Biomedical scientist
Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, treat and prevent disease.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a biomedical scientist, you could:
- test for infections and diseases, like hepatitis and diabetes
- analyse tissue samples for abnormalities, for example from cancer screening
- investigate cells and genomes to uncover hereditary conditions
- monitor patients' organ function before and after operations
- carry out blood grouping and matching for transfusion and transplant services
- process and analyse tissue samples from operations and autopsies
- research ways to develop new tests and refine existing ones
- update records with data and test results
Working environment
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in a laboratory, at a research facility or at a university.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
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:
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
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You can study for a biomedical science degree.
Your course should be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) 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
You could apply to do a Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in the health service or in a research lab facility.
This apprenticeship takes around 3 years 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 degree apprenticeship
More Information
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 biomedical degree while you work.
You could apply to join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme if you're working in the health service.
On this programme you'll complete an IBMS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.
If you're working at the level of a biomedical scientist but not registered with the HCPC, you may be eligible to start the process of having your experience, competence and knowledge assessed by the IBMS. If the assessment is successful, you will be awarded a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.
Once you have this, you can apply for registration as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC.
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
Career tips
When you apply for NHS jobs and training, 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 the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.