Biomedical scientist
Biomedical scientists work in healthcare and carry out a range of laboratory tests and techniques on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose diseases. They also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Their work is extremely important for many hospital departments and the functions they carry out are wide ranging. For example, they may work on medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, AIDS, malaria, food poisoning or anaemia, or carry out tests for emergency blood transfusions or to see if someone has had a heart attack.
Biomedical scientists tend to specialise in one particular area including:
Biomedical scientists usually work with equipment with high levels of automation, and most laboratories are extensively computerised.
Work activities vary depending on the specialist area but typically include:
Although some of the analytical work may be of a routine nature, many of the tests are challenging and demanding - modern pathology and biomedical work entail complex investigations, requiring a keen eye for detail and the ability to provide a quality service despite pressure from tight deadlines and a high volume of work. The ability to work effectively as part of a team is an important personal quality for the role.
Biomedical scientists must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) and must have a Certificate of Competence awarded by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in order to practice.
There are two main ways in which this can be achieved:
The IBMS website has a list of accredited courses.
It is possible to enter the career if you don’t have a biomedical sciences degree but do have a degree in another related subject such as:
However, you will most likely need to study extra modules to meet the requirements of the IBMS.
Entry without a degree is possible at a lower level if you have relevant A-levels (or equivalent), but you will need to study for the degree part-time while working. Your employer may be willing to offer financial support and study leave.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although an MSc in a clinical or medical subject can be useful.
Pre-entry experience is not essential, although a sandwich placement or other work experience in a laboratory and evidence of medical interest is beneficial, as is arranging a visit to a local hospital pathology laboratory before you apply.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
Recruitment is ongoing throughout the year but there has been a decrease in the amount of biomedical scientist vacancies in the NHS and it is uncertain whether demand will increase in the future. This is partly due to pathology services becoming more automated and the profile of required staff has changed.
Because of this, competition for biomedical scientist vacancies in the NHS is likely to be fierce. It may be helpful to sign up for email alerts with NHS Jobs to be notified of when any trainee vacancies are available.
Biomedical scientist students are also advised to consider applying for jobs in life sciences through the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) . This is a graduate-entry programme that leads to senior scientist roles. Candidates complete a three-year period of workplace based training and earn a wage at the same time. They specialise in their chosen area in the last two years and biomedical science graduates can apply for the programme. Recruitment is carried out on an annual cycle and you need to regularly check the STP web pages for information on when it is open.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The field of biomedical science is continually changing as new laboratory techniques and treatments come into use. It is a dynamic profession with long-term career prospects that include positions in management, research, education and specialised laboratory work.
Promotion opportunities for biomedical scientists are dependent on qualifications, performance and experience. A higher degree (MSc) or management qualifications, such as an MBA are often required for progression to senior levels. Gaining a Higher Specialist Diploma through the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) can also aid promotion.
Achieving Fellowship status will significantly aid the progression of your career. It is one of the highest qualifications in the field and can be gained through an approved higher degree or thesis. If you achieve fellowship status and have postgraduate qualifications and sufficient continuing professional development (CPD), you can work towards chartered scientist status. This is an internationally recognised mark of a high level of professionalism and competence.
The need to continue to develop professionally is strongly encouraged in the profession, with the opportunity to continue to Advanced Specialist Diplomas, or a research or professional doctorate.
Career progression for many biomedical scientists involves taking charge of a section within a laboratory or taking over the management responsibilities for a particular department. You may also become involved in advanced specialist scientific work, research or training and education. For information about careers in biomedical research, see the Academy of Medical Sciences .
Within the National Health Service (NHS), the profession has an established grading structure (see NHS Careers ). In regions where recruitment is more difficult, it is often possible to progress at a faster rate. Your promotion prospects may be better if you are willing to relocate.
Some biomedical scientists may choose a postgraduate route to other clinical roles, such as endocrinology, while others may move into health promotion or the commercial sector in product development or scientific sales and marketing.
If you haven’t completed the required period of laboratory-based training as part of your degree you will need to do this after graduation as part of your first job. Training will take place on the job in an approved laboratory and you will need to successfully complete a period of one or two years (or longer).
For those graduating from a co-terminus degree which gave them the laboratory experience and other requirements for immediate HPC registration, training in laboratory work will continue and may focus on the production of a specialist portfolio. This provides evidence of training, specialist knowledge, practical skills and competency gained in the first two years after registration. The successful completion of it leads to the award of a Specialist Diploma. It is offered in various disciplines, including:
The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) has a continuing professional development programme of short courses and workshops. You can apply for student membership of the IBMS when you start employment in a medical laboratory or begin a course, which will give you access to the CPD scheme.
An extensive range of other training is also available, covering quality control, pathophysiology of disease, clinical governance, expert practice, research and development, service planning, health and safety procedures, transfusion science, immunocytochemistry and histopathological dissection.
Courses can be undertaken via traditional routes, by distance learning or through e-training packages.
The National Health Service (NHS) was one of the main employers of biomedical scientists but vacancies for trainee positions have recently declined. While there will still be opportunities for biomedical scientists in the NHS in the future, it seems likely that there will be considerably fewer vacancies than in the past.
Where opportunities are available, work will generally be carried out in clinical pathology laboratories and regional laboratories where the work may include molecular genetics and cytogenetics.
Another major employer is the Health Protection Agency (HPA) . Increasing numbers of biomedical scientists are also working in pathology and research laboratories in private sector hospitals.
Other employers include:
Biomedical scientists can also find work in healthcare projects worldwide with international non-governmental and voluntary organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) .
Use the lists available from NHS Authorities and Trusts and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to find contact details of local and regional centres. You can contact laboratory managers or personnel departments to enquire about vacancies.
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