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How to become a biomedical scientist
Biomedical science underpins modern medicine and can be the first step in developing treatments and vaccines for deadly or chronic infections and disease.
What is a biomedical scientist?
Biomedical scientists undertake laboratory and scientific testing to identify, diagnose and support the treatment of infections and disease.
How do I become a biomedical scientist?
- You'll need a relevant degree in biomedical science and a period of work experience during or after your degree to certify your competence in a laboratory environment. All biomedical scientists need a certificate of competence from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
- An alternative route is via the NHS Practitioner Training Programme, which will include studying for a BSc (Hons) degree in healthcare science.
- Postgraduate degrees in biomedical and related sciences are available which support career progression or transitions into areas such as research.
What would I do as a biomedical scientist?
You'll use your scientific knowledge and analytical skills to process and test tissue samples and biofluids, identifying abnormal or unexpected results and reporting these to clinical teams.
You might also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and medication, carry out blood grouping/matching, and supervise junior team members.
Biomedical scientists are usually involved in investigating major illnesses and medical conditions affecting our population, including:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Blood disorders
- Meningitis
- HIV
Correct diagnosis of patient diseases and illnesses relies on accurately recording data, completing reports and communicating the results. Prioritisation of workload is vital to ensure that urgent requests for critical tests are carried out, with the output documented and reported in a timely fashion to support rapid diagnosis of critically ill patients.
You'll need to keep your knowledge of testing and diagnostic methods current and may be involved in developing new processes. Ongoing professional development is not only valuable for career progression, but essential to ensure that you're delivering the best possible support to clinicians and patients.
Becoming a biomedical scientist could be for you if...
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Data is your thing
You'll need to be able to analyse a set of outputs and data and infer conclusions which can be supported with evidence.
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Your hand-eye coordination is on point
Laboratory work of the type required by a biomedical scientist requires exceptional dexterity to ensure that samples and equipment are handled safely and correctly.
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You see things through
Many tests take time, with constant checking required to ensure that they are being carried out correctly.
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You're a team player
Biomedical scientists work closely with colleagues within their own laboratory, with other biomedical scientists to improve processes and with clinicians and other medical and support staff.
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You're articulate
Accurate communication is essential within the role to ensure that recipients of results receive timely and precise information.
What are the typical working hours for a biomedical scientist?
If you work in a NHS laboratory, your contracted hours are likely to be 37.5, but the role might require shift working.
Other governmental or private organisations are more likely to require regular 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday working hours.
In the NHS there are a number of grades - usually covered by the Agenda for Change pay rates:
- A newly qualified biomedical scientist would be in band 5, with salaries ranging from £27,055 to 32,934
- With experience and/or specialist knowledge you’ll move into band 6, earning between £33,706 and £40,588
- Senior biomedical scientists sit within bands 7 or 8a - £41,659 to £54,619
These rates are based on Agenda for Change pay scales as of April 2022.
You can expect salaries within other government organisations or private companies to fit within similar ranges.
