Healthcare Careers

Biomedical Science

What is it?

Biomedical scientists look for ways to cure disease and make people healthier. They’re based in a lab rather than at a patient’s bedside – but their work can make the difference between life and death.

Why do we get cancer? Why are some people born with health problems? What makes us grow old – and could we invent a medicine to slow it down? As a biomedical scientist, that’s the kind of stuff you ask.

But it’s not all about the ‘big picture’. When someone’s ill – say, with a bad stomach bug – and no one knows exactly what’s going on in their cells, who are the doctors going to call? A biomedical scientist. With the right training, you’ll be able to do the tests to help work out what’s happening.

So the patient has the best chance of getting well quickly – thanks to you.

What are the good bits?

• Interesting, challenging
• Rewarding – you’re improving health and curing disease
• You can specialise in different areas, like genetics or immunology
• Lots of job opportunities in places like universities, hospitals, drug companies

What about pay?

£15,000-£88,000

What skills and interests do I need?

• Scientific research
• Good team worker
• Accurate, efficient
• Determined, dedicated

What qualifications/training will I need?

After GCSE exams you need to stay on at school or go to college to study science – for example, Chemistry and Biology at AS and A2 level, or the 12-unit AVCE in Science plus another A level. Then you’d study Biomedical Science at a university for three or four years.

Compiled with reference to:
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
www.nobarriers2uni.org

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