Entry requirements, skills and interests (biomedical science)
You can enter biomedical science through three different routes.
Entry requirements
There are currently three main entry points into training as a biomedical scientist:
- with appropriate A-levels (including at least one science) through the NHS Practitioner Training Programme (PTP [1]) by taking an accredited integrated BSc degree in Healthcare Science (life sciences). It is essential to contact universities directly to clarify what they will accept for entry onto their programmes, and also whether any particular experience is required or preferred. To find universities running these courses, please use our course finder [2].
- with an honours degree in biomedical science from one of the UK education centres accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) [3] and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) [4], by gaining employment with the NHS as a trainee biomedical scientist. Graduates with a non IBMS-accredited degree, should contact the IBMS to have their degree assessed. [5]
- with A-levels in life sciences and/or equivalent as a trainee biomedical scientist, however this is only possible if the employer is willing to offer financial support and the time off to study for the degree on a part-time basis.
Other opportunities
Healthcare science assistants and healthcare science associates work in many areas of healthcare science, where they support healthcare scientists and clinical scientists. Within pathology, they may be involved in taking blood and running routine tests, for example.
Find out more about healthcare science assistants and associates [7].