Job profile: Biomedical scientist

Biomedical scientists, also known in the National Health Service as medical laboratory scientific officers, carry out a wide range of laboratory tests to support doctors.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Biomedical Scientist

The tests biomedical scientists perform help to diagnose and treat disease in patients. The tests are usually carried out on body fluids and human tissue. They monitor a patients progress during and after treatment.The work of biomedical scientists involves using a number of manual and automated techniques; it is highly varied and both practical and analytical. Computers are used, either linked to equipment or to report results. Biomedical scientists normally work as part of a team, and may either specialise in one laboratory discipline or work in a multidisciplinary environment.
 
Activities
  • Analysing body fluids, mainly blood and urine.
  • Preparing blood and blood products for transfusion into patients
  • Analysing blood samples to investigate the cell composition of the blood
  • Preparing and examining body tissues for diagnoses
  • Studying cells for abnormalities that indicate diseases such as cancer
 
Competencies
  • Good at biology and chemistry
  • Good at practical work
  • Good attention to detail
  • Work as part of a team
  • Follow instructions and set procedures
 
What are the routes in?
Trainee biomedical scientists usually enter with a BSc honours degree in biomedical science or another life science, such as biology or biochemistry. It is possible to enter as a trainee with A levels/H grades in life sciences, or equivalent qualifications, providing the employer agrees to fund the trainee and give time off so they can take a degree course part time.Entry to a degree course requires a minimum of two A levels/three H grades, or the equivalent, including the appropriate sciences.To work in, or for, the NHS, trainee biomedical scientists must be registered with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM), applicants must have an approved degree.
 
Most biomedical scientists work in hospital laboratories in the NHS or in the private sector. There are also jobs in haematology and transfusion science in the Blood Transfusion Service and in microbiology in the Public Health Laboratory Service. Some biomedical scientists work in universities and other research establishments, independent medical laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry. It is possible to train as a biomedical scientist in the armed services. Biomedical scientists can progress through either the grades in one laboratory or move to another employer for promotion. After a certain grade, they may need to study for an MSc and become a fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science to get any further. Some move into management of a laboratory or pathology service.
 
What is the work like?
Biomedical scientists usually work in hospital laboratories of varying sizes. Biomedical scientists spend most of the day in the laboratory and have limited contact with patients. Biomedical scientists in the NHS work a basic 37-hour week, but may have to work shifts on a rota to provide cover over 24 hours. Part-time work and overtime is available in some hospitals and clinics.There are some opportunities to work overseas.