Tell me about it
Clinical biochemists (or chemical pathologists) are largely concerned with the use of biochemical investigations to diagnose diseases in which the body's chemistry goes wrong: diabetes, for example, or kidney failure. A major part of the work involves providing scientific leadership in the pathology laboratory, through the direction of scientific services and the interpretation of test results for the doctor in the clinic or at the bedside.

Clinical biochemists can attain equivalent status to a medical consultant and become head of a laboratory, although they are not qualified to take clinical responsibility for patients.

They might specialise in a particular area, such as toxicology or endocrinology, using sophisticated equipment to carry out tests on body tissues.

Entry level
Clinical biochemists are graduates, usually with a first or upper second honours degree in a subject like biochemistry or chemistry, and often with a PhD. To gain entry to a degree course in this field, you would need A level/Advanced Higher/Higher or equivalent passes in biology and chemistry, together sometimes with maths or physics. At some universities it is possible for applicants without such science qualifications to take a 'conversion course' before starting their degree. You would also need a broad platform of GCSE/S Grade passes at A-C/1-3, including English and science subjects. Most UK universities offer a degree in biochemistry or one in which biochemistry is a major component. It is important to read the prospectuses carefully to find out what each course involves.

Making the grade
Some laboratory experience and an insight into the workings of a hospital laboratory are useful before you apply for a training place. You should try to arrange a visit to a local hospital lab or investigate the possibility of short-term work experience in a biochemistry laboratory.

A three- to four-year basic training scheme in a Grade A post involves a formal programme, with rotation between teaching and district general hospitals. This is overseen by a regional tutor, and leads to a certificate of successful completion.

You must complete a training record that covers analytical techniques and instrumentation, theory, clinical interpretation of laboratory data, research and development, basic laboratory management and communication skills. Studying towards an MSc is commonly included in the training period. Following at least four years in a supervised post, and having been awarded the certificate of competence by the Association of Clinical Scientists, you are eligible to apply for state registration as a clinical biochemist with the Health Professions Council.

Following successful completion of the training programme, you may apply for a higher specialist training (HST) Grade B post. This again involves rotation schemes to a number of hospitals to provide balanced training, together with keeping a training record, which covers clinical liaison, service commitment, research and development, laboratory management, critical appraisal of literature and data (including problem solving), communication, clinical audit, specialist training, and further study. The HST leads to a higher professional qualification, normally MRCPath (membership of The Royal College of Pathologists).

The Association for Clinical Biochemistry runs additional training programmes. All senior clinical scientists are required to take part in continuing professional development.

Personal qualities
You would need to have a keen interest in science and in laboratory procedures. Patients' lives could depend on your accuracy and efficiency in carrying out tests and interpreting results. You would need to have a logical and methodical approach to your work. Although you would be primarily based in a laboratory, you would be working as part of a team of professionals. You would need to make clear explanations of your findings and opinions, which would demand good communication skills.

Looking ahead
There are only a limited number of vacancies each year and competition for training positions is keen. However, the situation is improving and there is currently a shortage of applicants for posts throughout the B grade. Opportunities vary across the country, so you may need to move to gain promotion. It is possible to advance your career by taking on more responsibility and by gaining wider or more detailed experience.

Alternative suggestions
Other possibilities might include biologist, biomedical scientist, chemist, doctor, forensic scientist, microbiologist, pharmacist or pharmacologist.

Effects
The extended working day, seven days per week, in many hospitals may demand shift and weekend work, in addition to out-of-hours consultative work. A strong commitment to the job is required, as problems that arise have to be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Take-home pay
As a Grade A clinical biochemist in the NHS, the main training grade, you can expect to earn from £17,500 to £22,000. Promotion to Grade B, the main professional grade, would take your salary to a scale running from £23,000 to £43,000. This can rise higher still for Grade C senior posts. Higher salaries can be sometimes earned if you are prepared to take on responsibility for management, overtime work or teaching commitments. There are additional allowances for working in and around London.

Sources of information
Association for Clinical Biochemistry: www.acb.org.uk
Biochemical Society: www.biochemistry.org
Royal College of Pathologists: www.rcpath.org
Health Professions Council: www.hpc-uk.org
Association of Clinical Scientists: www.assclinsci.org

CRCI: TD