NHS Clinical Scientist Recruitment

My advice is to sit down tonight and just get them out of the way - really not worth stressing yourself out about them anymore than you have to.

There were approximately 20 questions per test, with approx 20 mins per test when I sat them - although someone who has done them this year would be a better source of information!

Hey, there are 20 numerical to do in 20 minutes. And then 24 logical in (I think) 12 mins. Just take the plunge and do them! There is only so much prep you can do

Thanks guys Just making sure it's the same as last year!

Yeah I know that's probably the best way...I applied last year when I was in final year and had so much to do that I just didn't worry about it and ended up getting an interview...now I don't have any uni work to worry about so I've gone into stress mode! Silly really

I'm gutted there are no micro posts in London or Home Counties! What is everyone opinions on choosing 2 specialisms? I know in previous years iv seen posts that it was frowned upon as the applicant didn't seem focused but this year they've stated it as an option, surely they wouldn't see it in a negative light?




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I'm gutted there are no micro posts in London or Home Counties! What is everyone opinions on choosing 2 specialisms? I know in previous years iv seen posts that it was frowned upon as the applicant didn't seem focused but this year they've stated it as an option, surely they wouldn't see it in a negative light?
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I put biochemsitry then microbiology. I really hope it doesn't count against me. I put two to maximise my chances but I want biochemsitry a lot more!

It won't. If you apply for two you're measured individually on each specialty. I for the specialism I worked in and another one that interested me. I was offered a position in the second specialism because I fluffed the interview for the first. They asked me a very basic specialist question and I went blank. They didn't even know I'd applied and interviewed for two.

What are you applying for? I've done clinical biochemistry. Do they give feedback after the interview?

Ahh cool, are there many posts for that one? I'm applying for cardiac science Nope, last year they said there were too many people to give us all feedback...I knew where I went wrong in mine though so I've tried to improve for this year!

Uh 17 in total, but I've applied for locations which total up to 7 I think! I guess that's understandable, even getting to interview is pretty impressive. It's going to be so hard to put it to the back of my mind until march!

Uh 17 in total, but I've applied for locations which total up to 7 I think! I guess that's understandable, even getting to interview is pretty impressive. It's going to be so hard to put it to the back of my mind until march!

You've applied for 7 locations? I thought you could only apply to 3 for each specialty, so total applications would be 6 pet person?

Do you mind me asking what experience you have for cardiac science? It looks pretty interesting i would like it as my second choice specialty but my application is going to be micro based i don't know whether I'd have a better chance having a blood science/more lab based role as my second choice?


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Oh just a heads up - Was talking to someone from the NSHCS the other day and I think the entire process should be noticeably quicker this year (hopefully to avoid interviews during finals). Not sure If they've told you the interview dates yet?

Oh, sorry for the confusion. I meant the for locations I chose there were 7 posts in total - like 4 in the West Midlands etc for biochemistry.

I am applying for biochemistry and then microbiology as my second choice. I think you might have me confused with one of the other members.

I know it's hard to tell as they said a lot of people before got rejected if they put choices that didn't link in with each other as it made people look unfocussed. But micro and cardiac are more related than say micro and medical physics...
I was dubious about putting a second choice when I heard that, but I put one down anyway.

Oh sorry, Im using my phone and quoted the wrong comment! Yeah I'm still deciding on my second choice, I don't want to ruin my chances of micro but tryin to not make my app too micro based but I don't want to waste a choice on cardiac if I have a better chance of a lab based role as all my experience is lab based...
If there was more than 5 micro posts nationwide I would feel alot more confident!


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Yeah I know what you mean. I have a much stronger chance for biochem and could've tailored my application to it more, but I didn't want to not have a chance for something else if I didn't get my first choice.

Tbh I don't see how many people would have much cardiac experience. What's your degree, out of interest?

I have a biomedical degree and 5 years lab experience most of which is micro but I don't have any cardiac experience just a year as a HCA which I guess is relevant for patient contact at least... What's your experience like for biochem?


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Oh wow, that's tonnes more experience than me!

I am studying biochemistry (in my final year) and I did a Clinical Biochemistry module last semester. I have worked in the NHS before: in an admin role and then got paid work there in the lab this last summer. Hoping it's enough

To be fair, I know someone who got on the scheme last year straight out of uni with no experience so it's not the be all and end all!
As long as you meet the specifications in the application questions and sell yourself in the interview you've got a good chance! Good luck anyway!


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