Biomedical Scientist

You can study for a biomedical science degree.

Your course should be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

Laboratory work experience

To work as a biomedical scientist, you must register with the HCPC. To register you'll need to have completed work experience in an accredited laboratory.

Some degree courses include work placements. If your chosen course does not include accredited work experience, you'll need to find a laboratory placement. You could do this during a sandwich year or after you have finished your degree.

Armed forces degree sponsorships

If you're interested in becoming a biomedical scientist in the armed forces, you can find out about degree sponsorships from the:

• Royal Navy
• Royal Air Force
• Army

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could apply to do a Biomedical Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you're working in the health service or in a research lab facility.

This apprenticeship takes around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• apprenticeship levels
• guide to apprenticeships

You may be able to get into biomedical science as an NHS trainee.

You'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent qualification, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.

Places are sponsored by NHS employers and you'll study for an accredited biomedical degree while you work.

You could apply to join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme if you're working in the health service.

On this programme you'll complete an IBMS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.

If you're working at the level of a biomedical scientist but not registered with the HCPC, you may be eligible to start the process of having your experience, competence and knowledge assessed by the IBMS. If the assessment is successful, you will be awarded a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.

Once you have this, you can apply for registration as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council

Career tips

When you apply for NHS jobs and training, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find more advice on becoming a biomedical scientist from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.