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CAREERS INBIOMEDICAL SCIENCE& THE IBMSBetty KyleScottish RegionalRepresentative IBMSLead Biomedical ScientistNHS Lanarkshire

What is a biomedical scientist?Biomedical scientists carry out investigations ontissue and body fluid samplesBiomedical scientist usually work in laboratories inthe areas of diagnosis, screening, monitoring andresearch

Biomedical scientist rolesBiomedical scientist roles include:

Did you know . . ?Over 80% of medical diagnoses are based onbiomedical scientists’ laboratory test resultsBiomedical scientists handle over 150 millionsamples every year. If you or anyone you know havegiven sample to a doctor or nurse to be analysed itwill have most likely been analysed in a laboratoryby a biomedical scientist

What makes a good biomedicalscientist?If you: are interested in science and technology enjoy practical, hands on work are self-motived, with good communication skills organised want to make a differenceYou will enjoy being a biomedical scientist

Studying biomedical scienceBiomedical scientists need an in-depth knowledgeof: anatomyphysiologypathologyOther skills you will gain on a biomedical science degree include:

Choosing a biomedical sciencedegreeAn IBMS accredited BSC hons degree in biomedicalscience provides all the scientific knowledge andtraining you need to begin a career in biomedicalscienceIBMS accredited Sandwich and Integrated degreesalso include laboratory placementsThe quickest route to HCPC registration as abiomedical scientist is with an IBMS accrediteddegree

Did you know . . ?“Biomedical scientist” is a protected titleAnyone using the title “biomedical scientist” mustmeet standards set by the profession’s regulator –the HCPCIt is a legal requirement for biomedical scientistspracticing in the UK to be registered with the HCPC

The HCPCHCPC – Health and Care Professions CouncilThe HCPC is the regulatory body for several healthand care professions - including biomedicalscientistsThe aim of the HCPC is to protect patient safety bykeeping a Register of health and care professionalsthat meet HCPC standards

HCPC StandardsHCPC standards of proficiency for biomedicalscientists cover areas including: trainingknowledge, understanding and skillsconductperformance and ethicsservice deliveryContinuing Professional Development (CPD)

These standards are used to decide whether you arefit to work as a biomedical scientist in the UKMeeting these standards ensure that you practicebiomedical science in a safe, effective and lawfulmanner and protect members of the publicIf you do not meet the standards for HCPCregistration you will not be admitted to the Registerand will not be able to practice in the UKYou can find out more ds

HCPC registration and your careerHCPC registration is a requirement for biomedicalscientists working in the NHSHCPC registration is a requirement for biomedicalscientists in private sector labs that provide servicesto the NHSHCPC registration is highly desirable for biomedicalscientists working in the private sector

How to get HCPC registeredYou will need an IBMS Certificate of CompetenceThis is the professional qualification that shows youmeet HCPC standards of proficiency for registrationas a biomedical scientistOnce you have an IBMS Certificate of Competenceyou will be able to apply for HCPC to be registeredas a biomedical scientist

IBMS Certificate of CompetenceYou will be awarded an IBMS Certificate ofCompetence once you have: An academic qualification that meets HCPCstandards of proficiency, and A period of laboratory training where youcomplete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio

Academic qualifications that meetHCPC standards of proficiencyAll IBMS and HCPC accredited undergraduatedegrees meet HCPC standards of proficiencyIf your degree is not IBMS or HCPC accredited youwill need to have your qualifications assessed andpossibly take top up modules before beginning anIBMS Registration Training PortfolioYou can find a list of IBMS accredited degrees athttp://www.ibms.org/assessment

IBMS Registration Training PortfolioCompleting an IBMS Registration Training Portfolioenables you to build up a record of evidenceshowing that you have achieved the competenciesand standards set out in the HCPC standards ofproficiencyYour IBMS Registration Training Portfolio must becompleted in an IBMS approved laboratory

Did you know . . ?An IBMS accredited Integrated or Sandwich degreeincludes a laboratory placement where you will beable to complete an IBMS Registration TrainingPortfolioYou will be awarded an IBMS Certificate ofCompetence when you graduate and will be able toapply for HCPC registration straight awayYou can find a list of IBMS Integrated and Sandwich degrees athttp://www.ibms.org/assessment

Completing a Registration TrainingPortfolioIf your degree does not include a laboratoryplacement where you complete an IBMSRegistration Training Portfolio as part of yourcourse, you will need to find a Trainee position in anIBMS approved training laboratoryYou will complete an IBMS Registration TrainingPortfolio while you work as a TraineeYou can find a list of IBMS approved training laboratories who have agreed topublish their details on the IBMS website athttp://www.ibms.org/portfolio

Finding a Trainee positionHow to find a Trainee position: Contact the Lab Manager or Training Officer atNHS local hospital laboratoriesYou can find contact details for Pathology Departments on the hospital’s websiteIf no contact details for pathology departments are available try contacting thehospital’s Training Lead Look for trainee positions on NHS jobshttp://www.jobs.nhs.uk/Remember to check that the laboratory is an IBMS accredited training laboratory

If you have trouble finding a traineepositionMake sure your CV stands out for the right reasonsYour CV should be: well presented and organised checked for correct spelling tailored to the position you are applying for focused on the benefits you can bring to the roleWe’ve prepared a useful guide on how to put together a great CV along withlinks to websites with general advice and CV building tools at:www.ibms.org/estudents

Get a recommendationIf you have a good working relationship with yourUniversity tutors, ask them to write you a letter ofrecommendationA letter of recommendation sent along with jobapplications can help you get an interviewYou could also ask your tutor to be a refereeincluded on your CV

Get some work experience in a labLaboratory work experience is often key to securinga trainee position or employment in a labContact your local hospital training lead or labmanager about work experience opportunitiesVoluntary positions can be a as long as few weeks orseveral months

And if you can’t get work experience in alab?Take the opportunity to gain experience of otherkinds of workShow potential employers that you have a strongwork ethicGain transferable skills that will be valuable in a lab:communication, organisation, problem solving,ability to take the initiative and team working

Get volunteeringExpand your skill set and enhance your CVVolunteer in the wider healthcare community togain experience of working in a healthcare settingVoluntary roles are sometimes listed on NHS JobsYour local NHS Trust volunteer coordinator or HRdepartment will know of any local voluntary rolesYou can also find local volunteering opportunitiesthrough Do it! and Volunteering England

Get involved with public engagementGetting involved with public engagement work willdevelop your transferrable skills and show yourenthusiasm for your subjectPublic engagement work will develop yourcommunication, planning, organisational, teaching,mentoring, and social skillsYou can find out more t.org.uk/

It can also be a lot of fun!

Join a professional bodyJoining a professional body is a great way to showcommitment to and interest in your subjectJoining the IBMS will help you develop yourknowledge, skills and experience.IBMS membership gives you access to advice, tipsand guidance and connect you to a 20,000 strongnetwork of professionalsJoin online atwww.ibms.org/studentjoin

Attend scientific eventsScientific and healthcare events offer opportunitiesto network and show enthusiasm for your subjectAttend University scientific society event, IBMSregion and branch discussion groups or CongressIBMS Council Member, Sandra Richards recommend that you:“Take a CV or dozen to offer to people. Takepeoples’ names; ask if you can visit their lab. Youhave to get out and network.”

Get started with CPDGetting started with CPD will help you stand outwhen it comes to job huntingEmployers will appreciate your proactive approachto the life-long learning essential for healthcareprofessionalsTake online courses in areas that will add value toyour CV. If you can’t find a lab specific course intraining, health and safety or quality, IT and otherrelevant online courses will help you stand out.

Starting work in a labWhen you apply for your first job in a laboratory itwill be in a specific discipline: haematology transfusion science medical microbiology virology clinical chemistry immunology histopathology cytopathology

HaematologyYou will study the formation, composition, functionand diseases of bloodYou will identify abnormalities in different types ofblood cells, carry out tests to diagnose lifethreatening conditions and monitor blood disordersDiseases diagnosed and monitored by haematologyinclude leukaemia, anaemia, malaria, thrombosisand haemophilia

ImmunologyYou will study the body’s immune system and itsrole in infectious diseases, allergies, tumour growth,tissue grafts and organ transplantsYou will carry out tests to diagnose and monitorconditions that affect the immune systemConditions diagnosed and monitored throughimmunology include allergies, HIV and AIDS

Medical MicrobiologyYou will study bacteria, parasites and fungi thatwhich cause infectionYou will use molecular testing and culturingtechniques to identify these micro-organisms andthe appropriate antibiotic therapy to treat themDiseases diagnosed by medical microbiology includeMRSA, meningitis, tuberculosis, legionnaires diseaseand food poisoning

VirologyYou will study viruses and the diseases caused bythemYou will test for infections and screen populations atrisk from virus diseases to help prevent and controlepidemics and monitor the effects of vaccinesInfections diagnosed by virology include rubella,hepatitis, HIV and chickenpox

Clinical ChemistryYou will study the chemical processes of the humanbodyYou will analyse blood and other biological materialsto help diagnose disease and monitor therapies.Tests carried out include thyroid, liver and kidneyfunction tests as well as toxicological studiesDiseases diagnosed by clinical chemistry includediabetes, endocrine disorders, heart conditions andstroke. Toxicological studies are used to detectpoisons, illegal drugs and alcohol