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Biomedical scientist

Alternative titles for this job include

Biomedical scientists screen patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat disease.

Average salary (a year)

£24,907 Starter

to

£44,503 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become a biomedical scientist

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You could do a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, or train through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme and complete a degree in healthcare science.

Your course will include work placements so you can get industry experience and evidence to complete a training portfolio. You'll need this to register to work.

You can also be sponsored to do a biomedical science degree through the armed forces. You can find more information on student biomedical roles from:

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this role via a Healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is typically completed in 36 months.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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 a trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A level sciences or equivalent, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. Places are sponsored by employers, like the NHS, and are advertised as trainee biomedical scientist jobs. You'll study for an accredited degree while you work.

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find more advice about becoming a biomedical scientist from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on your chosen area, you may:

  • test for diseases like Legionnaires' disease and food poisoning
  • screen and test for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis
  • analyse blood for disease and monitor organ function
  • support the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching
  • screen 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 computerised systems with data and test results

Working environment

You could work at a university, at a research facility or in a laboratory.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into research, training and education, product development and commerce.

In the NHS, you could work as a team leader, specialist, manager or professional manager with further training and qualifications.

There are opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces. You can find out more from:

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Digital Healthcare Science BSC Degree Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £16,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Warrington
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Biomedical Science National Extended Diploma Level 3 Year 1

  • Provider: WEST SUFFOLK COLLEGE
  • Start date: 06 September 2021
  • Location: BURY ST EDMUNDS

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Biomedical Science) (NQF)

  • Provider: BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE
  • Start date: 07 September 2021
  • Location: Poole
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