Modules

Core

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-C1 Title Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science Credits 20 Year Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C2 Title Research Skills in Healthcare Science Credits 10 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C3 Title STP Project Credits 60 Year 3 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-C4 Title Individual Professional Development Credits 0 Year Status Compulsory Action View

Rotation

Information:

Each rotation should last 4 to 8 weeks in the workplace

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-CS-R1 Title Introduction to Cardiac Science Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-CS-R2 Title Introduction to Electrocardiogram Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-V-R1 Title Introduction to Vascular Science Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-RS-R1 Title Introduction to Respiratory and Sleep Science Credits 10 Year 1 Status Compulsory Action View

Specialist

Information:

Core Cardiac Science
Either:
Electrophysiology Procedures & Cardiac Rhythm Management
or
Imaging

Code Title Credits Phase Status Action
Code S-CS-S1 Title Cardiac Core Credits 20 Year 2 Status Compulsory Action View
Code S-CS-S2 Title Electrophysiology Procedures & Cardiac Rhythm Management Credits 30 Year 3 Status Optional Action View
Code S-CS-S3 Title Imaging (Echocardiography) Credits 30 Year 3 Status Optional Action View

Programme specification

Details

Programme title
Cardiac, Critical Care, Vascular and Respiratory and Sleep Sciences - Cardiac Science
Division
Physiological Sciences
Normal length of programme
3 years
Outcome awards and professional eligibility

Successful candidates will be awarded:

  • MSc in Clinical Science (awarded by the relevant Higher Education Institute).
  • Certificate of Completion of the Scientist Training Programme (CCSTP). Awarded by the National School of Healthcare Science

Which provides eligibility to:

  • Apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Clinical Scientist.
Total credits
180
Mode of study
Work-based with integrated part time MSc
Programme accredited by
The Health and Care Professions Council

Programme aim

To provide clinical scientist trainees with strong science-based, patient-centred clinical training in Cardiac, Critical Care, Vascular and Respiratory and Sleep Sciences.

Programme level learning outcomes

Cardiac Science

  1. Apply the principles of patient-centred care and shared decision making in the diagnosis and management of patients with cardiovascular conditions.
  2. Demonstrate safe and accurate use of assessment techniques in the diagnosis of cardiovascular conditions.
  3. Demonstrate safe and effective use of medical devices in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiovascular conditions.
  4. Practice in accordance with the currently available guidance and evidence-base.
  5. Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers, Healthcare Professionals and stakeholders.
  6. Evaluate research and innovation in order to implement techniques and new technologies to assess and manage patients with cardiovascular conditions.
  7. Demonstrate a working understanding of the wider health and social context in which they practice, and patients’ experience of care investigations and interventions.
  8. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills in processing information and data to aid in patient care and service improvement.
  9. Formulate and communicate accurate and timely reports in line with legislation and accepted standards.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Work-based learning
  • Academic study

Assessment methods

Workplace-based assessments documented in an e-portfolio including:

  • Training Activities
  • Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS)
  • Observed Communication Events (OCE)
  • Case-Based Discussions (CBD)

Academic Assessment set by the Higher Education Institute delivering the MSc

Final Assessment

Programme structure

Phases indicate the order modules should be completed in.
The next phase can be started in the same year, e.g. phase 2 can be started in year 1.

Phase Modules Credits
Throughout Professional Foundations of Healthcare and Clinical Science

Individual Professional Development

20

 

0

1 Rotation modules 40
2 Research Skills in Healthcare Science

Specialist module(s)

10

20

3 STP Project

Specialist module(s)

60

30

Total Credits 180

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, STP applicants must participate in the national recruitment process and meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme.
Programme regulations Attendance requirements:

As employees of their host organisation, trainees are required to attend the workplace as required by their employer.

Trainees are required to attend all sessions as specified by the Higher Education Institute.

This specification provides a concise summary of the main feature of the programme and the learning outcomes expected of a threshold Clinical Scientist. More detailed information on module-specific learning outcomes, learning and assessment methods is available in the relevant module pages.  More detailed information on entry routes and requirements can be found on the NSHCS website.

Information on trainee support can be found on the NSHCS website.

Updated December 2023