Biomedical Scientist

Typical Salary

£24,907 To £44,503

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Biomedical Scientist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role

College / University

You could do a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science, or train through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme and complete a degree in healthcare science.

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

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship are not listed for this job.

Routes into this Career

You may be able to get into biomedical science as a trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A level sciences or equivalent, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science. Places are sponsored by employers, like the NHS, and are advertised as trainee biomedical scientist jobs. You'll study for an accredited degree while you work.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of biology
thinking and reasoning skills
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to use your initiative
concentration skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
excellent written communication skills
complex problem-solving skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

Depending on your chosen area, you may:

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

Working Environment

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

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could move into research, training and education, product development and commerce.

In the NHS, you could work as a team leader, specialist, manager or professional manager with further training and qualifications.

There are opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces. You can find out more from:

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Registration

you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Further information

You can find more advice about becoming a biomedical scientist from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.