How to become a clinical scientist in vascular science

What is a vascular scientist?

Vascular scientists are crucial in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting blood flow. They use ultrasound and other non-invasive pressure tests to assess blood flow in the following:

• neck
• arm
• abdomen
• leg vessels

This requires a highly specialised knowledge of peripheral vascular anatomy and physiology, alongside expert knowledge of vascular ultrasound and blood hemodynamics.

These professionals provide essential routine and emergency clinical services to various medical specialties, including:

• vascular surgery
• stroke
• renal medicine

The results from ultrasound and pressure tests are invaluable for vascular diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management. They also support abdominal aortic aneurysm surveillance and deep vein thrombosis services.

A key part of the role involves performing, interpreting, and fully reporting patient assessments. Vascular scientists are responsible for identifying results that require urgent medical attention and liaising directly with surgical staff for prompt action.

Vascular conditions assessed

Vascular conditions commonly assessed in the peripheral blood vessels include:

• narrowing or complete blockage
• impingement
• enlargement, known as an aneurysm
• assessment of the blood volume flow in blood vessels and surgical grafts
• assessment of the blood vessel walls
• assessment of blood flow direction

These detailed assessments are vital for informing appropriate medical and surgical interventions.

The peripheral vascular system

Your peripheral vascular system, also known as the circulatory system, is made up of the following:

• Arteries—These blood vessels carry oxygenated blood away from your heart to the body’s cells and tissues.
• Veins—These blood vessels transport blood from the body’s cells and tissues back to your heart.
• Capillaries—These are very small blood vessels that connect arteries and veins. They deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body and assist in removing waste products from cells.

Find out more: What are blood vessels?

Positively impacting patients’ lives

Using the results of diagnostic testing, vascular scientists analyse and interpret complex information. A clinical report is then written and shared with doctors to:

• Help make sure the patient receives an accurate diagnosis.
• Inform medical and surgical treatment leading to improvements in the patient’s quality of life.
• Monitor the patient’s health condition to see how well they are responding to treatment.

They are also responsible for the safety and wellbeing of patients throughout the investigation process.

Starting your career as a vascular scientist

Choosing subjects at school

School subjects that could lead to a career as a vascular scientist include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Statistics
• English
• Maths

Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about the subjects offered at your school.

Education and training pathway

There are different education and training pathways to becoming a vascular scientist.

NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP)

As a trainee, you’ll complete a 3-year programme of work-based learning supported by a university-accredited master’s degree at SCQF level 11. It is part-funded by the National School of Healthcare Science.

To apply for the STP, you’ll need an undergraduate honours degree in a related subject at SCQF level 10. Examples include:

• Biology
• Anatomy
• Vascular Science 

Find out more about clinical scientist training on the NHS Education for Scotland Healthcare Science website.

Health and Care Professions Council

Once you complete your training, you’ll register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a clinical scientist. Clinical scientists are one of 15 health and care professions in the UK regulated by the HCPC.

Find out more about the HCPC.

Learning and development

As a vascular scientist, you’re expected to undertake continuous professional development (CPD) activities to:

• Keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• Please maintain your registration with the HCPC and the College and Society For Clinical Vascular Science (CSVS). 

Clinical scientists must meet the HCPC’s standards for CPD. Learn more about the HCPC’s guidance on CPD activities. You must also follow the professional performance guidelines from the CSVS.

Career progression

Healthcare Scientists are often at the forefront of advances in science and technology. As a vascular scientist, you could be involved in researching new treatment techniques or developing innovations in vascular technology.

With further training and experience, you could develop your career and move into management or teaching roles.

Professional bodies

To become a vascular scientist in NHSScotland, you’ll need to complete a postgraduate-level work-based training programme. You must also be working towards registering with the HCPC as a clinical scientist in vascular.

Vascular science professionals are encouraged to join the College and Society for Clinical Vascular Science (CSVS). Memberships are available at various levels, and you can also pursue accreditation as a clinical vascular scientist.

Earning CSVS accreditation assures employers and patients that you meet and uphold the national professional standards for conducting vascular ultrasound investigations.