Annual Salary
£28,000 to £50,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Maths or STEM or go back to all job sectors or go to green jobs
Swap to Maths or STEM or go back to all job sectors or go to green jobs
Biomedical scientists test patient samples and help doctors and healthcare professionals diagnose, prevent and treat disease.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts
There will be
2.4% more Biomedical scientist jobs in 2027.
Depending on your chosen area, you may:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in a laboratory, at a research facility or at a university.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a biomedical science degree. It needs to be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Laboratory work experience
To work as a biomedical scientist, you must register with the HCPC. To register you'll need to have completed work experience in an accredited laboratory.
Some degree courses include work placements. If your chosen course does not include accredited work experience, you'll need to find a laboratory placement. You could do this during a sandwich year or after you have finished your degree.
Armed forces degree sponsorships
If you're interested in becoming a biomedical scientist in the armed forces, you can find out about degree sponsorships from the:Royal Navy; Royal Air Force; Army
You'll usually need:
You could get into this role by doing an apprenticeship, for example:
These apprenticeships typically take a minimum of 3 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to get into biomedical science as an NHS trainee.
You'll need at least 2 A levels in science subjects or an equivalent qualification, like a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
Places are sponsored by NHS employers and you'll study for an accredited degree while you work.
Another way to get into this career is to complete the NHS Practitioner Training Programme.
On this programme you'll gain an IBS accredited degree in healthcare science, known as life science.
When you apply for NHS jobs and apprenticeships, you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
You can find more advice on becoming a biomedical scientist from the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Careers.
With experience, you could move into areas like:specialist research; training and education; product development and sales; people or project management
There are also opportunities to work as a biomedical scientist in the armed forces.
Find out more from the:Army; Royal Air Force; Royal Navy
You'll need: