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Getting Started
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. These include a wide range of clinical roles in the NHS, roles in the pharmaceutical industry, roles in education settings as well as those in more commercial environments. Below you will find different job roles within these various categories to explore, as well as a wide variety of employers to consider in this field.
Roles in non NHS laboratories
Other scientific roles
Employers to consider
- Hospitals and public health organisations (including NHS trusts)
- Specific government departments and agencies or government-funded research institutions
- Forensic and paternity DNA testing laboratories
- Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
- Manufacturing companies (cosmetics, food and textiles, plastic)
- Clinical research associations
- Medical sales companies
- Private pathology and diagnostic laboratories
- Universities
- Veterinary labs
Keeping up to date
Please see below for some key resources to help you explore the industry further:
- Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) - leading professional body for those studying and working in biomedical science
- The Biomedical Scientist - publication from the IBMS, providing biomedical news, views and analysis
- NHS Science Training Programme - more information on the NHS STP route to becoming a clinical scientist
- NHS Careers - explore the different roles available within the NHS
- Laboratory News - keep up to date with industry news