- Trainees
- Welcome to HCS training in Scotland
- Introduction
- Quality Assurance of HCS Training
- Continuing Professional Development
- Communications and Promoting HCS Careers
- Trainee Handbook
- Clinical Scientist Pre-registration Training
- Equivalence Routes and Support
- Higher Specialist Scientist Training
- Healthcare Science Support Worker Career Framework
- Guidance and Support
For any prospective Higher Specialist Scientist (HSS), there are two routes which are available
1. HSST programme - whilst not directly funded in Scotland, entry onto the HSST programme requires registration either as a Clinical Scientist or as a Biomedical Scientist.
2. Equivalence route - This route is overseen by the AHCS. To be eligible for HSS Equivalence, applicants must
- Be registered as a Clinical Scientist, and
- Have extensive professional experience, typically over five years, at a senior level in a healthcare or relevant scientific setting, such as working as a lead scientist, head of department, or leading in education or research
Training should be aligned with the high-level themes of Higher Specialist Scientific Training for the specialism.
Although NES sponsorship of programmes is currently closed, we encourage acquisition of a National Training Number (NTN). For candidates near completion we offer support for the AHCS equivalence fee.
More information on the equivalence routes can be found in our Equivalence Routes and Support page.
HSS Resources
Here are some resources of general interest related to HSS:
Documents and related links
- The HSS Equivalence (HSSE) Pathway … one applicant’s experience [PDF]
- AHCS / NSHCS / IBMS / RCPath / MAHSE joint statement on HSST eligibility
- HSST programme information (National School for Healthcare Science)
- HSST programme information (Manchester Academy for Healthcare Scientist Education)
HSS Q&A Webinar
We held a HSS Q&A webinar on MS Teams on Friday 23rd July 2021. Here is a summary of the webinar in addition to a selection of the presentations which took place on the day.
Documents and related links
Last updated: July 10, 2025