Fast track course seeks to fill skills gap

The first cohort of the Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Science.

Students on the first cohort of a new Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Science began their course at the University of Cumbria last month.  The two-year course for physics graduates fast tracks them into practitioner posts within therapy and nuclear medicine departments where significant workforce skills gaps have been building over a number of years.

The course is part of the NHS Modernising Scientific Careers scheme and has been accredited by the National School for Healthcare Science.

University of Cumbria professional lead for medical sciences Charles Sloane said: “It has been a real challenge to get this off the ground as we were asked at short notice. We were motivated to meet the challenge as clinical colleagues told us of the many problems they have been facing in recruiting staff and how this has the potential to impact upon services unless the issue is addressed quickly.”

See the full report on page 2 of the February 2014 issue of RAD Magazine.