Healthcare Science Week Day 1

The Academy for Healthcare Science is proud to celebrate Healthcare Science Week 2026, a national week of recognition showcasing the vital, diverse and innovative work of the healthcare science workforce across the UK. Healthcare scientists underpin around 80% of all diagnoses within the NHS, making their work fundamental to accurate diagnosis, clinical decision‑making and patient care. This week is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the scientists, technologists, educators and leaders whose expertise drives modern healthcare, supporting better outcomes for patients every single day.

On Day 1 of Healthcare Science Week we explore “Getting into Healthcare Science”. We are delighted to share an article from AHCS Healthcare Science National Clinical Lead for England, Kirsty Gordon. Kirsty reflects on her journey into Healthcare Science and highlights the improved routes into the profession.

Getting into Healthcare Science

Healthcare Science week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work of Healthcare Scientists whilst also helping to raise the profile of the profession. In the first of a series of articles to be published this week I share my journey to becoming a Clinical Scientist and to highlight the importance of us raising awareness at every opportunity.

I was fortunate to study a Clinical Biochemistry module as part of my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. A couple of mornings spent in the laboratory at Ninewells Hospital were enough to spark my interest. I vividly remember speaking to the Consultant at the time and asking what I needed to do to one day do his job. Until then, I hadn’t even heard of healthcare science, let alone considered it as a career option.

Fast forward a few years, and the landscape has changed for the better. Awareness of Healthcare Science as a profession has grown significantly, with organisations such as the Academy for Healthcare Science doing an excellent job of championing the profession across multiple platforms.

The journey into healthcare science often begins at school. As established members of the profession, we have a responsibility to talk about our roles whenever we can. Last summer I received a flurry of work experience requests, undoubtedly helped by my daughter sharing her enthusiasm about my work with her friends. The most common reaction was one of surprise and admiration: surprise at the breadth of what we do, and admiration for the impact we have. Healthcare Science encompasses an extraordinary range of specialisms, and understanding this at an early stage can help students make informed choices about A-levels, apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate pathways.

Choosing healthcare science as a career offers the opportunity to combine scientific curiosity with meaningful impact on patient care. That has certainly been true in my own experience. Access to career guidance at a pivotal moment made all the difference for me. Today, there are far more resources available to help aspiring healthcare scientists explore their options. The websites of professional bodies, the Academy for Healthcare Science, and the National School of Healthcare Science provide clear information on routes into the profession and the breadth of roles available.

Healthcare scientists often work in essential roles in areas such as diagnostics, medical photography, physiological sciences, genomics, imaging, and medical technology, providing the data and innovation that underpin clinical decision-making. In the UK, one of the principal entry routes is the NHS Scientist Training Programme, alongside undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in biomedical science, physiology, and related disciplines. As advances in genomics, digital health, and imaging continue to transform healthcare, career pathways within the profession are expanding and diversifying.

I discovered my career path largely by chance. Given how rewarding it has been, I hope we can continue to raise awareness and inspire the next generation to consider a career in healthcare science, especially during Healthcare Science Week, and beyond.

Stay tuned for four more articles from our Healthcare Science National Clinical Leads throughout the week!