Biomedical scientist

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Further information

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

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

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

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.