ABOUT THE ROLE
Biomedical Scientists carry out a range of laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Tests carried out on human samples helps clinicians accurately diagnose so the correct treatment can be evaluated and assessed. Their importance cannot be underestimated as doctors will make their evaluation based on the results of the scientist’s results.
Biomedical Scientists are at the heart of the medical team providing other professionals with vital scientific information that allows them to do their job properly. When a major incident occurs it is biomedical scientists that ensure the right amount of blood reaches the right patient at the right time. They measure vital blood chemicals to monitor patient conditions and detect signs of internal bleeding. Accident and emergency wards would shut down, organ transplants could not take place and premature babies would struggle to survive without our support. Whenever you have a sample taken from you by a doctor or nurse, it is usually analysed by a biomedical scientist. Quite simply, without their help and support doctors would frequently be unable to diagnose diseases properly or treat their patients effectively.
The successful performance of this key role in modern healthcare relies on the accuracy and efficiency of work by biomedical scientists because patient’s lives and the treatment of illness depend on their skill and knowledge.
EMPLOYABILITY
In the NHS there is a structured career path for qualified biomedical scientists. To progress after registration you will usually need a higher degree such as an MSc. This may then qualify you for Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Science. Many biomedical scientists take charge of a section within the laboratory or manage a department. You may also become involved in advance scientific work, research or training.
CAREER ENTRY
Biomedical scientists must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) to work in the NHS.
There are three main routes to achieve this:
1. Graduates with an honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) can gain employment with the NHS as a trainee biomedical scientist. Whilst working, they need to follow a period of in service training in a laboratory setting, during which they are required to complete a portfolio that evidences their acquisition of competence. At the end of this period, their application is externally verified by the IBMS for the award of a Certificate of Competance as evidence that they have met the HPC standard of proficiency. This can be used to support an application for admittance to the register in order to practice as a biomedical scientist.
2. Some universities offer IBMS accredited co-terminus (integrated) degrees, which may also be approved by the HPC. These are to enable the student to obtain the degree, but also meet the requirements for registration as part of the course. These courses contain clinical laboratory placements as an integral component part. This means that succesful completion of an integrated degree leads directly to eligibility to apply for registration with the HPC. The term co-terminus is used to denote a degree programme which includes the award of the Institute’s Certificate of Competence as evidence that the HPC standards of proficiency have been achieved.
3. It is also possible to start work with A levels in life sciences and/or equivalent as a trainee biomedical scientist, however this is only possible if the employer is willing to offer financial support and the time off to study for the degree on a part-time basis, then the training would be completed as above.
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