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Biomedical scientist

Alternative titles for this job include

Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease.

Average salary (a year)

£25,655 Starter

to

£45,839 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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 biomedical science degree. It needs to be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Laboratory work experience

To work as a biomedical scientist, you must register with the HCPC. To register you'll need to have completed work experience in an accredited laboratory.

Some degree courses include work placements. If your chosen course does not include accredited work experience, you'll need to find a laboratory placement. You could do this during a sandwich year or after you have finished your degree.

Armed forces degree sponsorships

If you're interested in becoming a biomedical scientist in the armed forces, you can find out about degree sponsorships from the:

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 by doing a healthcare science practitioner degree apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship typically takes 36 months to complete.

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 an NHS trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent qualification, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

Places are sponsored by NHS employers and you'll study for an accredited degree while you work.

Other Routes

Another way to get into this career is to complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.

On this programme you'll gain an IBS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.

More Information

Registration

Career tips

When you apply for NHS jobs and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find more advice on becoming a biomedical scientist from:

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

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

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on your chosen area, you may:

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

Working environment

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could move into areas like:

  • specialist research
  • training and education
  • product development and sales
  • people or project management

There are also opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces.

Find out more from the:

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

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

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

  • Provider: LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Loughborough

Level 3 BTEC National in Applied Science - Biomedical

  • Provider: SOUTH THAMES COLLEGES GROUP
  • Start date: 12 September 2023
  • Location: Kingston on Thames
Find courses near you

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