NHS Scientist Training Programme 2018 Applicants

Original post by BioScix

I know the 2016 breakdown has been posted already, but I just found last years. It’s here if anyone wants it!

Wow, that's extremely depressing haha.

Reply 46

sjurczak1

Original post by kateBEE

Hi, thanks to any current trainees for offering to answer questions!I was just wondering how you found the online tests (both logical and numerical)?Did you complete the practice tests provided - and if so how did they compare?

I just googled and did all the variations I coul find of numerical and logical reasoning. The real ones are harder and seem to have more possible answers that you have to scroll through, which is annoying. But the practice ones online get you used to the time pressure!

Reply 47

Hello_x

4

Original post by sjurczak1

I just googled and did all the variations I coul find of numerical and logical reasoning. The real ones are harder and seem to have more possible answers that you have to scroll through, which is annoying. But the practice ones online get you used to the time pressure!

Hi,

Which training programme are you doing? I would really like to get onto the programme one day. I am currently a final year undergraduate student. I am not sure if my degree (Biomedical Materials Science) is sufficient for trainee cardiac physiology. I also have not experience in clinical setting. How would I stand out. I also think I would flop the tests as I didn't get an interview for NHS managment grad scheme. I will practice a lot for this one? Do you think I should do masters before applying. Did you get accepted straight away as in the first time you applied?

Thank you

Reply 48

sjurczak1

Original post by Hello_x

Hi,

Which training programme are you doing? I would really like to get onto the programme one day. I am currently a final year undergraduate student. I am not sure if my degree (Biomedical Materials Science) is sufficient for trainee cardiac physiology. I also have not experience in clinical setting. How would I stand out. I also think I would flop the tests as I didn't get an interview for NHS managment grad scheme. I will practice a lot for this one? Do you think I should do masters before applying. Did you get accepted straight away as in the first time you applied?

Thank you

Hi, I’m 1st year reproductive science, I was very determined to be an embryologist so was set on that choice. It might be worth contacting the school to see if that would be a relevant degree, if not then you may have no choice but to do a relevant masters. Contact departments to try and shadow to make sure you’re certain this is the career path for you, as they want people that are sure. If you applied to the grad scheme, perhaps you aren’t quite sure what you want to do? This may then come across in your application. A masters or PhD is only 1 extra point in the total application score out of 60 so is not essential however can be positive experience. I got on to the programme the 2nd time trying after a few different jobs, and it’s been 4 years since I finished my undergrad. Hope some of that helps!

Reply 49

8154EPower

2

Hi, I am planning on applying for the programme this year. I am currently in my 3rd year of a BSc Sport and Exercise Science Degree and am looking into Cardiac Science or Respiratory Science.Does anyone know if there are a certain number of places for each specialism?

Reply 50

kateBEE

5

Original post by sjurczak1

Hi ... A masters or PhD is only 1 extra point in the total application score out of 60 ...

Hi, where does this scoring out of 60 come from? is it possible to fine out more information? Thanks

Reply 51

sjurczak1

Original post by kateBEE

Hi, where does this scoring out of 60 come from? is it possible to fine out more information? Thanks

You get a mark out of 60 for your application, I’m not sure what the other criteria are but the person spec is probably good to look at. You don’t find out your mark til the end of the process after interview.

Reply 52

Hello,

I am first year Respiratory and Sleep sciences STP student. From this year, there was only 4 places for critical care but well over 30/40 for cardiac.

I finished my degree in Sports Science and started work as a band 3, then 4 assistant respiratory physiologist- very similar to what you have done. This was extremely helpful for experience for the application, and especially the interview (particularly if you're working in the field you're applying for). As many candidates do not have any experience at all. But, do not be put of if you have limited experience, they are looking for candidates with potential not the finished item.

If you want any help or advice let me know.

Good luck in the application process!

Original post by Changing Skies

Hey

I thought I'd start a thread for any potential NHS STP applicants. Obviously applications don't open for another couple of months but I thought it would be good to set one up.

I'm not entirely sure if I'm applying this cycle or the one after, I feel my application would maybe be stronger in a year's time, but then I guess there's no harm in trying (even though it's ridiculously competitive :redface:

)

Anyway, if you're applying or considering it, what specialism(s)? What degree do you have? Do you have any experience?

I'm interested in the more physiological specialisms, mostly critical care science and cardiac science. I graduated with a biology degree this year and I'm working as a HCA in the critical care unit, 1. for experience, and 2. because I want to be sure that a career in healthcare is definitely for me, so this is a good place to address that :smile:

Reply 53

Hello!

There are a number of people on this years STP with a background in Sport Science- myself and one other have Sport Science degrees on the respiratory and sleep science pathway. I am sure there are a number on the cardiac pathway.

I haven't looked at the hospital locations, but cardiac science always has a large intake of students, so hopefully one will be near your desired location. If not, many students move away, and there will most likely be numerous other STP students in your hospital to make friends with.

If you want any further help or guidance let me know.

Original post by WatsonKS

Hey! I am applying for Cardiac Science. I am currently completing my final year in BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and want to specialise in the clinical field. Abit apprehensive regarding the application process, but hey-ho what will be will be! I am hoping there are a few more institutions available that will do cardiac science this year.

Reply 54

Hello,

I am currently a STP student, and from my experience of applying last year the questions seemed fairly generic giving you room to elaborate (within 250words). Experience in the field is key; however not essential. You get points for certain things like 3points for a first class degree, 2points for 2.1, I presume they do the same with experience.

Is the course accredited? I'm not sure if that would gain you many more points.. trying to get work experience would be far better in my opinion.

Hope this helps.

Original post by sameebee

Hello, I am applying for the genomic counselling I am currently a nurse, but I am struggling to get any genetics related experience. I have looked at doing a genetics course but not sure if it would be worth it. Does anyone know if the personal statement questions are different from year to year?

Reply 55

Hello,

I didn't start applying last year until 2days before the deadline. So don't worry and focus on your exams. The application is only 1000 words, and its fairly generic. And for the online tests they are not hard its more a fact of controlling your nerves.

Hope this helps.

Original post by BioScix

Provisional date for applications to open is 15th January 13:00 just in case anyone hadn't seen the update! Typical that it's an hour before the first of my January exams, I'll have to resist the urge to log on until after!

Reply 56

Hello,

I am currently a first year STP student. I did not find the actual questions on the online test too difficult, it is more about time management and handling the nerves. My best advice would just be confident, cause you'll more than likely be able to answer it correctly if you think clearly.

I completed the practice questions twice before attempting the actual tests. I did find these beneficial in providing me with experience in how the questions are asked- they were nothing like I had done before. You are provided a question then like 20similar answers (so you cannot guess).

Hope that helps

Original post by kateBEE

Hi, thanks to any current trainees for offering to answer questions!I was just wondering how you found the online tests (both logical and numerical)?Did you complete the practice tests provided - and if so how did they compare?

Reply 57