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Your route  /  HCAs and support workers

How to move from HCA to Clinical Research Assistant in the UK

You are already inside the NHS with hands on patient contact. That is exactly where I started, and it is a real advantage.

Your biggest advantagePatient care, communication, observations and data input into EPR systems
Where most people startClinical Research Assistant or Trial Assistant (band 3 to 4)
Read closelySample processing, data and making your NHS experience count

Where to start

Look first at the research delivery team in your own trust and make contact. A simple email to the team lead usually works, and you can find them on your trust intranet or staff directory.

You already know the systems, the wards and the patients. Most HCAs move into Research Assistant or Trial Assistant roles at band 3 or 4, or into research administrator roles.

What to focus on

Say it plainly: you already work in the NHS

Lead with observations, phlebotomy, ECGs, documentation, EPR or care notes systems and person centred communication.

Use real examples from your ward or care setting

Person centred care, teamwork and confidentiality are exactly what shortlisting panels score.

Add sample processing and data where you can

These are the skills that make you useful on a study from day one.

Start with GCP, then add one or two courses

GCP Introduction first, then the courses that match the studies your local team runs.

Your full route is in the free guide

  • The exact courses to add after GCP
  • How I got the role six months into my CSW job
  • Turning care experience into supporting statement evidence
  • The interview questions HCAs are asked, with examples
  • All ten steps, plus three bonus steps from the inside
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Bands are a rough guide. Every advert is different, so always check the person specification.

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