About Biomedical Science

What is a biomedical scientist?

Biomedical science is the term for the investigations carried out by biomedical scientists on samples of tissue and body fluids to diagnose disease and monitor the treatment of patients.

The role of biomedical scientists

From cancer screening to diagnosing HIV, from blood transfusion for surgery to food poisoning and infection control biomedical scientists are the foundation of modern healthcare. Biomedical scientists work in partnership with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to perform many different roles in NHS laboratories. Without biomedical scientists the diagnosis of disease, the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment, and research into the causes and cures of disease would not be possible. Doctors treat their patients based on results of the vital tests and investigations that diagnose often serious and life threatening illnesses such as cancer, AIDS or diabetes. Without biomedical scientists departments such as Accident & Emergency and operating theatres could not properly function. The many roles of support by biomedical scientists for A & E and theatre surgery includes tests for emergency blood transfusions and blood grouping as well as tests on samples from patients who have overdosed on unknown substances, or may have leukaemia or are suspected of having a heart attack. The work of a biomedical scientist must be accurate and efficient because patients' lives may depend on their skills. They are continually increasing their knowledge as laboratory techniques develop and research transforms the cutting edge of science and medicine. Scientists learn to work with computers, sophisticated automated equipment, microscopes and other hi-tech laboratory equipment. They employ a wide range of complex modern techniques to perform their roles.

Career opportunities
Biomedical science is a continually changing, dynamic profession with long term career prospects including management, research, education and specialised laboratory work. UK biomedical scientists are employed in National Health Service private sector laboratories but are also involved in other organisations such as the National Blood Authority which provides support to hospital blood banks and the Blood Transfusion Service. Biomedical scientists working for the Medical Research Council carry out research in the medical and biological sciences to help preserve health and combat and control disease. Biomedical scientists are also employed in a variety of roles including the veterinary service, the Health and Safety Executive, university and forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical and product manufacturers, Her Majesty's Forces and various government departments. There are also opportunities for biomedical scientists to use their training and skills in healthcare posts and projects around the world. They are involved in voluntary work in developing countries on behalf of international bodies such as the World Health Organisation and the Voluntary Service Overseas. Biomedical science represents an opportunity to put scientific knowledge into practical use and perform a key role within medical healthcare that offers career satisfaction for many in the profession. Biomedical scientists learn skills and gain qualifications that can be transferred all over the UK and can be recognised worldwide.

Careers in biomedical science

Biomedical scientists work in healthcare to diagnose disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment through the analysis of fluids and tissue samples from patients. They provide the 'engine room' of modern medicine with 70% of diagnoses based on the pathology results provided by laboratory services. With biomedical scientists handling an estimated 150 million samples in the UK, every person at some point in their lives will have benefited from their services. We have put together this careers information to help you to decide whether a career in biomedical science would be a suitable option for you. What makes biomedical science such a fascinating and rewarding career? A look down a microscope offers lots of reasons: a whole new world opens up, where the chaotic architecture of tumours is revealed, the teeming bacteria that cause infections are visible, as are the millions of cells that carry oxygen in our blood and form the frontline of our immune system. Or using your knowledge of chemistry and biology to look for or measure the amount of molecules and hormones in blood and other body fluids to diagnose disease or ensure treatment is working. Or it could be the personal satisfaction of using your scientific skills and expertise to help provide a diagnosis and help your medical colleagues save the life of a sick patient? Or that it offers a diverse, interesting and rewarding career with a range of opportunities for personal and career development. Or is it the constantly changing nature of science and healthcare that ensures that biomedical science offers career-long learning and challenges? Modern biomedical science is a fast-changing, dynamic complex science requiring accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail.

Career opportunities
Since biomedical science is a continually changing and dynamic profession it offers a fantastic variety of exciting career opportunities with excellent promotion prospects including specialist laboratory work, expert and consultant roles, research, education and management. Once qualified, many biomedical scientists work in laboratories for the NHS and private sector. Modern laboratories are the hi-tech hubs of hospitals at the cutting edge of medical technology. But if working in a general hospital laboratory isnt for you, there are many other avenues to explore, such as the Health Protection Agency (HPA). The HPA seeks to improve health through the diagnosis, prevention and control of infections and communicable diseases and its scientists will test samples of drinking water, milk and foodstuffs to make sure they are fit for human consumption. You may decide youd prefer to work in forensic science, using the latest DNA profiling and forensic techniques to help identify and catch a wanted suspect! You may work for the National Blood Authority, which provides support to hospital blood banks and the Blood Transfusion Service. Or working for the Medical Research Council, youd carry out research in the medical and biological sciences to help preserve health and combat and control disease. Biomedical scientists are also employed in other roles such as the veterinary service, the Health and Safety Executive, university laboratories, pharmaceutical and product manufacturers, Her Majestys Forces and various government departments. As healthcare moves from the traditional hospital environment into the community, pathology is moving too. Biomedical scientists are now increasingly found in the primary care setting working

with general practitioners in surgeries and community clinics and helping to deliver a diagnostic service to patients. If travelling is your thing, there is the opportunity for you to use your training and skills in healthcare posts and projects around the world. The skills of a biomedical scientist are highly sought after for international healthcare projects in hospitals, schools and universities. You may want to become involved in voluntary work in developing countries on behalf of international bodies such as the World Health Organization or the Voluntary Service Overseas. Like any profession you can get involved in professional activities where you can develop skills in media, politics, organising events and discussion groups, networking and professional representation and roles.

How do I become a biomedical scientist?

Modern pathology and biomedical laboratory work involves complex and diverse investigations requiring an in-depth scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology. So, like for many other professions, a biomedical scientist will need to complete a BSc honours degree course, usually accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Advice is available on course selection by contacting the IBMS. The Institute will provide you with a list of approved biomedical science courses, which are updated annually

To be accepted onto a degree course you will probably be studying biology and chemistry at A Level and already have GCSE mathematics or equivalent. IBMS-accredited undergraduate biomedical science degrees are designed to give you tailored scientific knowledge and training to enter the profession. Most honours degree courses are fulltime, often with an integrated placement in the laboratory. Part-time options are also available which allow you to combine your studies with some practical experience, for example as a trainee in a hospital laboratory. There is a non-standard route for other science graduates with science degrees containing the principle subjects of anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology and medical microbiology. Graduates with these degrees can enter the profession but may need to supplement their degrees with additional modules that are an integral part of accredited biomedical science degree courses.

You can get advice on course selection by contacting the IBMS. We will provide you with a list of approved biomedical science courses, which we update annually.

What happens next?

Biomedical scientist is a legally protected title so you must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC), the professions regulator. Registration requires completion of an academic programme plus a period of training in an Institute approved laboratory to develop your practical skills and ensure your competence for patient safety. This may occur as part of an integrated degree or may be completed post-graduation. The trainee's progress and competence is recorded in a registration portfolio, which is assessed on completion of training. Trainees whose portfolios meet the HPC's standards are issued with a certificate of competence by the Institute for presenting to the HPC for registration. Students undertaking Institute accredited integrated BSc (Hons) degrees (also called coterminus degrees) will have this period of training built into the degree and will be eligible for immediate registration at the same time as graduation.

Specialising in biomedical science

After registration you continue your professional development with specialist training, usually in a single discipline. Medical Microbiology As a biomedical scientist in microbiology you will study micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites which cause disease. You will identify these organisms and establish the antibiotic treatment required to kill them therefore stopping the disease. Diseases diagnosed include meningitis, tuberculosis and food poisoning. Clinical Chemistry In clinical chemistry biomedical scientists analyse blood and other biological materials to help the diagnosis of diseases, for example diabetes. They also carry out toxicological studies, test kidney and liver functions and help to monitor therapies. Transfusion Science In this discipline you will identify blood groups for blood donation, ensure the correct grouped blood is matched to the patient due to receive donation and make certain there is enough blood available in case of emergency such as road traffic accidents, operations and cancer treatments. Haematology Haematology is the study of blood. In this discipline you will be involved with the formation, composition, functions and diseases of the blood. Some of the diseases diagnosed in haematology are leukaemia, malaria and anaemia. Histology In histology, tissue samples are studied microscopically to establish the cause of illness. Tissue may be taken during surgery or at post mortem. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed by looking for abnormal features in tissue cells. Cytology This discipline is best known for its work in screening cervical smears, but it also provides a nongynaecological service. Like histology, specialised techniques are used to prepare and study samples of cellular materials. Virology Virology is the study of viruses and the disease caused by them such as German measles, HIV and chickenpox. You will also be involved in monitoring the effects of vaccines. Immunology Biomedical scientists in immunology deal with the conditions of the bodys immune system and its

role in infectious diseases, parasitic infestations, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplants. Their work is particularly important in the monitoring and treatment of AIDS. However, biomedical science itself is an evolving science moving into new areas such as cytogenetics and molecular biology. Biomedical scientists can complete the Institutes specialist portfolio which recognises your training, skills and knowledge gained in the two years post-registration. Completion of the portfolio and successful assessment will lead to you being awarded a Specialist Diploma in the disciplines listed above.

Advanced careers
Biomedical scientists go onto build on their generic knowledge with masters degrees, professional qualifications and professional doctorates.These optional qualifications help you to develop advanced specialist skills or adopt senior roles and responsibilities. Consultant biomedical scientists are those with highest qualifications and expertise who have reached the top of their profession. Biomedical scientists can also become 'Chartered Scientist' which is an internationally recognised benchmark of quality and excellence.