Careers in Biomedical Science & the Ibms
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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,