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Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical Scientists are at the forefront of healthcare innovation and diagnosis that affects us all from the cradle to the grave dealing with the causes and effects of diseases, analysing and interpreting samples of body fluid, cells and tissues.  You may have given a sample of blood or urine at your GP which will have then been sent to a laboratory for analysis in a Blood Sciences or Microbiology department. Biomedical Scientists are lab based and do not have any direct patient contact, but all treatment starts with a test, and advancement in digital technology is helping to push the boundaries of science and healthcare. You can progress into a leadership position, training others, quality assessment or supporting the IT systems that Biomedical Scientists use to run reports.  Few other professions offer as much choice or opportunity for personal and professional growth.  

Biomedical Scientist is also known as Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers.

Role Characteristics

  • Examining blood, urine and body tissue for disease
  • Running laboratory equipment
  • Producing reports and advising clinicians on the results
  • Making decisions based on test results
  • Organising work in laboratories and supervising staff
  • Ensuring processes are followed and quality standards are achieved

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Following instructions
  • Observation
  • Operating equipment
  • Problem-solving
  • Using technology

Day in the life

Find out more about being a Biomedical  Scientist here. 

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • GCSEs
  • A-Levels
  • An apprenticeship
  • Foundation degree
  • Undergraduate degree
  • Degree apprenticeship

How to become

There are various different career paths into Pathology which is dependent on the role and speciality you choose from based on your interests, qualifications and previous experience.  

Choosing colleges and universities is dependent on the career path you choose to follow. Local HEI’s may be providers such as: Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity or University of Bradford. For the Apprenticeship and Scientist Training Programme (STP) schemes at LTHT, the Higher Education Institute (HEI) will be dictated.  

You will need to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council for this role. 

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care. 

With experience you could manage a team within a lab, progressing further in leadership roles as an Operational Manager or Service Manager. You could support other Biomedical Scientists in their career journey as a Training Manager. If you like processes you may become a Quality Manager.  If you are interested in IT you could become a Pathology Systems Manager supporting teams with the technology needed to interpret test results.  

Location

  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories

Working hours

  • Full Time
  • Nights
  • Overtime
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends

Leeds Opportunities

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Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships at Leeds City College
Find out more about apprenticeships at the Leeds City College.
Organisation
Leeds City College
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Apprenticeships
Healthcare Science Assistant Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship is aligned to professional recognition within the NHS and other healthcare providers. Apprentices will be assessed at several stages during their apprenticeship, this includes: A vocational competence observation A professional practice test A professional discussion This apprenticeship will also include the completion of a L2 Diploma in Healthcare Science and completion of all of these elements will lead to the graded apprenticeship award
Organisation
Leeds City College
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Apprenticeships
Laboratory Technician Level 3
Providing routine and one-off testing and technical support in a scientific laboratory environment.
Organisation
Gov.UK
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Undergraduate Degree
Biomedical Science BSc
Discover how the human body works in health and disease. You'll learn to diagnose and fight diseases in our specialist labs on this biomedical science degree.
Organisation
Leeds Beckett University
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