Modernising Scientific Careers
Encyclopedia
Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC), led by the Chief Scientific Officer, is UK-wide government initiative to address the training and education needs of the whole healthcare science workforce in the National Health Service
(NHS). This aims to introduce flexibility, sustainability and modern career pathways for the healthcare science workforce, so that this meets the future needs of the NHS.
at the Department of Health
, Professor Sue Hill
OBE on behalf of the four countries of the UK. It is analagous to the Modernising Medical Careers
scheme for doctor training.
The genesis of MSC came from a series of stakeholder consultation events in early 2008 and the June 2008 report 'A High Quality Workforce', part of the Darzi Review
of the NHS.
This led to the publication of a policy consultation document at the end of 2008, which outlined a revised training structure for the 50,000 plus healthcare scientists in the NHS, providing a single coherent framework for all the healthcare science disciplines.
The final policy proposals were published in February 2010 in the document 'Modernising Scientific Careers: The UK Way Forward'
This includes qualifications and awards and arrangements for assessment of previous 'equivalent' education and skills.
The Health Directorate of the Scottish Government has agreed to participate in the UK-wide framework for healthcare science education and training, while retaining the best of current Scottish practice. NHS Education for Scotland
is leading on the work for Scotland and is participating on the UK-wide Healthcare Science Education and Training Board arrangements.
National Health Service (England)
The National Health Service or NHS is the publicly funded healthcare system in England. It is both the largest and oldest single-payer healthcare system in the world. It is able to function in the way that it does because it is primarily funded through the general taxation system, similar to how...
(NHS). This aims to introduce flexibility, sustainability and modern career pathways for the healthcare science workforce, so that this meets the future needs of the NHS.
Background & history
Modernising Scientific Careers is a scheme led by the Chief Scientific OfficerChief Scientific Officer (England)
The Chief Scientific Officer in England is the head of profession for the 53,000 healthcare scientists working in the National Health Service and its associated bodies....
at the Department of Health
Health department
A health department or health ministry is a part of government which focuses on issues related to the general health of the citizenry. Subnational entities, such as states, counties and cities, often also operate a health department of their own...
, Professor Sue Hill
Sue Hill
Sue Hill OBE has been the Chief Scientific Officer for England since October 2002. -Professional and academic background:Hill's professional background is as a healthcare scientist in the National Health Service specialising in respiratory medicine...
OBE on behalf of the four countries of the UK. It is analagous to the Modernising Medical Careers
Modernising Medical Careers
Modernising Medical Careers is a programme for postgraduate medical training introduced in the UK from 2005 onwards. The programme replaced the traditional grades of medical career before the level of Consultant. The different stages of the programme contribute towards a "Certificate of...
scheme for doctor training.
The genesis of MSC came from a series of stakeholder consultation events in early 2008 and the June 2008 report 'A High Quality Workforce', part of the Darzi Review
of the NHS.
This led to the publication of a policy consultation document at the end of 2008, which outlined a revised training structure for the 50,000 plus healthcare scientists in the NHS, providing a single coherent framework for all the healthcare science disciplines.
The final policy proposals were published in February 2010 in the document 'Modernising Scientific Careers: The UK Way Forward'
Key elements
There are four main elements to Modernising Scientific careers:- introduction of a new simplified healthcare science career pathway at all stages of the career framework
- new training and education programmes, incorporating both academic and workplace-based training.
This includes qualifications and awards and arrangements for assessment of previous 'equivalent' education and skills.
- identification of regulatory implications for changing education and training
- supporting delivery of the changes. This includes improving communication strategies, workforce planning , and education commissioning together with ensuring sustainable funding arrangements
Career stages
The new MSC career pathway has four stages:- Assistants and Associates
- Practitioner Training Programe (PTP) - Batchelor-level education
- Scientist Training Programme (STP) - Masters-level education
- Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST) - Doctoral level
Implementation in devolved administrations
ScotlandThe Health Directorate of the Scottish Government has agreed to participate in the UK-wide framework for healthcare science education and training, while retaining the best of current Scottish practice. NHS Education for Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland
NHS Education for Scotland is a special board with a remit to promote learning and education for NHS Staff.NES is responsible for supporting NHS services delivered to the people of Scotland by developing and delivering education and training for those who work in NHSScotland....
is leading on the work for Scotland and is participating on the UK-wide Healthcare Science Education and Training Board arrangements.