Taken from prospects 

Biomedical scientists carry out tests on samples taken by doctors and nurses in order to diagnose a range of illnesses and diseases. 

Types of Biomedical Science to specialise in, include:

Infection sciences includes:

medical microbiology - identification of micro-organisms causing disease and their antibiotic treatment

virology - identification of viruses, associated diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of vaccines.

Blood sciences includes:

clinical chemistry - analysis of blood and body fluids to help with diagnoses, and toxicology studies

transfusion science - determination of donor/recipient blood compatibility, ensuring blood banks are sufficient

haematology - form and functions of diseases of the blood

immunology - understanding the immune system and its role in combating disease.

Cell sciences includes:

histopathology (also known as cellular pathology) - microscopic examination of diseased tissue samples to establish the cause of the disease

cytology - best known for cervical smear screening, but also covers other cellular analysis.

Genetics and molecular pathology includes:

genetics - study of genes and hereditary variations in genes

molecular pathology - study and diagnosis of disease through examination of tissues and fluids at molecular level.

The main route into this is by doing the following : 

• You need to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council . 

• To gain entry to this you need to complete a degree in Biomedical Science accredited by IBMS Institute of Biomedical Science or approved by HCPC. 

IBMS-accredited undergraduate biomedical science degrees are offered by universities on a full-time, part-time, sandwich and integrated basis.

In an integrated degree - laboratory placement should be included. 

If you undertake a degree that is not integrated you will need to arrange your own laboratory placement and complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio either during a sandwich year or once you've finished your degree.

Alternatives include :

• You can undertake a degree in BSc (Hons) degree in healthcare science (life sciences) through the PTP NHS Practioner Training programme  which should be accredited by the IBMS or approved by the HCPC if you want to be eligible to apply for registration as a biomedical scientist when you graduate. 

• Already working in a pathoogy department in a hospital? Your employer may support you to complete an accredited degree on a part-time basis or as part of an IBMS-accredited degree apprenticeship programme.

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

• Army/ Royal Air Force / Royal Navy

https://www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/biological-sciences

Personal Statement Help 

https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/biology/statement-20/

https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/biomedical-science-personal-statement-examples

https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/study/bms/applying/how-to-apply/advice-on-the-personal-statement

https://www.applytouni.com/applying/personal-statements/biomedical-science-personal-statement/

Interview Help 

https://www.oxfordinterviewquestions.com/questions/biological-sciences/

https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/biomedical-sciences/interviews

A key point is that you should do a degree that has been IBMS accredited so that you can be HCPC registered when you qualify. This is a requirement to work as a Biomedical Scientist.

 If you do a non accredited degree you will have to do an extra year to build up a portfolio to be registered. Some IBMS accredited degree courses do the portfolio within the 3 years, and for some you do a placement year.

For more information: 

https://careers.ibms.org/discover-biomedical-science/what-is-biomedical-science/

https://www.ibms.org/registration/how-do-i-become-a-biomedical-scientist/

The NHS is one of the main employers of biomedical scientists. Work is generally carried out in clinical pathology laboratories and regional laboratories. You could also work for NHS Blood and Transplant or the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), or in pathology and research laboratories in private sector hospitals.

Other employers include:

• Food Standards Agency

• forensic laboratories

• government departments

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

• HM armed forces

• Medical Research Council (MRC)

• some manufacturing firms, especially those producing pharmaceutical products

• universities

• veterinary services.

There are also opportunities to work on healthcare projects worldwide with international non-governmental and voluntary organisations such as:

• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

Look for jobs vacancies at:

• The Biomedical Scientist Jobs

• Careerscene - the biomedical science career network

• New Scientist Jobs

• NHS Jobs and NHSScotland Jobs

Vacancies are also advertised in the local, national and specialist press.

Specialist recruitment agencies such as Globe Locums, Maxxima and Mediplacements also advertise vacancies.