How do I become a Medical Scientist?

Medical Science is a rewarding profession, where you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Through laboratory work and analysis of samples, you have the real prospect to positively contribute to a patient’s journey, leading to enhanced health outcomes enabling one to live a more satisfying and meaningful life.

There are three CORU approved undergraduate courses in Ireland, and there are also postgraduate entry courses available to students who have a relevant Level 8 BSc.  All courses include clinical laboratory placement where students spend 6 weeks in each laboratory discipline.

Additional Information on approved qualifications by CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professional careers can be found here.

Further information can be found on ACSLM website or by visiting the Careers Portal.

If you have qualified outside of Ireland, you will find further information here

Your role with the HSE

Once qualified you will need to register with CORU who are the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals (HSCP) including Medical Scientists.

Medical Scientists are part of a clinical workforce called Health and Social Care Professionals, who work together with medical and nursing colleagues as a team in the delivery of clinical, therapeutic and social care.

Medical Scientists work in healthcare, usually in hospital laboratories and work in a service used by the entire population at some stage of their lives. They are involved in the analysis of patient samples in order to diagnose disease and inform treatment options as well as ongoing monitoring of the patient’s condition. It has been estimated that 70% of diagnoses by clinicians are made as a result of tests carried out by laboratory services.

The clinical services that underpin laboratory medicine include Cellular Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology, Medical Microbiology and Virology, Transfusion and Transplantation Science, Immunology, Molecular Diagnostics and Point of Care Testing.

Career progression

As with all careers in the HSE, there are great opportunities for career advancement. Continuous professional development is available, encouraged and supported.

Medical scientist training is continuous and at least 70% of medical scientists in Ireland have a Master’s degree and/or a PhD. Increasingly, medical scientists also hold the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in the discipline most relevant to their area of practice.

Career progression pathways

Clinical pathway:

  • Staff Grade Medical Scientist
  • Senior Medical Scientist
  • Specialist Medical Scientist.

Management pathway:

  • Chief Medical Scientist
  • Laboratory Manager.

Educational pathway:

There are opportunities available across the Health and Social Care professions for educational roles.

Further training and development

The HSCP Office is responsible for Leadership, Education and Continuing Professional Development of HSCPs working in the HSE

HSeLand is the HSE portal which offers an array of training & development opportunities delivered either online or in a classroom style setting. Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting the HSCP Hub on www.hseland.ie.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is one of the key mechanisms for maintaining HSCPs professional knowledge and skills. CORU’s requires Medical Scientists to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. For more information please visit CPD Medical Scientist

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, friendly colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.