Healthcare Science Assistant
Also advertised as: geriatrics docent, geriatrics instructor, geriatrics lecturer, healthcare lector, Healthcare Science Assistant, Healthcare Science Support Worker
Supports scientists and technicians running laboratory and diagnostic tests.
What the job involves
Healthcare science assistants prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment and support scientists across pathology, physiology and imaging services. The role sits behind the scenes but is essential to diagnosis, since results feed directly into clinical decisions. It suits people who enjoy precise, process-driven work rather than direct patient contact.
Typical responsibilities
- Prepare and process samples
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Record results accurately
- Support quality control checks
- Assist qualified scientists with testing
Common employers
- NHS pathology and physiology departments
- Private diagnostic laboratories
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£21,000 – £24,000 a year
With experience
£25,000 – £28,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 hours, some shift work in busy labs
Working environment
Laboratories and diagnostic departments
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Laboratory technique
- Attention to detail
- Following procedures
- IT literacy
- Teamwork
Transferable skills you may already have
- Careful, methodical work
- Science coursework or lab experience
- Following safety protocols
Requirements employers ask for
- Laboratory technique
- Attention to detail
- Following procedures
- IT literacy
- Teamwork
- GCSEs including science, maths and English
- Enhanced DBS check
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- compile course material
- curriculum objectives
- manage student relationships
- assist students with equipment
- give constructive feedback
- write work-related reports
- apply intercultural teaching strategies
- apply teaching strategies
- perform classroom management
- guarantee students' safety
- assess students
Useful but not essential
- Careful, methodical work
- Science coursework or lab experience
- Following safety protocols
- A level or BTEC in a science subject
- Experience in a laboratory setting
- assessment processes
- monitor educational developments
- pathology
- provide lesson materials
- assist in the organisation of school events
- provide technical expertise
- manage resources for educational purposes
- conduct quantitative research
Helpful qualifications
- A level or BTEC in a science subject
- Experience in a laboratory setting
Licences and checks
- Enhanced DBS check
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Healthcare Science Assistant (Level 2)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Biology
- Related subject: Chemistry
- Related subject: Applied science
Where this career can lead
next
Assistant Practitioner (Healthcare Science)
next
Trainee Healthcare Scientist
next
Biomedical Scientist (via further study)
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Entry point into a wide healthcare science career
- Behind-the-scenes work suits detail-focused people
- Apprenticeship route with no fees
What people find hard
- Limited patient contact for those who want it
- Lower starting pay than clinical roles
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a healthcare science assistant?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a healthcare science assistant earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £21,000 to £24,000 a year, rising towards £28,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Careful, methodical work, Science coursework or lab experience, Following safety protocols.
Related careers
Diagnostic Radiographer
Produces X-rays, CT and MRI images used to diagnose illness and injury.
Physiotherapist
Helps patients recover movement and manage pain after injury, illness or surgery.
Podiatrist
Diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs.
Speech and Language Therapist
Assesses and treats difficulties with speech, language, communication and swallowing.
Operating Department Practitioner
Supports patients and surgical teams before, during and after operations.
Ambulance Care Assistant
Transports patients safely to and from appointments, hospitals and care homes.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
Read how our career data is built and reviewed, or tell us if something here is wrong.