What is a Biomedical Scientist?

What is a biomedical scientist?

A Biomedical Scientist’s primary focus is the biology of human health and disease and ranges from the analysis of biomedical sciences and human biology. It is underpinned by relevant basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology, immunology, mathematics and statistics.

As a biomedical scientist, you will carry out a number of tests on samples which are taken by doctors and nurses. This will be in order to diagnose a range of diseases and illnesses.

Responsibilities of a biomedical scientist include:

Performing routine and specialist testing on a range of samples
Passing on test results to hospital staff, who use the information to diagnose and treat illnesses
Processing patient samples in good time and make sure that turnaround times for reporting results are achieved
Maintaining and running specialist lab equipment
Maintaining and ordering stocks of materials
Answering telephone enquiries about test results and other general lab issues
Accurately recording data onto the laboratory’s computer system
Supporting the lab's quality management system and observe all relevant health and safety regulations
Supervising and supporting trainee biomedical scientists and other support staff, along with supporting the quality manager to make sure health and safety regulations are adhered to
Keeping your professional knowledge up to date and take responsibility for your continuing professional development (CPD)

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What are the various disciplines of a biomedical scientist?

Biochemistry - studies the chemical composition of cells, and in serum/plasma, and the chemistry behind biological processes
Cytopathology - studies cell obtained by different means from humans using a microscope and recent technologies to evaluate morphology, molecular pathology changes by molecular diagnostics. Also, cytopathology involves cancer screening such as cervical, breast, colon and prostate cancers
Blood Transfusion - studies of transfusion science (although frequently linked to haematology, it is, however, a specialist discipline in its own right)
Immunology - studies the immune system
Microbiology - studies characteristics of microorganisms such as bacteria
Histology / Histopathology - studies tissues for disease diagnosis, using histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical analysis or molecular genetic techniques for diagnostics
Virology– studies of viruses and viral diseases
Haematology – studies of the blood, such as blood cells, and mechanisms of coagulation

Biomedical scientists with training and experience of working in various disciplines such as haematology, biochemistry and transfusion can be said to be multidiscipline Biomedical Scientists

Where can biomedical scientists work?

Biomedical Scientists along with scientists in other related medical disciplines seek out to understand human anatomy, genetics, immunology, physiology and behaviour at all levels, working in a variety of organisations including hospitals, forensic and medical research institutes, local and central government health authorities and academic institutions.

What qualifications does a biomedical scientist need?

To practise as a registered biomedical scientist in the UK, you will need to have acquired an initial bachelor's degree (BSc Biomedical Science). This needs to be a course accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), followed by a minimum of 12 months of laboratory training in one of the pathology disciplines.

Trainees are required to complete a certificate of competence training portfolio, which requires gathering extensive amounts of evidence to demonstrate professional competence. At the end of this period, the trainees’ portfolio and overall competence are assessed; if successful, a certificate of competence is awarded, which can be used to apply for registration with the HCPC.

As well as qualifications, you must have certain skills and traits in order to become a biomedical scientist. These include:

Analytical Approach
Attention to detail
Sound research skills
Problem-solving skills
Ability to work as part of a team

What is a biomedical scientist’s salary?

Band 5: £24,907 - £30,615
Band 6: £31,365 - £37,890
Band 7: £38,890 - £44,503

For a biomedical scientist to work at band 5 and above they need to be registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Working as a locum biomedical scientist

Band 5: £18-£20 an hour
Band 6: £21 - £26 an hour
Band 7: £25 - £30 an hour

This salary of a locum biomedical scientist is subject to locations, as certain locations have higher salaries than others

There are certain benefits that come from working as a locum biomedical scientist compared to a full-time role. These include:

Flexible working hours
Opportunity to relocate for work opportunities across the UK and overseas
Financially rewarding – premium hourly rates of pay
No lengthy notice periods – one week’s notice period is required for all locum contracts.
Opportunity to work in different laboratories and meet new people in your field

How to become a biomedical scientist

To work as a biomedical scientist, you will need a BSc (Hons) degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). You will also need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

To do a biomedical science degree, you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths and English, plus three A levels, preferably including biology and chemistry. Certain level 3 qualifications may be acceptable such as the diploma in applied science

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