Biomedical scientist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a biomedical science degree. It needs to be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) .

Laboratory work experience

To work as a biomedical scientist, you must register with the HCPC. To register you'll need to have completed work experience in an accredited laboratory.

Some degree courses include work placements. If your chosen course does not include accredited work experience, you'll need to find a laboratory placement. You could do this during a sandwich year or after you have finished your degree.

Armed forces degree sponsorships

If you're interested in becoming a biomedical scientist in the armed forces, you can find out about degree sponsorships from the:

• Royal Navy
• Royal Air Force
• Army

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could get into this role by doing an apprenticeship, for example:

• Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships typically take a minimum of 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to get into biomedical science as an NHS trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent qualification, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

Places are sponsored by NHS employers and you'll study for an accredited degree while you work.

OtherRoutes

Another way to get into this career is to complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme .

On this programme you'll gain an IBS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of biology
• analytical thinking skills
• concentration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• complex problem-solving skills
• maths knowledge
• excellent written communication skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• science skills
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease.

Depending on your chosen area, you may:

• test for diseases like Legionnaires' disease and food poisoning
• test for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis
• analyse blood samples and monitor organ function
• support the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching
• test for blood abnormalities and diseases, like anaemia and leukaemia
• process and analyse tissue samples from operations and autopsies
• use specialist procedures like cell culture to detect cancer
• routinely test fluid and tissue samples like cervical smear tests
• update paperwork or computer records with data and test results

Location : You could work in a laboratory, at a research facility or at a university.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into areas like:

• specialist research
• training and education
• product development and sales
• people or project management

There are also opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces.

Find out more from the:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy