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OCCUPATIONAL

PROFILE

Biomedical scientist (MLSO)


V2
Job Description
A biomedical scientist carries out laboratory tests on human samples to help clinicians diagnose illness and evaluate the
effectiveness of the necessary treatment. The work is vital to the wellbeing of patients as doctors treat their patients
based on the results of these tests.

Following basic training, most biomedical scientists will specialise in one aspect of medical laboratory science. The main
areas are: medical microbiology (identification of micro-organisms causing disease and their antibiotic treatment, eg
meningitis); clinical chemistry (the chemical analysis of body fluids); transfusion science (determination of donor unit
compatibility and investigations into group antigens and antibodies); haematology; histopathology; cytology; immunology;
and virology.

Typical Work Activities


Some of the medical conditions biomedical scientists can investigate include cancer, AIDS, hepatitis and diabetes. They
also investigate blood transfusions and screen cervical smears. Clinical chemistry, haematology and blood transfusion
are usually equipped with high levels of automation, but most laboratories are extensively computerised.

Typical work activities include:

• testing human samples, such as blood, tissue, urine, cerebrospinal and faecal material, for various chemical
constituents;
• analysing cultures grown from samples and identifying blood groups;
• assisting in ensuring the necessary turnaround times for the reporting of results are achieved wherever possible;
• communicating the results of tests to medical staff, who will then use the information to diagnose and treat the
patient’s illness;
• monitoring the effects of medication and other programmes of treatment by carrying out further tests;
• keeping accurate records and writing reports;
• responding to and redirecting professional enquiries;
• assisting in the production of laboratory documentation, particularly relating to policies and standard operating
procedures;
• developing new methods of investigation and keeping up to date with new developments;
• implementing quality control procedures (both internal and external) to maintain accurate results;
• maintaining and updating professional knowledge and taking responsibility for continuing professional development
(CPD).

Although much of the analytical work tends to be of a routine nature, some of the tests are challenging and demanding -
modern pathology and biomedical work entails complex investigations. The application of information technology is of
rapidly growing importance.

Work Conditions
• Salary ranges are based on the The National Health Service (NHS) (www.nhs.uk)'s Agenda for Change
(www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions) pay bands, which were brought in during 2005.
• Although there is some regional variation, the range of typical starting salaries for a trainee is: £12,741- £14,275.
Following state registration, biomedical scientists start at Band 5: £18,698 - £24,198(salary data collected May 06).
• The range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, eg for a senior manager or advanced practitioner
(Bands 7 - 8c), is: £26,498 - £59,395 (salary data collected May 06).
• Pay can be substantially increased by additional allowances for night and weekend cover.
• Private sector salaries are similar to those in the NHS, however benefits are generally better. The type of work
carried out in private sector laboratories is also similar but is likely to be more customer driven.
• In some posts, there is a requirement to take a share of emergency overnight on-call cover and out-of-hours work.
• Some opportunities exist for part-time work or job sharing, but self-employment is unlikely as it is rarely possible to
set up an independent laboratory.
• Gender balance within the profession favours females, but there are slightly fewer women than men in senior
positions at present.
• Vacancies are available across the UK, but numbers vary across the different regions.
• The profession is governed by a strict code of ethics, which includes patient confidentiality. Biomedical scientists
must not offer clinical advice. In some cases, there is a strict 'no contact with the public' policy. However, in some
roles there may be near-patient testing (eg, 'bedside').
• Biomedical scientists are not generally required to travel during the working day. Absence from home at night is
occasionally needed. Overseas work is uncommon, although opportunities do exist for scientists to use their skills
in healthcare projects abroad, including voluntary work with organisations such as Voluntary Services Overseas
(VSO) (www.vso.org.uk).

This Occupational Profile forms part of Prospects Planner www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupations Page 1 of 4


Biomedical scientist (MLSO)

Entry Requirements
Relevant degree subject areas include physical/mathematical/applied science and life and medical science. In particular,
the following subjects may increase your chances:

• biomedical science, biochemistry;


• microbiology;
• medical laboratory science;
• biology, chemistry, physics;
• physiology;
• zoology.

The complex investigations involved in biomedical science require a sound scientific education. Ideally, applicants should
have a degree in biomedical science approved by the Health Professions Council (HPC) (www.hpc-uk.org). For these
applicants, the minimum length of in-service training required to qualify for state registration is one year. If your degree is
a four-year sandwich course, you can prepare for state registration during the placement year, and can apply to sit the
examination for state registration once you have obtained your degree certificate.

Applicants with degrees in related sciences or specifically approved postgraduate diplomas may qualify for state
registration after successful completion of an accredited postgraduate certificate or diploma and at least two years'
in-service training. The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (www.ibms.org), the professional body for biomedical
scientists in the UK and Ireland, produces a list of HPC-accredited degree courses acceptable for state registration
purposes. To determine whether your degree would be acceptable you should write to the IBMS with a copy of your
degree certificate and a summary (title of modules) of each year of your degree course.

Entry without a degree or with HND only is less common.

Assuming suitable A-levels (or equivalent) and/or other necessary qualifications, it is possible to do a four-year, part-time
BSc in Biomedical Sciences whilst employed as a trainee biomedical scientist. The examination for HPC state
registration could then be taken as soon as the degree certificate is obtained. This route is dependent on finding an
employer willing to provide the financial support and flexibility required for your part-time study.

A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed, although an MSc in a clinical or medical subject can be useful.

Pre-entry experience is not essential, although a sandwich placement or other work experience in a laboratory and
evidence of medical interest is beneficial, as is arranging a visit to a local hospital pathology laboratory before you apply.

Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• good practical laboratory skills and manual dexterity;


• patience and the ability to work accurately and efficiently;
• the ability to prioritise tasks;
• a willingness to accept responsibility and employ common sense;
• good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team;
• the ability to maintain client confidentiality.

Recruitment is ongoing throughout the year and there are a reasonable number of vacancies all year round. Competition
varies geographically, but is generally less intense in London.

From 1 October 2006 it will be illegal to discriminate against candidates on age grounds but, in practice, age may
continue to be used in selection criteria by some employers. For more information on equality and diversity in the job
market and how to handle discrimination, see the AGCAS publication Handling Discrimination
(www.prospects.ac.uk/links/discrimination).

Training
As a graduate with no previous experience, you would enter as a trainee biomedical scientist. Training is on the job and
you would be expected to successfully complete a period of training in an approved laboratory. This normally lasts one or
two years, but it can take longer, depending on the training undertaken. You must complete a logbook and pass the
Health Professions Council (HPC) (www.hpc-uk.org) national examination to gain state registration. Those with an
HPC-approved degree may qualify for state registration after a minimum of one year.

Student membership of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (www.ibms.org) can be applied for on gaining
employment in a medical laboratory or starting a course. Following a year’s professional training, students with
accredited degrees are eligible for associateship whilst others are considered on their individual merit. Fellowship status,
one of the highest qualifications in the field, can be gained through higher degree or thesis. Fellowship is a usual
requirement for promotion to senior posts in The National Health Service (NHS) (www.nhs.uk) and is highly regarded
elsewhere. For those that achieve fellowship status and have attained postgraduate qualifications and sufficient
continuing professional development (CPD), it is possible to work towards chartered scientist status.

The IBMS has a CPD programme of short courses and workshops that offer in-service training and can lead to the CPD
Diploma. An extensive range of training is available, covering quality control, pathophysiology of disease, clinical
governance, expert practice, research and development, service planning, health and safety procedures, transfusion
science, immunocytochemistry and histopathological dissection. Courses can be undertaken via traditional routes or as
distance learning or e-training packages.

Page 2 of 4 See also AGCAS Sector Briefings for an overview of job sectors - www.prospects.ac.uk/links/sectorbs
Biomedical scientist (MLSO)

Career Development
The field of biomedical science is continually changing as new laboratory techniques and treatments come into practice.
It is a dynamic profession with long-term career prospects that include management, research, education and
specialised laboratory work.

The promotion opportunities for biomedical scientists are dependent on your qualifications, performance and experience.
For promotion to senior positions, a higher degree (MSc) or management qualification, for example an MBA or fellowship
of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (www.ibms.org), is normally required. The need to continue to develop
professionally is strongly recognised in the profession, with the opportunity to undertake the Specialist, Higher Specialist
and Advanced Specialist Diplomas, or a research or professional doctorate.

Within The National Health Service (NHS) (www.nhs.uk), the profession has an established grading structure and, in
regions where recruitment is more difficult, it is often possible to progress at a faster rate. For reasons such as this,
promotion opportunities can be improved by mobility. For more information on the grading structure, see the NHS
Careers (www.nhscareers.nhs.uk) website.

Career progression for many biomedical scientists usually involves taking charge of a section within the laboratory or
taking over the management responsibilities for a particular department. You may also become involved in advanced
specialist scientific work, research or training and education. Opportunities can exist for movement into product
development in a commercial setting.

Typical Employers
Health authorities are the main employers of biomedical scientists. This includes both hospitals in The National Health
Service (NHS) (www.nhs.uk), where you would generally work in the clinical pathology laboratory, and the Health
Protection Agency (HPA) (www.hpa.org.uk), which has taken over the remit of the former Public Health Laboratory
Service.

Increasing numbers of biomedical scientists are working in pathology and research laboratories in the private sector.
Other employers include:

• National Blood Service (NBS) (www.blood.co.uk);


• Medical Research Council (MRC) (www.mrc.ac.uk);
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (www.hse.gov.uk);
• private hospitals;
• veterinary services;
• universities;
• some manufacturing firms (especially those producing pharmaceutical products);
• forensic laboratories;
• government departments;
• the armed forces.

Biomedical scientists can also find work in healthcare posts or projects worldwide with international voluntary
organisations, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) (www.who.int) or Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO)
(www.vso.org.uk).

Sources of Vacancies
• New Scientist (www.newscientist.com);
• Nature (www.nature.com/nature/index.html);
• Biomedical Scientist;
• The Health and Social Care Yearbook;
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) (www.ibms.org) careers literature;
• local and national press.

The addresses of hospitals, blood transfusion centres and regional sites of the Health Protection Agency (HPA)
(www.hpa.org.uk) can be found in your local telephone directory. You should also contact the laboratory managers or
personnel departments at local hospitals to enquire about vacancies.

Vacancies are sometimes handled by recruitment agencies on a temporary basis.

Related Occupations
• Audiological scientist
• Biomedical engineer
• Clinical biochemist
• Clinical cytogeneticist
• Clinical molecular geneticist
• Haematologist
• Microbiologist
• Occupational hygienist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Toxicologist

Find comprehensive careers information on www.prospects.ac.uk and in your HE careers service Page 3 of 4
Biomedical scientist (MLSO)

Information Sources
Bibliography
AGCAS and Graduate Prospects products are available from higher education careers services.
AGCAS Publications
Handling Discrimination, AGCAS Information Booklet
Health Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing
Options with Biomedical Sciences, AGCAS Options Series
Options with Microbiology, AGCAS Options Series
Science Sector, AGCAS Sector Briefing
Other Publications
Biomedical Scientist, Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), Monthly
A Career in Biomedical Science: Science in the Service of Life, Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), 2004
The Health and Social Care Yearbook, Beechwood House Publishing, Annual
Nature, Nature Publishing Group (NPG), Weekly
New Scientist, Reed Business Information, Weekly

Websites
Agenda for Change, www.nhsemployers.org/pay-conditions
Careerscene, www.careerscene.com
National Blood Service (NBS), www.blood.co.uk
The National Health Service (NHS), www.nhs.uk
NHS Careers, www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), www.vso.org.uk

Addresses
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Headquarters, Rose Court, 2 Southwark Bridge, London SE1 9HS
Tel: 0845 345 0055 URL: www.hse.gov.uk
Health Professions Council (HPC), Park House, 184 Kennington Park Road, London SE11 4BU Tel: 020 7582 0866
URL: www.hpc-uk.org
Health Protection Agency (HPA), 7th Floor Holborn Gate, 330 High Holborn, London WC1V 7PP Tel: 020 7759 2700
URL: www.hpa.org.uk
Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), 12 Coldbath Square, London EC1R 5HL Tel: 020 7713 0214 URL:
www.ibms.org
Medical Research Council (MRC), 20 Park Crescent, London W1B 1AL Tel: 020 7636 5422 URL: www.mrc.ac.uk
Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene, 28 Portland Place, London W1N 1DE Tel: 020 7580 2731 URL:
www.riphh.org.uk
World Health Organisation (WHO), Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland Tel: 00 41 22 791 21 11 URL:
www.who.int

© Content copyright of or licensed to AGCAS (www.agcas.org.uk)


Written by Paul Charman, University of Lincoln, 22/06/2006

The work of writers, editors and other contributors is gratefully acknowledged - full details on www.prospects.ac.uk/links/occupations
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