Getting started in biomedical science

As a Biomedical Science student you may be thinking of working as a Biomedical Scientist in the NHS. To do this you will need to have completed a placement in an IBMS approved NHS training laboratory and have successfully completed the IBMS registration portfolio to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This allows you to then  practise as a qualified Biomedical Scientist following graduation.

If you have not completed a placement within an IBMS approved laboratory, then after graduation you can apply for a role in an NHS laboratory (e.g. as an Associate Practitioner) via the NHS jobsite to start working towards your IBMS registration portfolio.

An alternative route into a clinical role in the NHS for a Biomedical Scientist would be via the NHS Scientist Training programme. The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is a three-year training programme that includes work-based and academic learning. Whilst on the programme you will also complete a part-time master's degree at the university offering your chosen specialism. The aim of the STP is to attract, select and retain the very best people to clinical scientist posts.

As well as the above, there are numerous other roles that a Biomedical Science student could consider. You could think about:

• Other clinical roles in the NHS
• Opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry
• Roles in educational establishments
• Jobs in non NHS laboratories
• Other scientific related jobs