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Biomedical scientist

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,214 Starter

to

£43,772 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
  • 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.

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

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
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • concentration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • excellent written communication skills
  • complex problem-solving 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, your duties could include:

  • testing for diseases like Legionnaires’ disease and food poisoning
  • screening and testing for infectious diseases like rubella or hepatitis
  • analysing blood for disease and monitoring organ function
  • supporting the blood transfusion and transplant service through blood grouping and matching
  • screening for blood abnormalities and diseases, like anaemia and leukaemia
  • processing and analysing tissue samples from operations and autopsies
  • using specialist procedures like cell culture to detect cancer
  • routine testing of fluid and tissue samples like cervical smear tests
  • updating 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.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a biomedical scientist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Biomedical Science. Access to HE

  • Provider: ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
  • Start date: 07 September 2020
  • Location: Abingdon

BTEC L3 National Extended Diploma in Biomedical Science (NQF)

  • Provider: SOUTH & CITY COLLEGE BIRMINGHAM
  • Start date: 01 September 2020
  • Location: Birmingham
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