Associate Practitioner Review

I was already working in the NHS prior to the apprenticeship, but needed additional qualifications in order to progress further. My day involves many things such as specimen reception, embedding, microtomy, analyser upkeep and maintenance, assisting pathologists with trim, block checking and filing. I am also on rotation through the cytology, special stains and molecular pathology areas of the laboratory where I have the chance to participate in testing and carrying out processes on samples with more specialised techniques.

Many of the skills I already had due to working in the NHS for 5 years previous to this course. However, I have learned many new skills in molecular testing, an area I had no prior experience with. In regards to the course itself I have also learnt about microbiology which is the only area of biomedical sciences that I had no previous exposure to. I have largely developed existing lab skills and hope to carry out immunology soon to develop further.

I enjoy working as it is good to know that I am earning money while learning especially as this will help contribute towards my future. The course itself I enjoy to a lesser extent as travelling once a week to Nottingham can be taxing and draining, but am looking forward to the distance learning modules when this is not required. I obviously enjoy the team spirit of the lab and the frequent stock of cakes brought in too.

The course on the side of nottingham trent university is well structured and follows a set module plan as expected from a degree programme. However, there are times when aspects feel lacking in organisation with some lecturers not remembering resources etc or scheduling feedback from assessments for a time when feedback cannot be given i.e. exam periods. Other than this the structure is good and range of assessments and learning styles is very good.

I receive a good level of support from my employers. I have a dedicated workplace mentor that I can go to if i have any issues or need advice and have regular meetings scheduled with her. there are also larger meetings for all apprentices to talk to the head training officer for the department so any problems that affect the group as a whole can be raised. If i have issues i feel these are investigated.

I was already working in the NHS prior to the apprenticeship, but needed additional qualifications in order to progress further. My day involves many things such as specimen reception, embedding, microtomy, analyser upkeep and maintenance, assisting pathologists with trim, block checking and filing. I am also on rotation through the cytology, special stains and molecular pathology areas of the laboratory where I have the chance to participate in testing and carrying out processes on samples with more specialised techniques.

it gives me the theoretical knowledge to understand the work i carry out in the laboratory. However, the module that is most relatable to my lab role is not until third year. As a result the qualification so far is more of a general overview for how other disciplines practice and what i can take from this and apply to my own role. When i complete this course i will have a deeper understanding for the tasks i perform.

There are often roles that can be carried out at work as additions. It is possible to carry out the first aid course and the mental health first aid course to be recognised individuals in the department. it is also possible to join the union and be a union rep to represent others. As far as i am aware there is also a hospital choir and are LGBT and BAME networking groups for staff to join.

Yes

it gives a stable job. People will always require care and medical attention so lab staff and hospital workers will always be required. depending on the type of NHS hospital a person enters they will have the chance to experience many things. For example, a specialist heart and lung centre will only deal with these types of issues while a general hospital will give experience of anything and everything. it makes the job more interesting.

check out the job descriptions and person specs to make sure you hit all the key points and use buzz words that interviewers love to hear. if you have experience make sure you write about it and are really obvious in your explanations to really hit the key points. look at the various departments if you do not like working shift patterns then consider histology which is the only lab setting in the NHS to not require it.