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Biomedical scientist
Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease.
Average salary (a year)
£28000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
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:Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Army
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|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You could get into this role by doing an apprenticeship, for example
Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, Healthcare Science Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships typically take a minimum of 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 higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
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
Registrations
you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council
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 the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
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 & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
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:Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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