careers in biomedical science & the ibms
TRANSCRIPT
CAREERS IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
& THE IBMS
Betty Kyle Scottish Regional
Representative IBMS Lead Biomedical Scientist
NHS Lanarkshire
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
Biomedical scientist roles
Biomedical scientist roles include:
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
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
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:
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
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
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
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)
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 http://www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/standards
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
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
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
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 http://www.ibms.org/assessment
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
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 http://www.ibms.org/assessment
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
http://www.ibms.org/portfolio
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 http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/
Remember to check that the laboratory is an IBMS accredited training laboratory
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:
www.ibms.org/estudents
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
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
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
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
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
http://www.ibms.org/getinvolved
http://www.stemnet.org.uk/
It can also be a lot of fun!
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
www.ibms.org/studentjoin
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.”
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Life in a lab
• Lots of people
• Lots of work
• Lots of technology
• Huge variety of specimens
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 www.ibms/quals
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
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
Who are our members? Our members range from students and laboratory
support staff to academics and biomedical scientists
Our members work for organisations including:
How do we support our members?
Through:
• Promoting the profession
• Setting standards
• Career development opportunities
• Training
• Education, assessments and examinations
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
We do this by providing
• Degree accreditation
• Certificates of Competence
• Professional qualifications
• Publications and media The Biomedical Scientist, www.ibms.org
• Activities and meetings
• Scientific and professional information
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
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)
Our new membership structure • eStudent Studying biomedical science or related subjects
• Associate 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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
INSTITUTE OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
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