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Medical Laboratory Scientist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Medical Laboratory Scientists, often known in the UK as Biomedical Scientists, play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring diseases. They work in hospital and private laboratories, analysing samples of blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. Their work helps doctors make accurate diagnoses and decide on the best treatments for patients. Responsibilities include operating complex laboratory equipment, ensuring tests are carried out accurately, and maintaining strict health and safety standards. The role requires strong scientific knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient care. Medical Laboratory Scientists usually specialise in areas such as haematology, microbiology, or clinical biochemistry.

Medical Laboratory Scientist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Medical Laboratory Scientists in the UK typically earn between £24,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There were over 26,000 biomedical scientists employed in the NHS in 2023, with job opportunities expected to grow as healthcare demands increase.

Entry Requirements

Most roles require a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

🚀 Careers in this path

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Haematology Laboratory Technician

Specialises in analysing blood samples to diagnose conditions such as anaemia, leukaemia, and clotting disorders.

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Microbiology Biomedical Scientist

Focuses on identifying bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to support the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

Histology Technician

Prepares and examines tissue samples under a microscope to assist pathologists in diagnosing diseases such as cancer.

Build a Strong Science Foundation

Achieve Good GCSEs

Focus on achieving strong grades in GCSEs, especially in Science and Maths subjects.

Most entry routes require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, Maths, and Double or Triple Science. These subjects provide the foundational knowledge needed for further study in science-related fields.

Study A Levels or Equivalent

Take A Levels in Biology and Chemistry, or a relevant Level 3 BTEC in Applied Science.

A Levels in Biology and Chemistry are preferred, but Physics and Maths can also be helpful. Universities may accept a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science, especially if combined with other science subjects.

Complete Relevant Higher Education

Choose an Accredited Degree

Apply for and complete a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS).

Accreditation ensures that your degree will be recognised by employers and professional bodies. Some universities offer placement years, which provide practical experience in NHS or private laboratories.

Gain Laboratory Experience

Take advantage of opportunities for work placements or internships during your degree.

Experience in NHS laboratories or related environments is invaluable. Many courses include a placement year or short-term placements, which can help you develop essential laboratory skills and make professional contacts.

Become Professionally Registered and Progress

Apply for HCPC Registration

After your degree and relevant training, register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.

You must complete a period of clinical laboratory training, usually as part of your degree or through a post-degree training scheme. Once completed, you can apply for HCPC registration, which is essential for working as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the UK.

Continue Professional Development

Keep your knowledge and skills up to date through further training, postgraduate study, or specialist courses.

You might choose to specialise in areas such as haematology, microbiology, or clinical biochemistry. Continuous professional development (CPD) is vital for career progression, and can lead to senior or specialist roles.

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🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Medical Laboratory Scientist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Medical Laboratory Scientist and a Clinical scientist both work in clinical and laboratory settings, analysing biological samples to support patient diagnosis and treatment. Both roles require specialised scientific knowledge, laboratory skills, and understanding of medical procedures.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • an NHS training programme for non-graduates

University

You can do a degree to start your training as a clinical scientist. 

Subjects include:

  • life sciences
  • biology or biochemistry
  • genetics
  • biomedical science
  • medical physics

After completing your degree, you can apply for the NHS Scientific Training Programme (STP). During the 3-year programme, you'll combine employment in the NHS with study for a postgraduate master's degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You could apply for a place on a higher or degree apprenticeship, such as:

  • Healthcare Science Associate Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Healthcare Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
  • Clinical Science Level 7 Postgraduate Apprenticeship

When you finish your apprenticeship, you can apply to join one of the NHS training programmes and continue your training to become a clinical scientist.

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 higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Other Routes

If you do not have a degree, you could apply to join the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP).

During the 3-year programme, you'll be employed in the NHS and study for an accredited university degree in healthcare science.

If you work as a healthcare science associate in the NHS, you may be able to apply for a place on the PTP.

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Registration

Career tips

When looking to join an NHS training programme or an apprenticeship, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.

Further information

You can find out more about how to become a clinical scientist from Health Careers.

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