Biomedical Scientist
What is the work like?
Biomedical scientists analyse tissue samples and bodily fluids to help doctors diagnose and treat patients.
As a biomedical scientist, you would typically work in a hospital laboratory and specialise in an area such as:
- chemical pathology (biochemistry) – diagnosing disease and testing organ function by analysing blood and other biological materials
- transfusion science – checking for donor, transfusion and plasma compatibility
- haematology – identifying blood cell abnormalities and calculating haemoglobin levels
- cellular pathology – finding the cause of illness and disease by analysing tissue samples
- medical microbiology – locating micro-organisms and testing their reaction to antibiotics
- virology – identifying viral infections and screening those at risk
- cytology – pinpointing abnormalities by analysing cells collected from patients
- immunology – treating diseases such as AIDS and leukaemia by developing tests and treatments that manipulate the immune system.
You would also be involved in carrying out new research and your duties will often include supporting junior staff and technicians.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become a registered biomedical scientist, you need:
- an Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited honours degree
- at least one year's training in an approved laboratory (this may be included in a sandwich degree)
- a Certificate of Competence Registration Portfolio
- an IBMS Certificate of Competence, followed by registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
Some course providers now offer 'co-terminus' or integrated degree courses that include clinical lab placements and the IBMS Certificate of Competence. When you have completed the course, you can apply directly for registration with the HPC. Check the HPC website for a list of course providers.
To get onto a biomedical science degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, plus three A levels preferably including biology and chemistry. Check with course providers for exact entry details because alternative qualifications may also be accepted.
Once you are qualified, you can go on to specialise in transfusion science, virology, immunology or one of other areas outlined in the Work section.
For more details on each stage of pre-registration training, contact the IBMS.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are registered and working as a biomedical scientist, you can specialise and increase your career prospects by taking advanced IBMS accredited courses and qualifications including:
- Specialist, Higher Specialist, and Advanced Specialist Diplomas
- MSc degree courses (leading to fellowship status within the IBMS)
- Professional Doctorates.
Throughout your career, you will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and skills by pursuing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. The IBMS runs a CPD scheme, which is free to members of the Institute. Contact the IBMS for details of both the CPD and accredited courses.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 150850Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
184 Kennington Park Road
London
SE11 4BU
Tel: 020 7582 0866
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £20,000.
- Specialists, team leaders and managers may earn up to £37,500.
Additional payments may be made for overtime, on-call duties, and to those living in London. Salaries in the private sector may be higher than those within the NHS.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
In the NHS you would usually work 37.5 hours a week, often including evening and weekend shifts and an on-call rota.
You will mainly be based in clean, sometimes sterile working conditions. You would wear protective clothing to guard against contamination and protect you from hazardous substances.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a high level of ability and interest in science and computing
- an interest in medicine and developing new treatments
- the ability to concentrate for long periods
- good accuracy and attention to detail
- high ethical standards
- the ability to take responsibility for making decisions
- an enquiring mind and good problem solving skills
- the ability to lead a research and development team
- strong spoken and written communication skills
- empathy and understanding when working directly with patients.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most jobs within the NHS, however, you could also work in the food industry, in private hospitals, the Public Health Laboratory Service, the National Blood Service, the pharmaceutical industry, research laboratories and with government agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive.
In the NHS, you could progress through four grades. Promotion is based on experience, further training and qualifications. Achieving an MSc or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science is likely to give you an advantage when going for promotion.
Alternatively, you could move into research, training and education, and product development and commerce.
Your skills in biomedical science could also be used in the developing world, for example working with voluntary and overseas organisations, such as the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).
Jobs are advertised in publications such as The Biomedical Scientist, and on websites like NHS Jobs.
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