Internship Scientist Training Programme at National Health Laboratory Services

Overview

The NICD is accredited by the Health Professions Council of South (HPCSA) to train Medical Scientist Interns in the following disciplines: Immunology, Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Biology. The HPCSA announced the promulgation in the Government Gazette of May 2009 of the revised scope of profession of Medical Science and the regulations for the registration of Interns and Medical Scientists. The Health Professions Act (Act No. 56 of 1974) defines the scope of profession of a Medical Scientist as follows:

The development, evaluation and practice of scientific procedures involving humans, human biological material or medical equipment emphasising that acts performed by Medical Scientists will lead to or impact treatment, diagnosis and the counselling of humans (in the case of Genetic Counsellors) and, where appropriate, interpretation, quality management and consultation with other registered and appropriately qualified health practitioners.

The purpose of the Medical Scientist internship training programme is to provide a clinical or a diagnostic environment for candidates to complete their training in order to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (www.hpcsa.co.za) as an independent Medical Scientist in a chosen discipline.

The syllabus for each programme can be accessed at:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology

Interns may apply for training in one of the above mentioned disciplines.

Programme Duration

• 24 months, full-time training.

Applications 

• Educational Requirements
  • 4-year Bachelor of Science degree with Honours (in the relevant field or discipline) (NQF Level 8)
• How to apply
  • Medical Scientist Intern posts are advertised annually in the NHLS job postings bulletin – applicants need to apply by submitting a CV via normal HR channels as indicated in the bulletin
• Link to application download
  • nhls.ac.za (look under ‘Careers’ tab)

Learning Outcomes

• Registration with the HPCSA as an independent Medical Scientist in the chosen category/discipline

Contact Details

Queries related to intern posts at the NHLS/NICD should be directed to:

Dr Melinda Suchard
Centre for Vaccines and Immunology
National Institute for Communicable Diseases
[email protected]

Queries related to the registration requirements and process at the HPCSA should be directed to:

Ms Sabinah Munyuku
Health Professions Council of South Africa
[email protected]