News

A New Year and new RSciTech registrant

1 January 2022

Congratulations to Samantha Bell RSciTech MAAPT who becomes the fourth APT to be admitted to the register

Samantha took some time out to answer a few questions on the application process

Did you find the on-line application process easy to navigate?

The application was really easy to navigate; you can save your progress at any point and return to edit in the future. Each section is given a big green tick upon completion so it’s easy to keep track of where you are.

The AAPT provided guidance documents and other useful references within the AAPT website. Did you find these useful as you completed the application?

I found the guidance documents on the AAPT site really useful!

To begin with, I found some of the competency questions a little daunting, but after reading the guidance documents and speaking with APT colleagues I soon got the hang of what the questions were actually asking. I did have to resubmit a couple of my answers; the assessor provided extra guidance on how I could achieve each competency which was really useful.

The commitment to the standards expected of a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) are considerable and provide parity for APTs with technical and scientific colleagues across the UK. Once the award is achieved it must then be maintained through CPD and adherence to the standards. Is this daunting or a new professional challenge to overcome?

I actually welcome this commitment. As an APT, I spend a lot of time completing & planning CPD activities. The challenge for me personally, will be finding the time to evidence it all! The AAPT webinars have been really useful for CPD purposes.

Would you encourage other APTs to start their application and what were your main reasons for applying to become an RSciTech?

I would definitely encourage all APTs to apply for RSciTech registration.

We are slowly being recognised as a profession and the AAPT membership of the Science Council can only help push things along further. For me, gaining RSciTech registration was really important; it demonstrates my commitment to working to ethical standards, giving employers and the public, confidence and trust in my work as a professional.

Did you draw upon the knowledge gained from the Level 3 RSPH Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology)?

I think the portfolio element of the Level 3 diploma certainly gave me a basis to work from as did my own CPD record. It’s amazing how much you forget you’ve done over the years!

Any tips and hints for other APTs who wish to apply?

I think sometimes, we’re all guilty of forgetting how important our role is; how amazing APTs actually are. Remember the award of RSciTech is reflective of your experience and knowledge as an APT, make sure you show off your achievements.

If you can, speak to someone who’s completed the process; I’m more than happy to support anyone wishing to apply.