CAREERS IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE & THE IBMS. Betty Kyle Scottish Regional Representative IBMS Lead Biomedical Scientist NHS Lanarkshire

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1 CAREERS IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE & THE IBMS Betty Kyle Scottish Regional Representative IBMS Lead Biomedical Scientist NHS Lanarkshire

2 What is a biomedical scientist? Biomedical scientists carry out investigations on tissue and body fluid samples Biomedical scientist usually work in laboratories in the areas of diagnosis, screening, monitoring and research

3 Biomedical scientist roles Biomedical scientist roles include:

4 Did you know..? Over 80% of medical diagnoses are based on biomedical scientists laboratory test results Biomedical scientists handle over 150 million samples every year. If you or anyone you know have given sample to a doctor or nurse to be analysed it will have most likely been analysed in a laboratory by a biomedical scientist

5 What makes a good biomedical scientist? If you: are interested in science and technology enjoy practical, hands on work are self-motived, with good communication skills organised want to make a difference You will enjoy being a biomedical scientist

6 Studying biomedical science Biomedical scientists need an in-depth knowledge of: anatomy physiology pathology Other skills you will gain on a biomedical science degree include:

7 Choosing a biomedical science degree An IBMS accredited BSC hons degree in biomedical science provides all the scientific knowledge and training you need to begin a career in biomedical science IBMS accredited Sandwich and Integrated degrees also include laboratory placements The quickest route to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist is with an IBMS accredited degree

8 Did you know..? Biomedical scientist is a protected title Anyone using the title biomedical scientist must meet standards set by the profession s regulator the HCPC It is a legal requirement for biomedical scientists practicing in the UK to be registered with the HCPC

9 The HCPC HCPC Health and Care Professions Council The HCPC is the regulatory body for several health and care professions - including biomedical scientists The aim of the HCPC is to protect patient safety by keeping a Register of health and care professionals that meet HCPC standards

10 HCPC Standards HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists cover areas including: training knowledge, understanding and skills conduct performance and ethics service delivery Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

11 These standards are used to decide whether you are fit to work as a biomedical scientist in the UK Meeting these standards ensure that you practice biomedical science in a safe, effective and lawful manner and protect members of the public If you do not meet the standards for HCPC registration you will not be admitted to the Register and will not be able to practice in the UK You can find out more at

12 HCPC registration and your career HCPC registration is a requirement for biomedical scientists working in the NHS HCPC registration is a requirement for biomedical scientists in private sector labs that provide services to the NHS HCPC registration is highly desirable for biomedical scientists working in the private sector

13 How to get HCPC registered You will need an IBMS Certificate of Competence This is the professional qualification that shows you meet HCPC standards of proficiency for registration as a biomedical scientist Once you have an IBMS Certificate of Competence you will be able to apply for HCPC to be registered as a biomedical scientist

14 IBMS Certificate of Competence You will be awarded an IBMS Certificate of Competence once you have: An academic qualification that meets HCPC standards of proficiency, and A period of laboratory training where you complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio

15 Academic qualifications that meet HCPC standards of proficiency All IBMS and HCPC accredited undergraduate degrees meet HCPC standards of proficiency If your degree is not IBMS or HCPC accredited you will need to have your qualifications assessed and possibly take top up modules before beginning an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio You can find a list of IBMS accredited degrees at

16 IBMS Registration Training Portfolio Completing an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio enables you to build up a record of evidence showing that you have achieved the competencies and standards set out in the HCPC standards of proficiency Your IBMS Registration Training Portfolio must be completed in an IBMS approved laboratory

17 Did you know..? An IBMS accredited Integrated or Sandwich degree includes a laboratory placement where you will be able to complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio You will be awarded an IBMS Certificate of Competence when you graduate and will be able to apply for HCPC registration straight away You can find a list of IBMS Integrated and Sandwich degrees at

18 Completing a Registration Training Portfolio If your degree does not include a laboratory placement where you complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio as part of your course, you will need to find a Trainee position in an IBMS approved training laboratory You will complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio while you work as a Trainee You can find a list of IBMS approved training laboratories who have agreed to publish their details on the IBMS website at

19 Finding a Trainee position How to find a Trainee position: Contact the Lab Manager or Training Officer at NHS local hospital laboratories You can find contact details for Pathology Departments on the hospital s website If no contact details for pathology departments are available try contacting the hospital s Training Lead Look for trainee positions on NHS jobs Remember to check that the laboratory is an IBMS accredited training laboratory

20 If you have trouble finding a trainee position Make sure your CV stands out for the right reasons Your CV should be: well presented and organised checked for correct spelling tailored to the position you are applying for focused on the benefits you can bring to the role We ve prepared a useful guide on how to put together a great CV along with links to websites with general advice and CV building tools at:

21 Get a recommendation If you have a good working relationship with your University tutors, ask them to write you a letter of recommendation A letter of recommendation sent along with job applications can help you get an interview You could also ask your tutor to be a referee included on your CV

22 Get some work experience in a lab Laboratory work experience is often key to securing a trainee position or employment in a lab Contact your local hospital training lead or lab manager about work experience opportunities Voluntary positions can be a as long as few weeks or several months

23 And if you can t get work experience in a lab? Take the opportunity to gain experience of other kinds of work Show potential employers that you have a strong work ethic Gain transferable skills that will be valuable in a lab: communication, organisation, problem solving, ability to take the initiative and team working

24 Get volunteering Expand your skill set and enhance your CV Volunteer in the wider healthcare community to gain experience of working in a healthcare setting Voluntary roles are sometimes listed on NHS Jobs Your local NHS Trust volunteer coordinator or HR department will know of any local voluntary roles You can also find local volunteering opportunities through Do it! and Volunteering England

25 Get involved with public engagement Getting involved with public engagement work will develop your transferrable skills and show your enthusiasm for your subject Public engagement work will develop your communication, planning, organisational, teaching, mentoring, and social skills You can find out more at

26 It can also be a lot of fun!

27 Join a professional body Joining a professional body is a great way to show commitment to and interest in your subject Joining the IBMS will help you develop your knowledge, skills and experience. IBMS membership gives you access to advice, tips and guidance and connect you to a 20,000 strong network of professionals Join online at

28 Attend scientific events Scientific and healthcare events offer opportunities to network and show enthusiasm for your subject Attend University scientific society event, IBMS region and branch discussion groups or Congress IBMS Council Member, Sandra Richards recommend that you: Take a CV or dozen to offer to people. Take peoples names; ask if you can visit their lab. You have to get out and network.

29 Get started with CPD Getting started with CPD will help you stand out when it comes to job hunting Employers will appreciate your proactive approach to the life-long learning essential for healthcare professionals Take online courses in areas that will add value to your CV. If you can t find a lab specific course in training, health and safety or quality, IT and other relevant online courses will help you stand out.

30 Starting work in a lab When you apply for your first job in a laboratory it will be in a specific discipline: haematology transfusion science medical microbiology virology clinical chemistry immunology histopathology cytopathology

31 Haematology You will study the formation, composition, function and diseases of blood You will identify abnormalities in different types of blood cells, carry out tests to diagnose life threatening conditions and monitor blood disorders Diseases diagnosed and monitored by haematology include leukaemia, anaemia, malaria, thrombosis and haemophilia

32 Immunology You will study the body s immune system and its role in infectious diseases, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplants You will carry out tests to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the immune system Conditions diagnosed and monitored through immunology include allergies, HIV and AIDS

33 Medical Microbiology You will study bacteria, parasites and fungi that which cause infection You will use molecular testing and culturing techniques to identify these micro-organisms and the appropriate antibiotic therapy to treat them Diseases diagnosed by medical microbiology include MRSA, meningitis, tuberculosis, legionnaires disease and food poisoning

34 Virology You will study viruses and the diseases caused by them You will test for infections and screen populations at risk from virus diseases to help prevent and control epidemics and monitor the effects of vaccines Infections diagnosed by virology include rubella, hepatitis, HIV and chickenpox

35 Clinical Chemistry You will study the chemical processes of the human body You will analyse blood and other biological materials to help diagnose disease and monitor therapies. Tests carried out include thyroid, liver and kidney function tests as well as toxicological studies Diseases diagnosed by clinical chemistry include diabetes, endocrine disorders, heart conditions and stroke. Toxicological studies are used to detect poisons, illegal drugs and alcohol

36 Histopathology You will study tissue samples to help diagnose disease You will process tissue samples and study them microscopically to detect abnormalities. You may also use molecular testing equipment to diagnose certain cancers and predict patient responses to different cancer therapies The disease most commonly diagnosed and monitored using histopathology is cancer

37 Cytopathology You will study tissue and fluid samples to help diagnose disease You will process and study samples of cellular material microscopically to detect abnormalities Diseases commonly diagnosed by cytopathology include cervical and other cancers

38 Transfusion Science You will study blood group systems, antigens and antibodies You will identify blood groups, ensure that donor blood is compatible with its recipient and maintain appropriate stocks of blood transfusion products and plasma fractions Transfusion science encompasses prenatal testing, blood component therapy and blood transfusions in emergencies and routine surgery

39 When you start work, your employer will train you in your chosen specialist area and on the particular equipment used in that laboratory Your training will be based around the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in your discipline and is known as post-registration training Completing an IBMS Specialist Portfolio will enable you demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained through your post-registration training

40 Life in a lab Lots of people Lots of work Lots of technology Huge variety of specimens

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42 Qualifications for your career The IBMS have developed qualifications for every stage of your career Our tailored qualifications to help you to fulfill your potential, follow career pathways, practice in diverse roles and take advantage of professional opportunities Demonstrate your expertise to colleagues and employers with nationally recognised marks of your knowledge and expertise Find out more at

43 What is the IBMS? The IBMS is the professional body for biomedical scientists in the UK We aim to promote and develop biomedical science and support our members in their practice of biomedical science

44 About the IBMS Founded in 1912, the IBMS now represents 20,000 members in more than 30 countries The IBMS set quality standards for the profession and promotes the role of biomedical science in society to government, professionals and the public

45 Who are our members? Our members range from students and laboratory support staff to academics and biomedical scientists Our members work for organisations including:

46 How do we support our members? Through: Promoting the profession Setting standards Career development opportunities Training Education, assessments and examinations Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

47 We do this by providing Degree accreditation Certificates of Competence Professional qualifications Publications and media The Biomedical Scientist, Activities and meetings Scientific and professional information

48 Maintaining your HCPC registration We work closely with the HCPC to make sure that our: training qualifications Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Code of Conduct guide to Good Professional Practice All reflect HCPC standards and support you in meeting them throughout your career

49 IBMS Membership Our membership structure used to be: Associate Studying for BSc or Certificate of Competence Licentiate (LIBMS) HCPC registered, practicing biomedical scientist, studying for IBMS Specialist Diploma Member (MIBMS) Two years professional experience, studying for MSc or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma, eligible to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) Fellow (FIBMS) Studying for IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma, eligible to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci)

50 Our new membership structure estudent Associate Studying biomedical science or related subjects Graduate trainees in IBMS approved labs and laboratory support staff, eligible to become a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) or Registered Scientist (Rsci) Licentiate (LIBMS) HCPC registered, practicing biomedical scientist, studying for IBMS Specialist Diploma, eligible to become a Registered Scientist (Rsci) Member (MIBMS) Two years professional experience, studying for MSc or IBMS Higher Specialist Diploma, eligible to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) Fellow (FIBMS) Studying for IBMS Advanced Specialist Diploma, eligible to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci)

51 We carried out research in early 2013 about how we could improve our membership offer for students We ran focus groups at Universities around the UK We undertook a survey of current and potential IBMS student members From this research we developed our new estudent membership

52 New estudent membership Online membership Open to students in Further Education and on both IBMS accredited and non accredited degree courses Designed to help you expand your knowledge of biomedical science and develop your skills and experience Provides support while you study with advice, tips and guidance and connects you to a 20,000 strong network of biomedical science professionals

53 Benefits of estudent membership Knowledge Online access to The Biomedical Scientist the leading professional journal for biomedical science in the UK IBMS website - all the latest news, information, online CPD and learning resources You can sign up to our newsletter and estudent News Roundup to get the latest news, scientific reports and useful web links delivered to your inbox IBMS Library - access the Institute's unique collection of books, journals, Fellowship theses and rare first editions

54 Development Rewarding academic excellence and encouraging promotion biomedical science through our IBMS awards and grants. Our CPD eportfolio gives you a head start in the life-long learning essential for healthcare professionals Get involved in IBMS voluntary activities - develop new skill and enhance your CV Join your local IBMS region and branch committees and discussion groups to gain valuable knowledge and experience

55 Support Tailored advice on careers, placements, registration and tips and guides for working in a lab Save money with IBMS Additions member discount scheme Access professional advice and guidance from our Advisory Panels Contact with IBMS office staff we ll be happy to help with any queries

56 Networks Reduced fees for IBMS Congress meet biomedical scientists from across the world and learn from experts in their field at the largest biomedical science conference in the UK Join our online community and connect with members through our social media and forum Make connections with scientists working in a wide range roles and fields of biomedical science through our Region and Branch network

57 INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE 12 COLDBATH SQUARE LONDON EC1R 5HL