Clinical Vascular Scientist

The role of the Clinical Vascular Scientist is to perform and interpret non-invasive diagnostic studies on patients with arterial and venous disease. The majority of investigations are performed using colour duplex ultrasound (i.e. imaging and Doppler ultrasound). However, other non-invasive testing such as plethysmography and continuous-wave Doppler techniques, incorporating for example, ABPIs, walk tests and dependent Doppler are also applied.

Examinations are usually undertaken in dedicated rooms but are also carried out by the bedside (e.g. vascular and other wards, ITU, CCU etc), intra-operatively or within outpatient clinics on a single-visit (non-stop) basis as required.

Clinical Vascular Scientists also carry out vascular measurement during surgery and so work in close collaboration with Vascular Surgeons.

Entry Requirements
To be employed as a Clinical Vascular Scientist you will need to have a relevant Science degree such as a Radiography/Medical Physics/Life Sciences degree. For entry to a Science degree course the usual requirement is three/four Highers (A-C) plus Standard Grades (1-3) in one/two other subjects. The Highers should include two Science subjects.

However, entry requirements vary between courses and alternative qualifications may be accepted – check individual university prospectuses for details.

Training
Education is mostly provided in-house. In partnership with appropriate clinical placements, Post-Graduate Certificate, Post-Graduate Diploma and MSc taught courses in Medical Ultrasound are available. Accreditation is awarded by the Society for Vascular Technology.

One year’s experience provides eligibility for Basic Accreditation. After 3 years of experience, members are entitled to sit Full Accreditation examinations in order to become Accredited Vascular Scientists.

Continuing professional development is mandatory for Accredited Vascular Scientists. The SVT run a points system whereby professional development is demonstrated through performing research, implementing new techniques, and undertaking further study to ensure knowledge is continuously updated.

Accumulation of a minimum number of CPD points every three years allows maintenance of Accredited status.

Career Prospects
Scientists who have completed Grade A training are eligible to compete for vacancies at Grade B, the main professional grade. Progress through Grade B posts is not automatic and salary will be linked to the job description. Heads of department and deputies in larger laboratories are employed at Grade C, which is equivalent to medical consultant staff.

How to apply
Click here to search for NHS Scotland vacancies for Vascular Scientists.

Vacancies are also advertised in local and national press.

Applications for degree courses are made through The Universities and Colleges Admission Services.

Further Information
Further information on a career as a Clinical Vascular Scientist is available from The Society for Vascular Technology of Great Britain and Ireland.