Biomedical scientist
Test samples from ill people to identify their disease or condition so they can be diagnosed and treated.
About the job
A day in the life – Biomedical scientist
What it's like
Do you have a curious mind and an interest in medicine? Working as a biomedical scientist might be the career for you!
You'd use technology to do investigative work in a lab, testing samples to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases. You'd also help carry out tests for blood transfusion. It's a key role in a hospital, particulary for accident and emergency departments and operating rooms.
Generally, you'd specialise in one of four areas. These are infection, blood, cellular and gene sciences. What you do each day would vary depending on your chosen area.
Your tasks might include:
analysing biological samples
screening and testing for diseases
monitoring organ function
sharing results with other medical staff
producing reports and updating computer systems with results
monitoring how effective treatments are
looking after and running testing equipment
contributing to running a high quality and safe laboratory
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Life sciences
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- innovative
- working with technology
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Biology
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Chemistry
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Human Biology
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Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Scientific Technologies (Laboratory Skills)
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'll need an honours degree in Biomedical Science. This has to be from a course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) or Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
You could start with a college course that'd allow you to progress to a degree course. Getting a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a relevant subject would be useful. For example:
Applied Science
Applied Bioscience
Applied Biological Sciences
What you need to get in to an HNC or HND course will depend on the course and college you apply for. You'll likely need at least one Higher, preferably in a science subject. You may also need National 5 qualifications in science subjects, Maths and English.
To gt into a degree course, you'll likely need either:
a relevant HNC or HND
four Highers at BBBB or better
You can also get into the role if you have a scientific degree that's not accredited by the IBMS. You'd need to become an associate practitioner in life sciences in an NHS laboratory. You can then have your degree transcripts assessed by the Institute of Biomedical Science. They'll tell you which modules you'll need to take at an accredited university.
Once you’ve completed these, you can apply for a trainee biomedical scientist role and get the training you need.
You'll need to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio Certificate of Competence. If your course includes a laboratory placement, you'll complete this during your placement year. You can then apply for registration with the HCPC. This means you’ll be a registered biomedical scientist when you graduate.
Some accredited degrees don’t have a laboratory placement. In that case, you’ll need to complete an IBMS Registration Portfolio in an approved laboratory after you graduate to become a biomedical scientist.
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