NHS role

Healthcare Science Assistant

Supports scientists and practitioners running tests and equipment across labs and physiological services. The entry point to healthcare science.

Salary
£25,760–£27,476
NHS demand
Growing
Next step
Assistant Practitioner

Already here? This is my role →

CareRoute Career Score™
Excellent
relative to other NHS roles

Strong on work–life balance and entry; held back by job security.

Salary growth80

Can reach ~£80,000 via Clinical Director / Consultant-level Lead.

Job security47

Smaller workforce (~10,617); growing (+5% YoY).

AI resistance55

Moderately resistant to automation — mixed work.

Work–life balance95

Strong work–life balance; regular hours.

Entry access81

Easy entry — low study load, moderate competition.

Flexibility62

2 onward routes; good flexible-working scope.

Career Score™ is CareRoute's own indicative rating from public NHS-style data — not an official NHS ranking. A composite of six factors; same inputs always give the same score.

Salary
£25,760–£27,476
Next step
Assistant Practitioner
Avg progression
~2 yrs
NHS demand
Growing
Study required
Low
Flexibility
Solid
Why we scored it 70: Strong on work–life balance and entry; held back by job security.

What you'd do

  • Prepare samples and equipment
  • Run routine tests under supervision
  • Record and report results
  • Maintain lab quality and safety

Is this you?

You enjoy helping people and working as part of a team
You want hands-on NHS experience
You're drawn to healthcare science
You value secure, structured public-sector work

Typical progression routes

Indicative routes from the career graph — not usage data.

Your salary roadmap

Indicative pay on the highest-reaching route, by year.

£25,760
Yr 0
£27,476
Yr 2
£32,073
Yr 4
£39,959
Yr 6
£42,170
Yr 8
See how to reach £79,504

Skills & requirements

Skills you'll use in this role
Attention to detailTechnical aptitudeProcess disciplineTeamwork
What you'll need for your next step → Healthcare Science Practitioner
  • Maths & English GCSE (grade 4/C) or equivalent
  • BSc Healthcare Science (PTP) or apprenticeship
  • UCAS / university application (degree route)
  • Funding or apprenticeship sponsorship
Latest intelligence

Guides & updates

We're writing in-depth healthcare science guides — pay, entry routes and progression. In the meantime, explore the roles and career map above.

FAQ

Questions, answered straight

Band 2–4 on the 2026/27 Agenda for Change scale — indicative figures; verify against official NHS sources.
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Where to look next

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