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Biomedical Support Worker

As a Biomedical Support Worker, you will be expected to perform a range of routine tasks in support of biomedical, scientific and medical staff in a hospital, research laboratory or a university.  Tasks may vary from day to day, but examples are collecting, receiving and sorting patient samples and tissues (e.g. blood, urine) for analysis. You will prepare these samples for processing, preparing chemical agents. You will perform simple set up of testing platforms and equipment and run tests following standard operating procedures. You will be using equipment and automation.  

Biomedical Support Worker is also known as Biomedical Support Worker, Higher Level Associate Healthcare Practitioner, Laboratory Assistant .

Role Characteristics

  • Collect, receive and sort patient samples for testing
  • Prepare chemicals, solutions and specimens for use by scientists
  • Follow set procedures for working in the laboratory
  • Dispose of chemical and biomedical waste safely
  • Collect and record data and information
  • Clean and maintain equipment in the laboratory to keep it tidy

Skills

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

Day in the life

Routes into this role

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

  • Maths and English skills
  • Apply directly
  • GCSEs
  • A-Levels
  • An apprenticeship
  • Undergraduate degree

How to become

You must be educated to GCSE level including English and Maths. It is helpful to be able to use IT systems.  

You may be able to join a Level 2 apprenticeship programme which consists of mandatory taught modules and assessments combined with on the job training.

If you are interested in the apprenticeship route you can start off with a BTEC level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Sciences - this apprenticeship consists of mandatory taught modules and assessments, combined with workplace modules, assessment and on the job training in your speciality area. You will develop your electronic portfolio of work culminating with an End Point Assessment.  

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.  

You could develop into a more senior role as a Biomedical Support Worker Higher Level or Automation Lead where you will take on more responsibility as well as supervision of a small team.  You will carry out more complex tasks and may be responsible for running automation for your section. If you are interested in processes and procedures you could be a Quality Manager. If you are good with IT and systems you could support pathology teams with the systems and technology needed to carry out tests and produce reports.  

You could study a degree to become a Biomedical Scientist or Pathologist.  

Location

  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories

Working hours

  • Casual Hours
  • Flexible Hours
  • Full Time
  • Irregular Hours
  • Nights
  • Overtime
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends

Leeds Opportunities

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