Modules

Stage One

Code Title Status Action
Code HLS210 Title Antimicrobial chemotherapy Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS211 Title Clinical presentation and management of infection Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS212 Title Health and safety in microbiological and virological practice Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS213 Title Laboratory aspects of microbiology and virology Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS214 Title The role of microbiology and virology in infection prevention and control Status Compulsory Action View

Stage Two

Information:

The five optional modules are available if the trainee wishes to gain experience in these specific areas.

Code Title Status Action
Code HCC320 Title Developing independent professional practice Status Compulsory Action View
Code HCC321 Title Research, development and innovation Status Compulsory Action View
Code HCC322 Title Training and education Status Compulsory Action View
Code HCC323 Title Leadership and management Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS220 Title Presentation and management of CNS infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS221 Title Presentation and management of respiratory tract infections including infections of the ear, nose and throat ENT Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS222 Title Presentation and management of skin and soft tissue infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS224 Title Presentation and management of gastrointestinal GI infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS225 Title Presentation and management of intra abdominal infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS227 Title Presentation and management of patients in the critical care setting including severe sepsis and septic shock Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS228 Title Presentation and management in the returning traveller and fever of unknown origin Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS229 Title Antimicrobials Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS230 Title Virology Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS231 Title Mycology Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS232 Title Parasitology Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS234 Title Hospital acquired infection and infection control and prevention Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS235 Title Infection management infection in the community Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS236 Title Presentation and management of sexually transmitted infections STI and other infections of the reproductive system Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS237 Title Food water borne and animal associated infection Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS238 Title Health protection and epidemiology Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS239 Title Outbreaks of infection in hospital and the community Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS240 Title Occupational health and infection Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS242 Title Supraregional reference laboratory attachment Status Optional Action View
Code HLS244 Title Anti microbial susceptibility Status Optional Action View
Code HLS245 Title Exotic and dangerous infections Status Optional Action View
Code HLS246 Title Virology attachment in a specialist virology laboratory virus reference laboratory Status Optional Action View
Code HLS247 Title Developing subspecialty skills Status Optional Action View
Code HLS254 Title Presentation and Management of Bone and Joint infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS255 Title Presentation and Management of Cardiovascular Infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS256 Title Molecular Pathology of Infection Presentation and Management of Infections in Immune Compromised Patients Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS257 Title Presentation and Management of Infections in Neonates and Children Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS258 Title Presentation and Management of Infections in Pregnancy Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS259 Title Presentation and Management of Ophthalmic Infections Status Compulsory Action View
Code HLS260 Title Presentation and Management of Urinary Tract Infections Status Compulsory Action View

Programme specification

Details

Programme title
Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST) — Microbiology
Division
Life Sciences
Normal length of programme
5 years
Outcome awards and professional eligibility

Successful candidates will be awarded:

  • Certificate of Completion of the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme. Awarded by the National School of Healthcare Science.
Total credits
540
Mode of study
Work-based with integrated part time DClinSci or FRCPath
Programme accredited by
The Academy for Healthcare Science

Programme aim

The programme has been developed to enable a selected cohort of clinical scientists to be trained to take on the role of a consultant clinical scientist. It is a programme that is both flexible and bespoke to the individual.

It includes the incorporation into the training programme of all or part of a professional doctorate award according to trainee previous experience and qualifications and comprising modules in:

  • High level scientific and clinical knowledge
  • Leadership and professionalism
  • Research and innovation

Expected programme outcomes

On successful completion of the HSST and its underpinning doctoral level academic programme graduates will possess the essential knowledge, skills, experience and attributes required of a Consultant Clinical Scientist in the NHS and will:

  • demonstrate practice that places the patient and the public at the centre of care, prioritising patient safety and dignity and reflecting NHS/health service values, the NHS Constitution and meets the professional standards defined by Good Scientific Practice;
  • demonstrate systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of scientific and clinical knowledge which is at the forefront of healthcare science;
  • possess a breadth of clinical and scientific knowledge across a range of related and relevant science specialties;
  • demonstrate the general ability to conceptualise, design, lead and implement a project for the generation of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of healthcare science;
  • demonstrate an advanced and detailed understanding of applicable methods for research, innovation and advanced academic enquiry;
  • demonstrate the ability to create and interpret new knowledge, through original research or other advanced scholarship, of a quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the healthcare science/specialism, and merit publication;
  • demonstrate advanced critical thinking with a sound grasp and application of research methodology which supports vision and innovation in the application of basic science to health and an effective understanding of leadership, NHS current policy, influencing and advanced communication skills;
  • communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences including patients and the public;
  • demonstrate scientific and clinical leadership based on the continual advancement of their knowledge, skills and understanding through the independent learning required for continuing professional development.

Will be able to:

  • make informed judgements on complex issues in specialist fields, often in the absence of complete data, and be able to communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
  • deal with uncertainty;
  • continue to engage in continuous personal and professional development, resulting in leading the development of new techniques, ensuring innovation and facilitation of transformational change in science and in the service through ideas or approaches that benefit the patient and NHS;
  • engage with contemporary research and analysis as a basis for critical reflection on their own and others’ professional experience and work based practice.

Will have:

  • the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment as a Consultant Clinical Scientist, which requires the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments leading and working within teams

Learning and teaching methods

A blend of methods is used to ensure effective capture of robust evidence relating to the three components of the HSST programme.

The components of the programme are:

  • Acquisition and application of specialist scientific knowledge up to Consultant Clinical Scientist level.
  • Mastery and practice of higher clinical and scientific skills, including professionalism, and the values, behaviours and attitudes expected of leaders in healthcare science.
  • Ability to make a significant contribution to knowledge generation and innovation in healthcare science service and practice.

Assessment methods

  • Portfolio of workplace-based evidence
  • Annual Review of Progression
  • Multi Source Feedback
  • Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) – HSST Final Assessment

Standards of proficiency

To gain entry on to the Higher Specialist Scientist Register you must demonstrate that you are able to practice within the 5 Domains:

  • Domain One: Professional Practice
  • Domain Two: Scientific Practice
  • Domain Three: Clinical Practice
  • Domain Four: Research, Development and Innovation
  • Domain Five: Clinical Leadership

Programme structure

Entry routes and requirements

Entry routes In England there are two routes into the programme

  • Direct entry – Trainees are competitively appointed into a training post funded through the local Health Education England training board
  • In-service entry – Trainees enter the programme with the support of their employers.
Entry requirements For both entry routes, HSST applicants must participate in the national recruitment/assessment process and meet the minimum entry requirements for the academic and work-based programme.

More detailed information on entry routes and requirements can be found on the NSHCS website.