilised, and make a point of telling people that you’re better than this
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How to Prepare for the NHS STP
Here are tips on how to prepare for the NHS STP application questions and the situational judgement test.
In terms of practical elements around the SJT, ensure you are in a quiet place, free from interruptions and check you have a stable internet connection.
It helps to be rested and have a stress-free environment when you are preparing for the SJT.
Step 1. Understand the Application and Test Format
The competition for the STP is intense, so reading all the guidelines and instructions is key.
Ensure you meet the requirements when you are writing the reflective statement.
Review the timescales so you can plan and give yourself the appropriate amount of time to do well.
Don’t rush through the application; it’s important to take your time and answer the free-writing questions in as much detail as possible, so that you’re matching your skills and experience to the speciality you are applying for.
Your chosen specialty should be carefully picked and relevant to your academic qualifications as well as your plans for your future career.
You can only apply under one specialty, so before you apply, do as much research as possible on the NHS scientific training programme to ensure you choose the right specialty for yourself.
Step 2. Learn About the NHS Values and Core Skills
The NHS is a big employer and has lots of guidelines on how it expects staff to behave.
The level of detail is more than you would expect for a smaller organisation.
There are six core values that all NHS staff are expected to demonstrate:
- Working together for patients
- Respect and dignity
- Commitment to quality of care
- Compassion
- Improving lives
- Everyone counts – it aims to make sure nobody is excluded, discriminated against or left behind.
For the STP, you must be absolutely committed to healthcare and to providing excellent services to patients and the public.
Entry into the programme is highly competitive, so you have to be focused and able to handle the expectations placed on trainees as part of the selection process.
Step 3. Take Practice Situational Judgement Tests
The more you practise matching your skill set to what is being looked for by the NHS, the better you will do when you apply for Scientist Training Programmes.
Ideally, you will only be applying for roles that are already a good fit so it won’t be too much of a stretch. The more tests you take, under timed pressure, the better you will get at spotting what each question is trying to assess.
For example, if attention to detail is important in your specialty, then pay extra attention to questions that are assessing for this trait and be sure to answer in a way that demonstrates you are great at it.
What Happens After You Successfully Complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme?
After successfully completing the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), trainees receive a professional doctorate qualification and are eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a qualified healthcare science professional.
During the STP, trainees are supported to apply for HCPC registration as soon as they become eligible. This typically occurs towards the end of the second year of the programme, once trainees have completed the majority of their academic and practical training.
Once registered with the HCPC, STP graduates can practice as a healthcare science professional within the NHS or other healthcare settings in the UK.
They can also pursue further training or specialisation within their chosen field of healthcare science.
The STP is highly regarded within the healthcare industry, and successful completion of the programme can open up a range of career opportunities within the NHS and other healthcare organisations.
STP graduates can progress to more senior roles within their chosen specialism, or they can move into more general management or leadership positions within healthcare.
In addition to career opportunities, completing the STP can also provide valuable personal and professional development, including developing specialist knowledge and skills, building a network of contacts within the healthcare industry, and enhancing employability.
The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) provides three years of prestigious work-based learning for science graduates while they work toward a university accredited master’s degree.
Each person’s career development and training programme is made up of several modules detailed in the specific curriculum for your specialty.
This combines core modules, at least four rotations and then specialist modules to provide the skills and knowledge you need to start working as a clinical scientist in your specialty.
The competition for the STP is intense, so reading all the guidelines and instructions is key. Ensure you meet the requirements when you are writing the reflective statement.
Review the timescales so you can plan and give yourself the appropriate amount of time to do well.
Don’t rush through the application; it’s important to take your time and answer the free-writing questions in as much detail as possible so that you’re matching your skills and experience to the speciality you are applying for.
There are several sample SJT questions in the above article. The more tests you take, under timed pressure, the better you will get at spotting what each question is trying to assess.
For example if attention to detail is important in your specialty, then pay extra attention to questions that are assessing for this trait and be sure to answer in a way that demonstrates you are great at it.
The NHS STP lasts three years and takes you through many modules while you work toward a university accredited master’s degree.
There are several stages of the STP application process though, and it is competitive.
For example, there is an online Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which takes 50 minutes to do (but you must assign 90 minutes in total, as there is a non-disclosure agreement, as well as a tutorial before the test. There may also be a survey afterwards).
For the STP you must be absolutely committed to healthcare and to providing excellent services to patients and the public.
Entry into the programme is highly competitive so you have to be focused and able to handle the expectations placed on trainees as part of the selection process.
There are no numbers given specifically for success or failure at the interview stage in particular.
Some general data for the different specialism with ratios of success are to be found on the National School of Healthcare Science website.
According to this guidance on the National School of Healthcare Science, each interviewer will score you independently on a scale of 1 to 5.
You get two scores from each interviewer – one is a total station score, and the other is a communication skills score.
If an interviewer gives you a low score of 1 or 2 for either, you have failed, whatever your total score happens to be.
You must pass all the stations with higher scores than 1s or 2s in order to pass the selection process.
The interview process is rigorous.
You can only apply under one specialty so before you apply, do as much research as possible on the NHS science training programme to ensure you choose the right specialty for yourself – one that you can shine in.
The NHS is a big employer and has lots of guidelines on how it expects staff to behave, so it makes sense to be prepared with information on its core values, for example.
Preparation can also involve doing mock interviews and going over your application to make sure you are highly familiar with everything you have already sent them.
The application period for new applicants in 2023 has now closed – but employees already in service can still apply. For these employees, the application window for the NHS Clinical Scientist Training Programme is between 21 Feb 2023 to 18 April 2023.
Virtual interviews will happen for 2023 from 15 May (after shortlist and longlist outcomes are released and sub preference/location choices are opened and closed).
It’s worth noting these dates, because for 2024 the application dates will likely be similar. There will probably be an informational STP Applicants webinar in January of 2024 to further help you plan your application for next year.
Due to its competitive nature, strong evidence of research experience is preferred in the Scientist Training Programme application.
Those applying for the STP must have a 1st or 2:1 class undergraduate honours degree. It is also possible for you to apply with an integrated master’s degree in a pure or applied science subject that is relevant to your applied specialism.
Potentially, applicants with a 2:2 honours degree in any area will be considered if they also have a higher degree relevant to the specialism for which they are applying.
Trainees only get a maximum of three tries to pass the STP final assessment – that’s within a two-year time-frame.
The two years starts on the date you first take the final assessment component of the Scientist Training Programme.
It does exclude any breaks from your training that were recognised by the NHS.
If you do need to resit, you will get supportive and constructive feedback from the assessors to help you work out which areas you need to work on for the next attempt.
The purpose of the STP is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and experience that are necessary for a newly-qualified NHS clinical scientist.
The aim is that they can then take on complicated science-based and clinical roles, picking well between investigative and clinical options and making strong judgements about complex scenarios to support the NHS and its goals.
This article above explains the basics of the NHS Scientist Training Programme, including entry requirements and what you might expect as you embark on this three-year course.
An outline is given for the application process of the STP, along with what you can expect as you progress.
If you make an application for the NHS STP, you can practise some medical SJT examples above and learn more by doing general tests. (The more you take under timed pressure, the better you will get at spotting what each question is trying to assess).
Final Thoughts
This article has covered the NHS Scientist Training Programme application process and has given some strong examples of Situational Judgement Questions you might face.
Practising SJTs, as well as preparing well for the NHS STP application questions, are essential first steps if you want to do well in that application process.
There are several values you will want to embody as you make your application to become an NHS trainee clinical scientist.
Remember to be careful and detailed in your research for the NHS Clinical Scientist Training Programme – especially when you pick your specialism, as it’s highly competitive, and it recruits only the best fits for its course.
