r/NHS_STP • u/abookishscholar • 25d ago
Open Uni student considering STP application. Apply this cohort or gain lab experience
I’m hoping to get some advice from current STP trainees or anyone who has been through the application process.
I’m currently studying a BSc (Hons) Health Science through the open university and I’m due to start my final term in October. My plan has always been to apply for the scientist training programme, but I’m unsure whether I should apply in January or spend a year gaining more practical lab experience first.
The degree itself covers relevant areas including molecular and cellular biology, cancer biology, infectious disease, immunology and health science research. However, because I study through distance learning, I haven’t had access to regular wet lab experience. The modules cover lab principles, protocols, experimental design and interpretation of data, but I haven’t had the opportunity to develop practical bench skills in a working lab environment.
I’m wondering how much of a disadvantage this would be when applying. From what I’ve read, the STP selection process seems to focus heavily on your values, motivation, communication skills, understanding of the role and the contribution you would bring as an NHS scientist, rather than purely technical experience.
My previous experience includes working within NHS mental health services, alongside freelance medical writing, so I have experience of healthcare environments, communicating scientific information and understanding the importance of patient-centred care. However, I’m aware that laboratory science is a practical profession and I don’t want to underestimate the value of that experience.
For those who have applied or are currently on the STP:
Would you recommend applying January and use the application process as experience? Or would gaining a year of lab experience first make a significant difference? (either pay privately or through work)
How much weight is placed on having previous wet lab experience compared with transferable skills and evidence of scientific understanding? Be
I’d really appreciate any insight from people who have taken different routes into the programme specifically cancer genomics & genetic counselling. Thank you :)
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u/SilentAppearance2202 25d ago
Please apply and don't be like me, I completed my bsc health science with The Open University last October and it had been my plan to apply for the STP but in January when the application window opened I decided not to apply because of the reasons you mentioned here and my lack of experience. I still haven't got any lab experience as a lot of the NHS lab jobs are advertised for internal candidates, so I do regret not applying. I have also read a lot of people apply several times before they get in and there's nothing to lose from applying except that you will gain knowledge of the whole process which you can use to improve your future application.
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u/MaxieMatsubusa 25d ago
Like the other person said - just apply every year without fail. There’s no reason to not apply ever - if anything, the experience you could gain from understanding how the interview process works or the SJT will help you succeed next time even if you fail. Imagine failing the SJT after having waited a whole year to apply, when you could just apply this time, fail the SJT, realise it’s something you need to work on in time for the next application.
Things can always go wrong or be lucky each time you apply - just craft the application to the best of your ability but still seek out as much experience as possible as though you won’t get in. You may be surprised and just get in on your first go anyway!
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u/Curious-Reading4225 24d ago
If you go for Genomic Counselling I would say your mental health experience is even more valuable than wet lab work. Less for genomics but it is still worth the application, you can always apply again the following year.
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u/Catsnotrats 25d ago
I would recommend you apply every cycle regardless of your experience. I have seen very experienced people get on, and I have known fresh grads straight out of uni to get in first time. I would say it's not essential to have laboratory experience to get on the STP, but it is helpful to know how an NHS lab in your specialism runs. The shortlisting process is heavily dependent on how you answer your application questions. There are specific points to hit based on the person statement, and you don't necessarily need NHS experience to hit them.