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 multiple entry routes to the Medical Scientist profession:

  • Undergraduate BSc in Medical Science
  • Undergraduate BSc in Biomedical Science
  • Higher Diploma in Medical Science

CORU, the regulatory body, will provide you with information on approved qualifications. Additional information can be found on ACSLM website or by visiting the Careers Portal.

Candidates who qualified outside of Ireland can find additional information here. Where CORU has determined that a compensatory measure is required, details on Periods of Adaptation are available here.

If you qualified outside of Ireland/EU additional information on The Test of Professional Competence (ToPC) can be found by visiting CORU here.

medical scientist holding vials in a laboratory

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 usually work 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.

group of medical scientists

Career progression

There are many ways for you to progress in your career:

  • Become a Senior Medical Scientist or a Specialist Medical Scientist
  • Specialise in a specific area, like medical microbiology, haematology, clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, clinical immunology.

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 also opportunities available for education roles across the Health and Social Care professions.

medical scientist holding vials in a laboratory

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.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest information about the profession through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

medical scientist working in a lab

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

Please click on the below link to find out more about the Medical Scientist role:

Megan Chann, Student Medical Scientist.

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.

 

medical scientist's working in a lab