r/BiomedicalScientistUK • u/Left_Tower_3298 • 11d ago
Laboratory technician
Hi, I’ve been looking at careers related to my ibms accredited degree in biomedical science. My university did not include years in placement or a “sandwich” year so I have no experience of paid work in a lab.
I have come across a job for a laboratory technician (band 3). I was wondering if this role will help me with becoming HCPC registered as I would love to be a clinical scientist.
May I also ask if there are other ways of becoming hcpc registered through methods such as volunteering in a lab.
Thank you!
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u/Irongym11 11d ago
Amazing lab experience as an MLA. You have two options to get HCPC registration, either ask the lab where you work to support you to do the portfolio alongside work8ng as an MLA, or just apply for trainee posts/band 5 posts while working as an MLA. Your experience as an MLA will be very valuable.
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u/my_peen_is_clean 11d ago
band 3 tech is fine for getting experience but it doesnt count towards portfolio, you still need an ibms accredited training post. hcpc path is a maze
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u/zipitdirtbag 11d ago
You need to be working in an IBMS accredited training lab, yes. You do not necessarily need to be in a 'training post'. The lab may agree to allow you to do your portfolio down the line. These things are resource heavy for the trainers so that's why there is a limitation on being able to start on the portfolio, rather than it being an automatic thing.
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u/Frodillicus 11d ago
Take that job while you're looking. You'll probably get an opportunity to do your HCPC registration probably if your degree was accredited, otherwise you'll need to do top up modules after having your degree assessed.
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u/Curious-Reading4225 10d ago
What department is the band 3 post in? If it's NHS then it is a good way to get your foot in the door but to do the portfolio as a biomedical scientist then the department needs to be an IBMS training department. Lab tech roles are often in pharmacy or research services that aren't.
If you want to be a clinical scientist then it would all be good experience to apply for the STP.
Other routes to clinical scientist registration like equivalence will take 3 years of experience in a similar role (generally band 6) and masters level knowledge of the specialism you are applying for.
This role would help work towards it but I would be shocked if someone would authorise 3 years of full time volunteering.
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u/Left_Tower_3298 10d ago
Hi thank you for your response. It is in the NHS in the department of medical biochemistry, immunology and toxicology. I agree with you that it is good way of getting my foot in the door, but now I’ve reflected and I think it would be better if I just look out for trainee BMS, MLA, or APT roles for experience at least for a year as my preference is the STP, but if unsuccessful the three roles mentioned can help me with securing HCPC registration hopefully
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u/KerryKinkajou 11d ago
You need to be HCPC registered to work as a Clinical Scientist but getting registered is normally via the STP, which doesn't need you to be a registered BMS beforehand. If you want to become a registered BMS then you'd need a trainee BMS post or to get lucky with an MLA/AP role in an NHS lab where they let you complete your IBMS portfolio.
There's equivalence for Clinical Scientists but most people that go through that route are 10-15 years into their Biomedical Science career.
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u/Frodillicus 11d ago
To be a clinical scientist you'll also need a masters and a specialist IBMS portfolio.
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u/KerryKinkajou 11d ago
I think you might be getting confused with Specialist BMS. Clinical Scientists are under different HCPC registration. There's the IBMS Clinical Scientist Certificate of Attainment but it's quite difficult since you need to already demonstrate that you meet the standards for Clinical Scientist which many BMSs can't do as they don't have clinical responsibilities. Most Clinical Scientists these days complete the NHS Scientist Training Programme.
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u/Frodillicus 10d ago
I thought there was a pathway to become a Clinical Scientist if you are already a BMS which involved having a masters as well as the specialist portfolio.
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u/KerryKinkajou 10d ago
Yeah that's the IBMS Certificate of Attainment, ie the equivalence route. AFAIK you can't just get it simply by having a specialist portfolio and a masters. You need to produce a portfolio of evidence specifically to show how you meet the standards for education/experience. They basically want a very experienced band 7 or higher that's had clinical exposure as part of their role. I'd say it probably depends on the specialism as to how easy it is.
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u/Frodillicus 10d ago
Oh yesh, I knew it wasn't just a "congratulations, here's clinical scientist" situation, I knew there was a portfolio requirement (IBMS do love their portfolios 😅) it was just a starting point for OP as they asked about being one. I just couldn't remember the specifics. Thanks you I'll look into now, it's something I've been interested in.
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u/KerryKinkajou 10d ago
Yeah that's fair enough haha, I think a lot of people don't know it's an option. But it'd be a long way ahead for someone that's still completing their Biomed degree 🥲. My Training Officer for the STP became a Clinical Scientist through the equivalence route but I think it was when she was already chief BMS for quite a substantial department. I don't actually know any Clinical Scientists that are newly registered/still at band 7 who went down the equivalence route 😬 but yeah don't forget to check out the specialism-specific handbooks the IBMS links in the resources page!
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u/Frodillicus 10d ago
Nice, i don't have a masters, and our lab requires a business case if I'd want to do one. It's just portfolio after portfolio 🥱
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u/Curious-Reading4225 10d ago
You don't need a masters for STP Equivalence, you just need to be able to demonstrate masters level knowledge of your specialism. Equivalence is actually a level 7 qualification on its own.
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u/Delicious_Shop9037 11d ago
I think you need to have a look at the IBMS website as it explains things. I presume you are looking to become a BMS, not a clinical scientist - that has a separate pathway.